Here is a big list of things to do this New Year’s Eve in Chicago! We tried to add a little of everything for everyone – more experiences and things to do rather than bars or clubs. I hope it’s helpful!

Staying In

1. Order large sushi trays from Lawrence Fish Market – great for large groups and such a good deal on sushi.
2. Charcuterie boards from Lardon
3. Pasta from Pasta Fresh Co – been around since 1989! Cash only. It’s like stepping into an old school shop.
4. Home Fondue Experience Gejas – great for couples or small groups
5. Mino Prime Steaks – we did this one NYE and made a nice dinner at home. The steaks are delicious! 
6. Duck Inn packages

Family

1. Whirlyball –  Great for older kids! Ticket windows: Noon – 2:00 PM | 2:30 – 4:30 PM. $20 per child/ $30 per adult. Includes: Pivot Room Lunch, WhirlyBall, Bowling, LaserTag, and Pop-Up Games. Our Pivot Room Lunch includes Cheese, Sausage, and Pepperoni Pizza, Pretzel Bites, Mini Quesadillas, Mac and Cheese Bites, and Freshly Baked Cookies. Fountain drinks included. Cash bar available for alcoholic beverages. Check the age and height limit because there restrictions. This is a non-exclusive event and you may be sharing the court or arena with other guests during your ticket window. 
2. Kings Bowling – Located in Rosemont and Lincoln Park.Their food is really good too! Kick-start your New Year’s Eve celebration with your little ones. Families can have an afternoon of fun, including bowling, arcade games, and a ball drop at 5PM with a sparkling cider toast!
3. Zoolights – Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve (with countdowns every hour). We did this last year and it’s so fun (if this weather is nice!). They have DJ’s in different animal houses and fire pits for s’mores. You purchase tickets for this under the Zoolights tab on the website.
4. Bubbles Academy – Great for littles ones!Noon Year’s Eve: Bubble Drop & Dance Party! Saturday, December 30th, 11AM – 12:15PM. Ring in the NOON year at Bubbles! Jam out to a concert, create your own NYE crown, and countdown to the new year with a Bubble-filled finale!
5. Roots Pizza – Celebrate the new year as all kids need to: Early! Midnight will hit Roots West Town at 7PM with a countdown on all the TVs. They will have boxes of festive wear (minus the noisemakers) to really make it feel like a party. Reservation includes complimentary champagne toast or Miller High life for grown-ups & complimentary sparkling grape juice toast for kids. Visit the OpenTable website to secure your table!
6. Blue Man Group – The 1pm and 4pm performances will feature early “midnight” countdowns after the show, complete with party hats, noisemakers, and pre-show face painting. Great for older kids. 

Going Out 21+

1. Bronzeville Winery Black Renaissance – Celebrate the New Year and enjoy a night with Bronzeville Winery as we toast to the Black Renaissance, inspired by the neighborhood of Bronzeville and the Great Gatsby with a sprinkle of Beyonce. We loved our experience on our last visit! Each event ticket will allow for guests to receive Passed Appetizers, a Champagne Toast and Party Favors. 
2. Ina Mae – One of my favorite places! I love their food and the NOLA vibe. Madame Tawdry’s New Year’s Eve Burlesque – Sunday, December 31st 8pm-midnight. Show starts at 10pm! $79/person includes 4 hour call drink package, midnight champagne toast, passed apps including po’boys, gumbo and other NOLA classics.
3. iO Theater – Best of 2023 – The biggest comedy show of the year has finally arrived! Come see the best improv 2023 has to offer one last time in this late night variety hour. Dance party and countdown toast after the show. I did this with a big group one year and it was SO FUN!
4. Broadway in Chicago at Kit Kat Lounge – Celebrate with a Broadway drag show!
5. Nine Bar – Low Key NYE without the wild bar crowds, doors at 7pm, toast at midnight
6. Mini Golf at Puttery – James Beard themed! Cocktail, entrees, multiple rooms and bars, DJ, champagne toast, and unlimited gameplay!

I hope some of these help plan your own NYE! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Christine