The City of Chicago Will Ring in the New Year with Fireworks on the Chicago River and at Navy Pier Wednesday, December 31
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CHICAGO — The City of Chicago encourages residents and visitors to safely enjoy the New Year's Eve Fireworks along the riverfront during "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026," at Navy Pier, and celebrations citywide. The Office of Emergency Management Communications (OEMC) is reminding residents and visitors to be aware of increased crowds and to call 9-1-1 to report any suspicious activity.

OEMC will monitor all citywide activities, traffic, and weather conditions and will coordinate city resources with the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department and City of Chicago infrastructure departments. The Chicago Police Department will be present and visible throughout the city, including at large New Year's gatherings, to safeguard all those celebrating.

Motorists should plan extra time traveling with increased traffic for the holidays. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand at large events to direct flow and impacts from heavy traffic. Public transportation is encouraged. For more information on CTA services, reroutes and FREE New Year's Eve service from 10 p.m. - 4 a.m., visit TransitChicago.com or call 312-836-7000 from any area code/1-888-YOUR-I CTA.

Report Suspicious Activity: If You See Something, Say Something™

OEMC reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity – especially in large gatherings. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.

New Year's Eve Fireworks

"Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026"

Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Choose Chicago, ABC7 Chicago and Dick Clark Productions (DCP), will present "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026." The broadcast from Chicago will be the first Central Time zone midnight live countdown followed by fireworks from bridges along the Chicago River.

Chicago native Chance the Rapper joins the festivities as the live host and countdown performer, along with performances from Chicago acts throughout the night. "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026" airs Wednesday, Dec. 31, live on ABC beginning at 7 p.m. CST.

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The festivities will take place along the Chicago Riverwalk at Wacker Drive from Wells Street to Lake Street, with the main stage located at Wacker and Franklin. A custom audio/visual projection program from ART on THE MART will be displayed from 7 to 9 p.m. before on-stage performances begin. THE MART will then transform into the backdrop for the 2026 countdown as fireworks are launched from bridges along the Riverwalk.

Entry into the free admission event and performance area at Franklin and Wacker begins at 5 p.m.  Entrances and exits to the performance area will be located at Wacker Drive, west of Wells and Wacker Drive east of Lake Street.

On-stage performances located at Wacker and Franklin will begin at 9 p.m. Just before midnight, THE MART will transform into the backdrop for the 2026 countdown as fireworks are launched from bridges along the Chicago River for a five-minute show.

Street Closures, Sidewalk Closures and Viewing Areas

The fireworks will take place along the Chicago River on Wacker Drive from Wells Street to Columbus with the main stage located at Wacker and Franklin. The fireworks show can be best viewed along the Chicago River from Upper Wacker Drive from McClurg Court to Franklin Street.

Monday, December 29, at 10 a.m.
  • Franklin St. from Lake St. to Wacker Drive for event set-up.

Wednesday, December 31 – Thursday, January 1, 2026, at 4 a.m.*
  • Wacker Dr. from Lake St. to Wells St. and the Franklin/Orleans Bridge for event set up. Note: Gates to the performance area at Wacker and Franklin open at 5 p.m.  

Wednesday, December 31, at 5:30 p.m.
  • Single sidewalk closures on Clark, LaSalle, Dearborn, Wabash and Columbus bridges.  

Bridges Closed for Fireworks on December 31 at 11:30 p.m.
  • Orleans/Franklin* (reopens at 4 a.m.)
  • LaSalle Street Bridge
  • Clark Street Bridge
  • Dearborn Street Bridge
  • Wabash Street Bridge
  • Columbus Street Bridge

All bridges will reopen by 12:30 a.m. on January 1, 2026

Thursday, January 1, 2026, 3 p.m.
  • All remaining street closures reopen after breakdown and load out.

The Wells Street and Michigan Avenue bridges will remain open during event hours. Public transportation is recommended for the best experience.

NOTE: The Chicago River will be closed to boat traffic from Franklin to Columbus from December 31 at 11:30 p.m. to January 1 at 12:15 a.m. For more information on the New Year's Eve celebration, visit Chicago.gov/NYE

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Navy Pier New Year's Eve Fireworks

11:59 p.m. Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – Thursday, January 1, 2026

The 10-minute show as the clock strikes midnight is free to the public and there will be several events at Navy Pier throughout the day. For details, visit NavyPier.org/events/new-years-eve-fireworks-2025.

Chicago OEMC App – Know Before You Go

Make a safety and preparedness resolution and download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information, and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information as well. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website, Chicago.gov/oemc.

Weather and Public Safety:

OEMC will monitor events through a collaboration with public safety partners and weather conditions with the National Weather Service NWS) in Chicago. OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of the conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. Residents are encouraged to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date information, please tune into local media or download the Chicago OEMC app.

OEMC issues alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.
  • Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org
  • CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT "CHILAKE" to 7-8-0-1-5
  • CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT "CHIBIZ" to 6-7-2-8-3

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook(@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC), Instagram (chicago_oemc_911), Bluesky (@chicagooemc.bsky.social) and Threads (@chicago_oemc_911).

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About the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC)

Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) oversees a number of functions that support public safety and provides assistance to residents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The OEMC manages the following operational areas for the city: 9-1-1 call taking and dispatch; the 3-1-1 call center; emergency management; and traffic management. The OEMC coordinates with departments citywide, including the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department, in addition to various other local, state, and federal agencies as it relates to public safety planning and coordination for everything from large-scale special events to public safety emergencies and disasters. In 2025, the OEMC marks 30 years serving the residents of the City of Chicago. OEMC is committed to closely partnering with local, regional, state, and federal partners to achieve seamless integration and complementary missions.

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