Chicago New Year’s Events: 2018 Guide

CHICAGO, IL — Love it or hate it, New Year’s Eve is happening again this year. Whether you plan to ring in 2018 at your favorite restaurant, a buzzing party with your friends, or all cozied up in front of the TV, we’ve got you covered.

So pop the bubbly, come up with some resolutions you can actually stick to and get ready to celebrate the New Year. Check out town-by-town listings below of New Year’s celebrations and events for 2017 in and near Chicago if you’re one to want to go out, plus a look at what television programming may make you want to stay in.

Going Out

We’ll be adding new events to this post as they pop up, so be sure to check back as the big day nears!

Navy Pier Fireworks

When: About midnight Dec. 31

Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.

What to Expect: Bring in the new year with fireworks along the lakefront. Before that, you can check out the Fifth Third Bank Winter Wonderfest, which is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 31 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 1.

Cost: Free

More info: Go to the Navy Pier website.

Sixth Annual Chicago Resolution Gala

When: 8:15 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dec. 31 to Jan. 1

Where: Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier, 840 E. Grand Ave.

What to Expect: Around 3,000 people will celebrate the new year with food, drinks and a DJ.

Cost: Tickets run from $109 to $1,790. Buy tickets at this website.

More Info: Go to the event's website.

Crystal Gardens New Year's Eve

When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dec. 31

Where: Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave.

What to Expect: DJs will play Top 40, pop, hip-hop and house music throughout the night

Cost: Ticket packages run from $99 to $1,592. Go to this website to buy tickets.

More Info: Go to the event's website.

Noon Year's Eve

When: 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Dec. 31

Where: Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave.

What to Expect: Geared for kids of all ages, this event will have a dance party that starts at 11:30 a.m. and a countdown and confetti drop at noon.

Cost: Admission is $14.95.

More Info: Go to the museum's website.

New Year’s Eve at ZooLights *ADDED*

When: 4:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 31

Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St.

What to Expect: Get an early jump on 2018 by enjoying the zoo's annual holiday lights event. Complimentary party hats, horns and party favors while be handed out while supplies last at this all-ages event.

More Info: Go the zoo's website for details.

18th Annual New Year's Eve Party at The Drake Hotel

When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

Where: Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton Place

What to Expect: Voted the best New Year's Eve party in Chicago by Redeye Chicago, NBC and ABC's "Good Morning America," this celebration includes five ballrooms of fun with local DJs, a balloon drop and midnight champagne toast.

Cost: Ticket packages run $149 to $2,995. Go to the event's website to buy tickets.

More Info: Go to the event's website.

Big Night Chicago

When: 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Dec. 31 to Jan. 1

Where: Congress Plaza Hotel, 520 S. Michigan Ave.

What to Expect: The price of admission includes fully stocked bars, food buffets, party favors and dancing to DJs and nine bands.

Cost: Ticket packages run from $94. 99 to $179.99. Go to the event's website to buy tickets.

More Info: Go to the event's website.

Rock Star New Year's Eve

When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Where: Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, 230 N. Michigan Ave.

What to Expect: Co-sponsored by Playboy, the event will include top shelf drink specials, a Playmate masquerade lounge and other fun.

Cost: Ticket packages run from $174 to $3,000. Go to the event's website to buy tickets.

More Info: Go to the event's website.

Voyager New Year's Eve

When: Midnight Dec. 31

Where: Baderbrau Tap & Brewery, 2515 S. Wabash Ave.

What to Expect: The event will celebrate New Year's Eve and the 40th anniversary of the launching of the Voyager space probe. The event will feature immersive decor and art installations, along with live music performances on multiple stages.

Cost: Early bird ickets are $75. Go to this website to buy tickets.

More Info: Go to the event's website.

Guided By Voices

When: Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31

Where: The Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave.

What to Expect: The band will play as part of The Empty Bottle's 25th anniversary show.

Cost: Tickets are $45. Go to this website to buy tickets.

More Info: Go to the event's website.

Local H

When: Doors open at 9 p.m. Dec. 31 and the show starts at 10 p.m.

Where: Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave.

What to Expect: The band, a Chicago mainstay, brings in the new year for fans at Subterranean.

Cost: Tickets run from $27 to $45. Go to this website to buy tickets.

More Info: Go to the event's website.

Windy City Soul Club

When: 9 p.m. Dec. 31

Where: Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie Ave.

What to Expect: Bring in the new year with a giant soul dance party. The Windy City Soul Club DJs will original Northern Soul vinyl, Motown-style tunes, regional hits, dancing music and recognizable sing-along classics.

Cost: Tickets are $15 to $20. Go to this website to buy tickets.

More Info: Go to the event's website.

Twin Peaks

When: Doors at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31. Show starts at 8:30 p.m.

