Chicago New Year’s Eve Events Not to Miss
Before you can ring in the new year, you’ll have to figure out where to spend it! Whether a lavish night in Monte Carlo sounds like a blast, or a four-course fondue dinner for two is more your style, we’ve put together a list of the hottest happenings in Chicago so you know exactly where to be when the clock strikes midnight!
Enjoy Views on Views at Chicago’s Hottest Rooftop Destination
The city’s hottest new rooftop, VU, already known for its unprecedented views from 22 stories above McCormick Place, located at 133 E Cermak Rd., invites guests to experience “VU Year’s Eve” from 5 p.m. – 2 a.m. Tickets to this fabulous event are only $25 per person and mean a complimentary champagne toast, exclusive access to library selections from champagne partner Lanson, a variety of signature cocktails developed by Advanced Sommelier John Williams, as well as featured dishes by highly acclaimed Executive Chef Nolan Narut. Guests will dance the night away to energizing music by The DJ Firm and should be prepared to have the best view in town of the Navy Pier fireworks show. For those looking to go all-out, VIP table reservations for up to 10 guests include complimentary admission to the party and the option to pre-order wine, champagne and food with their reservation. Tickets can be purchased at www.vurooftop.com.
Take Your Special Someone to “Chicago’s Most Romantic Restaurant”
Long acclaimed “Chicago’s Most Romantic Restaurant”, Geja’s Café, 340 W Armitage Ave., is hosting three special seatings featuring a four-course fondue dinner complete with Swiss Gruyere cheese fondue appetizer, salad, lobster, shrimp and beef entrée and Geja’s famous flaming Belgian chocolate dessert fondue. No matter which seating you choose, the perfect champagne toast is sure to occur! The 5 p.m. seating includes a glass of Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne, and the 7:30 p.m. seating includes a glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut Rose Champagne. The final seating at 10 p.m. includes a bottle of Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne per couple with party favors galore for the countdown! Reservations for each seating can be made here.
Drink with Dwight at the Dunder Mifflin
Fans of the iconic sitcom can spend their New Year’s Eve at the office. The final night of Replay Lincoln Park’s ‘The Office’ Christmas Party pop up bar, 2833 N Sheffield Ave., Replay will host ‘The Ultimatum,” Dunder Mifflin’s take on the holiday. Complete with a premium open bar from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. and “office snacks” such as Stanley’s favorite, pretzels, fans can dance to DJ Michael Scott spinning live from “Café Disco” to ring in the new year. It’s safe to say nobody will be complaining about being at the office on a holiday. Tickets to “The Ultimatum” can be purchased here.
Live It Up in Monte Carlo
Chicago’s original rooftop destination, ROOF on theWit, 201 N. State St, invites guests to live lavishly this New Year’s Eve with the return of its exclusive Monte Carlo-inspired party from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Boasting a platinum open bar and a menu prepared by award-winning Executive Chef Nathan Sears that includes a carving station and premium seafood alongside Chef’s takes on authentic southern French cuisine, this celebration is second to none. Featuring table games and live performances from acts including All-Stars, DJ Rick Wonder, golden beauties and ballet dancers, guests should prepare for a night of ultimate entertainment and luxurious fun. Tickets to the Monte Carlo New Year’s Eve Party can be purchased here.
Get a Thrill at London’s Longest-Running West End Play Now Playing in Chicago
Over eight million people have lived to tell the tale of one of the most successful – and thrilling – theatre events ever staged, and now Chicago has its chance to experience THE WOMAN IN BLACK – London’s long-running West End play at The Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted St., this New Year’s Eve at 7:30 p.m. For the Chicago production, director Robin Herford has recreated his original staging for the first time in the U.S., with a Chicago-based cast. Susan Hill’s Gothic ghost story, adapted for the stage by Stephen Mallatratt, is set in an isolated windswept mansion with tragic secrets hidden behind its shuttered windows. With just two actors, The Woman in Black offers audiences an evening of unremitting drama and sheer theatricality as they are transported into a chilling and ghostly world. To purchase tickets, please call the Royal George Theatre Box Office at 312.988.9000 or visit their website.
Avoid Crazy Covers and Still Celebrate in Style
For those looking to avoid outrageous covers and bar packages, Raised, An Urban Rooftop Bar, 1 W. Wacker Dr., is throwing a bash from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. The first 50 guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary welcome cocktail, and delectable bites including Stout Braised Short Rib Egg Rolls, Grilled Tenderloin Sliders, Lobster Rolls and more will be served – not to mention the chance to take in the panoramic views of the Chicago River and city skyline that are second to none! Live entertainment from acclaimed DJ Supreme will be available from 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. and party favors to ring in the new year will be plenty. To make reservations, please call (312) 795-3444 or visit Open Table.
Cheers to the New Year with a Special Champagne Package
On the first floor of Renaissance Chicago Downtown, Staytion Market & Bar will be offering a special a la carte menu including dishes like Apple Crisp & Kohlrabi Salad, Espresso Crusted Bistro Filet. Live entertainment will be offered along with a special champagne package that includes Tattinger Champagne, Moet & Chandon Imperial, Veuve Cliquot and Mionetto Prosecco.
Sing Along To The Holiday’s Most Famous Tunes
Celebrate a whole year of holidays in one wonderful musical with the Irving Berlin’s joyous HOLIDAY INN, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., with a New Year’s Eve performance at 8 p.m. Inspired by the 1942 classic film, HOLIDAY INN features a beloved score by one of the greatest songwriters in American history, Irving Berlin. With thrilling dance numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy and a parade of hit songs, including “Blue Skies,” “Steppin’ Out With My Baby,” “Heat Wave,” “White Christmas,” “Shaking the Blues Away” and many more, this year-round romance is sure to be a cheerful way to ring in a new year. To reserve tickets, please call The Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit their website.
See A Family Fun Performance Adapted From Roald Dahl’s Famous Book
The perfect holiday outing for families with children of all ages, Emerald City Theatre will perform Fantastic Mr. Fox, adapted for the stage by David Wood from the book by Roald Dahl, at Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., at 1 p.m. Emerald City Theatre is staging the production on the mainstage of Victory Gardens, with a design team that includes pedigreed designers with Broadway actors, musicians and a cast that includes two of Chris Jones’ Hot New Faces: Isa Arciniegas and Brianna Buckley. Journey deep underground with the badgers, weasels, rabbits – and yes, foxes – for a celebration of courage, family, and community. Tickets to the production are available here.
New Year, New Beer!
Chicago’s most comprehensive beer destination stocked with 130 beers on tap, 100+ bottles from around the world, and more than 30 local Illinois-made craft beers, HopCat, 2577 N Clark St., invites guests to join them for “Brew Year’s Eve” from 7 p.m. – 1 a.m. Each hour until the clock strikes midnight, HopCat will tap a new beer for guests to enjoy in partnership with local brewing companies including Half Acre Beer Company and Forbidden Root among others. For more information, please visit HopCat’s website.
