Things to do in Chicago this weekend: New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day

Fireworks at Navy Pier

Want to know what’s happening this weekend in Chicago? Look no further. There’s a whole calendar of exciting events, exhibits, and activities taking place all over the city this month in Chicago.

This weekend, ring in the new year with festive celebrations, major concerts, jaw-dropping art exhibits, dance performances, film screenings, and so much more.

Check out just a few of the top things to do this weekend in Chicago, Dec. 30 – Jan. 1, 2023. Please note that all events are subject to change.


navy-pier-fireworks

Dec
31

Navy Pier fireworks

Ring in the new year with a fantastic lakefront fireworks show! Come see the stunning display at Navy Pier at the stroke of midnight.

Saturday December 31, 2022

Navy Pier


New Year on The Pier: NYE 2023 at The Aon Grand Ballroom

Dec 31 – Jan 1

New Year on The Pier: NYE 2023 at The Aon Grand Ballroom

Opulence and indulgence will be on full display at Chicago’s premiere New Year’s Eve Countdown! The timeless setting of the Aon Grand Ballroom plays backdrop…

Saturday December 31, 2022 — Sunday January 1, 2023

Aon Grand Ballroom
600 E. Grand Avenue


New Year’s Eve in the Sky

Dec 31 – Jan 1

New Year’s Eve in the Sky

Celebrate New Year’s Eve from the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Center. TILT into 2023 at Chicago’s highest NYE party. Join us on…

Saturday December 31, 2022 — Sunday January 1, 2023

360 CHICAGO
875 N. Michigan Ave.


Light Up the Lake Navy Pier

Dec. 30 – Jan. 1

Light Up the Lake

Chicagoland’s largest indoor lights experience is back at Navy Pier for the holiday season. From November 25 to January 7, you can experience the magic…

Sunday January 1, 2023 — Saturday January 7, 2023

Navy Pier
300 East Grand Avenue


Second City – Together at Last PR Photo 002 – Photo by Timothy M. Schmidt

Dec
31

The Second City

Laugh your way into 2023 at this iconic comedy club, which will be performing their interactive improv shows on New Year’s Eve.

Saturday December 31, 2022

The Second City


Blue Man Group Chicago’s New Year’s Eve Performances

Dec
31

Blue Man Group Chicago’s New Year’s Eve Performances

Blue Man Group invites guests to celebrate the New Year with four festive New Year’s Eve performances Saturday, December 31 at 1 p.m., 4 p.m.,…

Saturday December 31, 2022

Briar Street Theatre
3133 N. Halsted Street


Fireworks at Navy Pier

Dec
31

The Den’s New Years Laughin’ Eve

There’s no better way to ring in the New Year than at The Den! With stand-up comedy performances from Chicago superstars Lucia Whalen and Nate Armbruster, music from DJ Thee David Davis, party favors, and a midnight countdown.

Saturday December 31, 2022

1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622


City of Chicago Christmas Tree

Dec. 30 – Jan. 1

City of Chicago Christmas Tree

Chicago’s “official” Christmas tree in Millennium Park will shine brightly near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St. from November 18 through January 9.…

Sunday January 1, 2023 — Monday January 9, 2023

Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St


Winterland at Gallagher Way

Dec. 30 – Jan. 1

Winterland at Gallagher Way

Gallagher Way is thrilled to announce the return of Winterland and, for the first time since launching six years ago, the extension of the holiday…

Sunday January 1, 2023 — Sunday January 8, 2023

Gallagher Way
3635 North Clark Street


A Christmas Carol

Dec. 31

A Christmas Carol

Experience the “perfect Chicago holiday tradition” (Chicago Parent) that has delighted nearly two million theatergoers—Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol. With its “first-rate cast and marvelous staging…

Saturday December 31, 2022 — Saturday December 31, 2022

Goodman Theatre
170 N. Dearborn St.


Lightscape at Chicago Botanic

Dec. 30 – Jan. 1

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

Our acclaimed holiday event returns, with a new path and new light-filled installations created just for the Chicago Botanic Garden. Explore the whimsy of nature in winter through music, light, fire, and color.

Friday November 11, 2022
Sunday January 8, 2023

1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022


Dear Evan Hansen

Dec. 31

Dear Evan Hansen

DEAR EVAN HANSEN has struck a remarkable chord with audiences and critics everywhere, including The Washington Post who says DEAR EVAN HANSEN is “Theatrical magic. One of the most remarkable…

Saturday December 31, 2022 — Saturday December 31, 2022

James M. Nederlander Theatre
24 W Randolph St.


McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

Dec. 30 – Jan. 1

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

Skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park returns November 18 through March 5 (weather permitting). Admission is free, but online reservation tickets…

Sunday January 1, 2023 — Sunday March 5, 2023

Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St


Puerto Rican Flag sculpture in Humboldt Park

Dec. 31

Puerto Rican Holiday Market

¡WEPA! Mercado del Pueblo in Humboldt Park is hosting its first-ever Puerto Rican Christmas Market every Saturday through Jan. 6, 2023. Find handmade goods from local makers plus fun holiday festivities.

Saturday December 17, 2022
Friday January 6, 2023
2559 W. Division St., Chicago


Celebrate New Year’s Eve at iO Theater!

Dec 31 – Jan 1

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at iO Theater!

New year, new iO! Come ring in the new year at the hottest comedy club in town. Featuring live musical performances, improv, standup, drag and…

Saturday December 31, 2022 — Sunday January 1, 2023

iO Theater
1501 N. Kingsbury St.


NYE 2023: Kicks & Confetti Ball

Dec 31 – Jan 1

NYE 2023: Kicks & Confetti Ball

Whether you’re a diehard sneakerhead or just looking for somewhere to dance as the clock strikes midnight, Time Out Market Chicago invites you to throw…

Saturday December 31, 2022 — Sunday January 1, 2023

Time Out Market Chicago
916 W Fulton Market


NYE Comedy Spectacular with Pat Tomasulo

Dec 31 – Dec 31

NYE Comedy Spectacular with Pat Tomasulo

Chicago funny man Pat Tomasulo returns to the Beverly Arts Center to help us ring in the new year with his hilarious stand-up comedy show.…

Saturday December 31, 2022 — Saturday December 31, 2022

Beverly Arts Center
2407 W. 111th Street


The Twenty-Sided Tavern

Dec. 30 – 31

The Twenty-Sided Tavern

“A new family-friendly franchise that celebrates fantasy gaming. The audience has a total blast. Clearly authentic and fun.” – Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune Where laughter…

Sunday January 1, 2023 — Sunday January 15, 2023


Zoo Lights

Dec. 30 – Jan. 1

Zoo Lights

The most wonderful time of the year deserves the most wonderful event of the year! Celebrate the holidays with ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco…

Saturday December 31, 2022 — Sunday January 1, 2023

Lincoln Park Zoo
Cannon Drive at Fullerton Parkway


The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle

Dec. 31

The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle

Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago announced the launch of The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle art classes called Make A Holiday Masterpiece. Classes will take place on…

Saturday December 31, 2022 — Saturday December 31, 2022

LIGHTHOUSE ARTSPACE CHICAGO
108 W GERMANIA PL


Winter Bryn Market

Dec. 30 – 31

Winter Bryn Market

Come shop on Bryn Mawr where you’ll find makers and artists from across the city all gathered at The Winter Bryn Mawrkets! Shop everything for…

Saturday December 31, 2022 — Sunday February 12, 2023

Bryn Mawr Historic District
1052 W Bryn Mawr


The Steadfast Tin Soldier

Dec. 30 – 31

The Steadfast Tin Soldier

Chicago’s beloved holiday tradition returns to the stage this holiday season, a classic the whole family will treasure! Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s story about…

Saturday December 31, 2022 — Sunday January 8, 2023

Lookingglass Theatre Company
821 N. Michigan Ave.


Winter WNDRland

Dec. 30 – Jan. 1

Winter WNDRland

WNDR Museum, Chicago’s original immersive art and technology experience, invites guests to immerse themselves in the magic of the holiday season with the return of…

Sunday January 1, 2023 — Monday January 2, 2023

wndr museum
1130 W Monroe St.


Harry Potter: Magic at Play

Dec. 30 – Jan. 1

Harry Potter: Magic at Play

This fall, wizards and witches of all ages are invited to experience and celebrate a Wizarding World of their own at Harry Potter™: Magic at…

Sunday January 1, 2023 — Thursday May 11, 2023

Water Tower Place
821 N. Michigan Ave.


Cabaret ZaZou presents LUMINAIRE

Dec. 30 – 31

Cabaret ZaZou presents LUMINAIRE

Randolph Entertainment LLC, producer of the fan favorite Teatro ZinZanni Chicago,  announced CABARET ZAZOU’s premier production, Luminaire will open on September 7, 2022. The new, groundbreaking,…

Saturday December 31, 2022 — Sunday April 23, 2023

Spiegeltent – Cambria Hotel
32 W. Randolph

Explore our events calendar for more Chicago events and happenings.