Where: Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St.

What to Expect: Twin Peaks blends rock, a little bit of country and a punk attitude to ring in the new year.

Cost: Tickets are $30 to $40. Go to this website to buy tickets.

More Info: Go to the event's website.

Howl at the Moon Chicago New Year's Eve

When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dec. 31 to Jan. 1

Where: Howl at the Moon Chicago, 26 W. Hubbard St.

What to Expect: Enjoy a dinner buffet, drinks and a champagne toast at midnight.

Cost: Ticket packages are $65 to $120. Go to this website to buy tickets.

More Info: Go to the event's website.

Hilton Chicago's New Year's Eve Gala 2018 *ADDED*

When: General admission runs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. VIP runs from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Where: Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave.

What to Expect: Janet Davies and Mark Giangreco of ABC 7 Chicago will broadcast live from this formal event from the Hilton's VIP Grand Ballroom (must be 21 or older to attend). Different ticket packages offer a variety of party-going options, including comedy performances, casino gambling and other activities. DJs from 103.5 KISS-FM will play music and host, and expect a confetti storm at midnight.

Cost: General admission is $135, and VIP tickets are $165. Hotel rooms also will have discounted rates as low as $169. Table packages and group discounts also are available. (Costs subject to change as the event gets closer.)

More Info: Go to the event's website for details.

JW Marriott Chicago New Year’s Eve *ADDED*

When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Where: JW Marriott Chicago, 151 W. Adams St.

What to Expect: Multiple entertainment rooms will offer live music, cover bands and DJs ringing in the new year. A variety of ticket packages also include discounted hotel room rates of $174 with an 11 a.m. check-in and a 2 p.m. checkout.

Cost: An early bird special of $125 runs until Dec. 20. VIP tickets are $145.

More Info: Go to the event's website for details.

Blue Man Group New Year's Eve Celebration *ADDED*

When: 10 p.m.

Where: Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted St.

What to Expect: If you don't know what to expect from the Blue Man Group by now, congratulations on finding that final affordable rock to live under in Chicago. The performance group's New Year's Eve twist will include a countdown to midnight and a toast.

Cost: Available tickets run from $69 to $79.

More Info: Go to Ticketmaster for details.

Battle of the Saxes *ADDED*

When: Doors open at 7 p.m., and music runs from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Where: Green Mill Jazz Club, 4802 N. Broadway Ave.

What to Expect: Saxophonists Ed Petersen and Eric Schnieder will perform with pianist Willie Pickens, bassist Brian Sandstrom and drummer Robert Shy. Plus, the obligatory champagne toast at midnight.

Cost: No reservations but a $30 cover

More Info: Go to the club's website for details.

Chicago Social New Year's Eve Party 2018 *ADDED*

When: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Where: SPiN Chicago, 344 N. State St.

What to Expect: Not only does this nightspot, which is co-owned by Susan Sarandon, let party-goers celebrate with an outdoor heated patio, two levels of bars, private lounges, a dance floor and ping pong tables, but the club will offer special VIP guests a complimentary IV therapy of fluids, medications and vitamins to help them survive the New Year's Day hangover.

Cost: Ticket packages range from $110 to $2,000 (some packages already are sold out).

More Info: Go to the club's website for details.

Brew Year’s Eve 2017 *ADDED*

When: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Where: Architectural Artifacts, 325 N. Ravenswood Ave.

What to Expect: Ten Chicago-area breweries, 20 craft beers and five signature cocktails. What else do you need to know?

Cost: Tickets are $130 and an extra $50 includes a designated driver.

More Info: Go to the event's website for details.

Staying In

If your idea of the perfect New Year’s Eve is curling up on the couch with a hot toddy and watching the countdown in your pajamas, you’re in luck. These are the top two live TV specials people are already talking about. Here’s a peek so you can you can plan accordingly:

“New Year’s Eve Live” With Anderson Cooper And Andy Cohen

Where to Catch It: CNN

Why You Should Watch: For the first time ever, Anderson Cooper will host CNN’s annual New Year’s Eve Live special with none other than “Watch What Happens Live” host Andy Cohen. As these two are best friends in real life, you can expect tons witty banter and hilarious moments from the pair. The Bravo mogul will replace Cooper’s former co-host Kathy Griffin, whom CNN fired after her controversial Donald Trump photoshoot.

“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2018” Hosted by Ryan Seacrest

Where to Catch It: ABC

Why You Should Watch: Remember last year’s infamous Mariah Carey mic incident? Yes, it happened on Seacrest’s watch. So if that’s any indication, this could be a good one to tune-in to. And even if there aren’t any crazy celebrity snafus, you can count on crazy views of Time Square packed with people, as well as awesome musical performances.

Image via Pixabay