Nothing is more exciting than planning festivities to ring the new year in right with loved ones and friends. Finding the perfect New Year’s Eve and Day options to please a whole party can be tricky, but we’ve rounded up some of the best options for a definitive list of the perfect spots to starts 2022 out right.
Toast to 2022 with Special New Year’s Events and Activities
Take to the skies with broomstick in hand at Chicago’s favorite pop-up bar, Replay Lincoln Park, 2833 N. Sheffield, for their latest pop-up installment, A Very Harry Christmas, running now through December 31. All month long, the bar will transform its main room to replicate Hogwarts at Christmastime. This limited time pop-up, which Replay first hosted back in 2019, will feature spectacular homages to fan favorite moments from the series such as the Chamber of Secrets, The Whomping Willow, Umbridge’s Cat Office and Molly Weasel’s, along with some Easter eggs only Harry Potter mega fans will spot like Hagrid’s House, the Burrow Spoon Clock, and even Dobby looming somewhere in the distance. Replay will also host their very own Yule Ball on New Year’s Eve at 7pm, with “The Weird Sisters” taking the stage at 9pm, followed by DJ Kite mixing live throughout the night until close at 2am Replay’s New Years’ Eve Yule Ball will be $50, with guests receiving a $40 beverage credit, a midnight champagne toast, and party favors.
Ring in the holidays on the water! The temps outside may be dropping, but City Cruises Chicago is providing a warm way to continue enjoying this beautiful city with various cruises throughout the winter season, and for the upcoming New Year. Friends and family looking to enjoy the upcoming holidays together can cruise on an upcoming Christmas Eve Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan, a New Year’s Eve Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River, which provides patrons viewings of up to three fireworks show throughout the city, along with an open bar, onboard entertainment and Holiday décor and party favors and more. For more information on the upcoming holiday offerings, please click here.
Offshore, the world’s largest rooftop deck and one of Chicago’s most popular destinations located on the third floor of Navy Pier, 1000 East Grand Ave, is ready to say goodbye to 2021 by hosting a Luxe New Year’s Eve Party on Friday, December 31 beginning at 9pm. Offering a festive luxe atmosphere in Offshore’s airy year-round glass atrium, Chicagoans will have the opportunity to revel in the best this city has to offer, with spectacular views of the city’s skyline and Lake Michigan, all while enjoying access to premium bars throughout the evening, along with a selection of passed bites, live music, a midnight champagne toast, the Navy Pier Fireworks at Midnight and more. VIP Packages are available to purchase, and can be booked by clicking here.
What better way to ring in the new year than with your very own balloon drop? Luft Balloons, located at 2300 W. Fullerton Ave., has got you covered with New Year’s Eve Balloon Drops, available for $68. Other NYE-themed balloon bursts are available for purchase as well. Supplies are limited, so be sure to pre-order your balloons today. For more information or to place an order, visit their website.
Enjoy a Delicious Dinner, and Night Out on the Town All in One
Carnivale Chicago is spicing things up on New Year’s Eve with a larger-than-life fashion in true Carnivale style. Chef Carlos Lucas Garza has developed a special menu just for the evening, offering delicious dishes including King Crab Empanadas, a Ceviche Tasting, Lobster Paella, Lamb Rack and more. For dessert, diners can expect to indulge in style with a smoking Chocolate Cigar or melting Ruby Chocolate Globe, among other interactive treats. To get the party going, they will have a DJ spinning from 9 pm – 1 am and reservations made after 9:30 pm will have a guaranteed seating until the clock strikes midnight. Reservations are available with $25 deposit per person required via Tock.
Fulton Market Kitchen invites guest to entertain their senses with inspired cuisine, craft cocktails, exotic dancers and more for “A Night in Rio” this New Year’s Eve. Executive Chef Jonathan Harootunian will present a festive 6-course menu followed by a 4-hour open bar Late Night Party from 10 pm to 2 am complete with party-starting music, exotic dancers and more inspired by the incredible celebrations of Latin America from Brasil to Mexico. Dinner seatings are available from 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm for those looking to enjoy Chef’s special meal before an evening on the town, as well as seatings from 8:00 – 9:30 pm for the complete New Year’s party experience. Dinner guests for the later seating may enjoy their reserved table until closing time. The late night Carnival Cocktail Party for guests 21 and over will begin at 10 pm and guests may purchase tickets to this event which includes admission, 4-hour open bar offerings of beer, wine and spirits, a live DJ and performance by Samba 1 and late night snacks. Ticket pricing options include general admission access ranging from $90-120, the 5:00-7:30 seating for $75, the 8:00-9:30 seating for $90 and a combination ticket which includes the prix fixe late seating and general admission to the party for $180 (early bird), $220 (beginning Decemeber 25). Reservations can be made on eventbrite.
Lírica, the Latin-inspired hotspot located on Lake Michigan at Chicago’s beloved Navy Pier will be open for New Year’s Eve dinner reservations to get the party going, and will be inviting guests to spend New Year’s Day with them, offering a special brunch menu featuring a Raw Bar, Lox Station, Carving Stations and more, available to enjoy for $59 (adults) and $24 (kids). Starting the new year off right, Lírica will be serving fresh Oysters, King Crab, Shrimp Cocktail, Beef Tenderloin, Roasted Salmon and other delicious dishes including Lobster Mac and Cheese, King Crab Benedict, a Vegan Protein Power Bowl and more. Reservations are available now at www.liricarestaurant.com.
Oaken Bistro + Bar, the chic new North Shore restaurant located within The Forester Hotel, welcomes guests to enjoy live music in their vibrant dining room in addition to indulging in decadent dinner specials, a midnight Champagne toast and a variety of “Late Night Good Luck Bites.” Chef Kristen Burman has prepared special holiday offerings to enjoy such as Herb Butter-Poached Maine Lobster, Center-Cut Filet Mignon and more, plus late night bites including Pork Tamale Bites, Hoppin’ John Croquette, Soba and more for $5 each. Guests may sleep in on New Year’s Day as the restaurant plans to extend their brunch service until 4 pm and will be offering a special on mimosas and Bloody Marys for just $10 each to keep the good times going. Reservations for both celebrations can be made by visiting www.oakenbistro.com.
Ring in 2022 in Thorn Restaurant & Lounge located in the Rose Hotel in Rosemont with a New Year’s Eve Dinner Special from Executive Chef Nicholas Malloy, as well as a signature Thorn cocktail special. The evening’s dinner special will include Airline Chicken Breast served with roasted asparagus, fingerling potatoes and finished with a beurre rouge; along with the cocktail featured for the evening being Rose Bubbles, a grapefruit rose botanical vodka, with hibiscus simple syrup and lemon juice, topped with Prosecco. Complimentary noise makers and midnight champagne toast will also be available.Click here to reserve your table today.
