FINAL FUN OF ’21
10 great ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Chicago
In-person New Year’s Eve celebrations are back in a big way in Chicago this year. From comedy sketch shows to “Great Gatsby” parties, magic shows to firework cruises and live music of every flavor, here are 10 ways to ring in 2022.
New Year’s Eve 5K
Get a head start on the celebrations with this morning 5K race, presented by Chicago Sport & Social Club. The event begins and ends at Theater on the Lake, where a wrap party offers a champagne toast. 2401 N. Lake Shore Dr. Starts at 9 a.m., registration $50 in advance. newyearseve5k.com
New Year on the Pier
Navy Pier is host to one of the biggest NYE parties in Chicago at the Aon Grand Ballroom, which will offer upgraded catering and bar service, a live band and Chicago blue-eyed soul singer Matt Kysia, plus the Pier’s incredible fireworks show at midnight.
If you go early you can also check out Light Up the Lake’s indoor light garden and ice skating rink. 600 E. Grand Ave. Starts at 8 p.m. $105+ navypier.org
Windy City Soul Club
Shimmy and shake your way to Logan Square Auditorium for this annual New Year’s Eve showdown, hosted by the venerable Windy City Soul Club (in partnership with Empty Bottle Presents). DJs will spin the best of Motown, swoon-worthy classics and other retro-tinged hits that are just begging for your best vintage ensemble. 2359 N. Kedzie. Starts at 9:30 p.m. $25+. emptybottle.com
Los Lobos
The beloved East L.A. rock band returns to the intimate hall of City Winery for two shows on New Year’s Eve, filling the room with the best mash-up of roots rock, blues, and Tex-Mex styles. Add on dinner service and of course a bottle of wine for the full experience. 1200 W. Randolph. 7:30, 11 p.m. $85+ citywinery.com/chicago
The Second City’s ‘Deck The Hallmark’
The end of Christmas doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy Lifetime and Hallmark holiday movies … being roasted in the best way possible by The Second City. The comedy troupe takes on every possible cliché in this revue for the gift that just keeps on giving. In-theater dining is also available. 230 W. North Ave. 7, 10 p.m. $58. secondcity.com
Gatsby’s Roaring ’20s Party
The theme of many New Year’s Eve parties this year is unsurprisingly the “roaring ’20s,” but few could beat this one at Morgan MFG as the industrial warehouse/nightclub goes all out in a “Great Gatsby” theme (guests are encouraged to dress the part). Multiple floors and DJs will be accompanied by an appetizer buffet and lots and lots of drinks. 401 N. Morgan St. Starts at 9 p.m. $99+ eventbrite.com
Trey Songz
“I Gotta Make It” could be the anthem of surviving the past year, but it’s also one of the biggest hits from this modern-day R&B tycoon and producer, who will bring his sweet serenades to the Chicago Theatre for this one-of-a-kind New Year’s Eve concert. 175 N. State St. 10 p.m. $65+ ticketmaster.com
First Night Evanston
If you’re feeling like staying in this year, Evanston’s long-running, family-friendly New Year’s Eve event remains online in 2021 as it marks its 25th anniversary. Hosted by Corky Siegel, the “Virtual Variety” show will feature bluesman Toronzo Cannon, alt-folk trio Sons of the Never Wrong, the Chamber Blues Ensemble and more plus a sing-along of “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight. Starts at 9:45 p.m. Suggested donation $35. firstnightevanston.org
District Brew Yards Party
Champagne may be the official drink of New Year’s Eve, but if craft beers are more your style, head to District Brew Yards; the “pour-your-own beer hall” has 40 options to choose from, and admission will get you unlimited brews plus a dinner buffet and a DJ to dance the night away. 417 N. Ashland Ave. Starts at 8 p.m. $59-89. districtbrewyards.com
Let’s Get It Started (in Here)
Chicago’s Hideout has it all in its New Year’s Eve smorgasbord event — comedy from Skyler Higley, Maggie Winters, Parker Callahan and Jake Prizant; drag performer Derry Queen; live music from ORISUN and Justice Hill & Nightime Love; and even balloon animals. 1354 W. Wabansia. Starts at 9:30 p.m. $25. hideoutchicago.com