New Year's Eve Fireworks Return To Chicago River, Navy Pier

CHICAGO — Revelers looking forward to ringing in 2024 will again have a fireworks spectacular to look forward to after the City of Chicago announced that the display returns to the Riverwalk area on New Year’s Eve.

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the city’s Cultural Affairs and Special Events announced today the return of the fireworks to the Chicago River to ring in the New Year. In partnership with Art on the Mart, the New Year’s Eve celebrations will include a custom projection on the Merchandise Mart beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 31.

The evening will culminate with a fireworks display from six bridges along the river beginning at midnight, coinciding with the grand Navy Pier fireworks display on the lakefront.

“Chicagoans have the unique ability to find hope and resilience in each day and New Year’s Eve is the foundation of beginning a new year with the same unbridled optimism,” Johnson said in a statement released by the city. “As an icon of our city’s landscape, the Chicago River is what unites our town and we are excited to bring everyone together in a big way, continuing traditions and beginning new ones."

The fireworks show can be best viewed along the Chicago River from Upper Wacker Drive from McClurg Court to Franklin Street. Bridge closures will be in place at Franklin Street, LaSalle Street, Clark Street, Dearborn Street, State Street, and Columbus Drive from 11:45 p.m. until 12:15 a.m.

The Wabash and Michigan Avenue bridges will remain open. Public transportation is recommended for the best experience. Art on the Mark, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2023, will present a new program, the “Best of ART on THE MART,” featuring works from the public art series’ past five years.

The Riverwalk will be closed beginning at 11 p.m., with only a section from Wells Street to Orleans Street open until 12:15 a.m. for spectators to enjoy the full audio/visual projection program for the Art on the Mart show, the city said.

Projections will begin at 7:30 p.m. and repeat until 11:55 p.m. before displaying a countdown to the New Year. Following the fireworks, a special New Year message will be displayed until 12:15 a.m. The Chicago River will be closed to boat traffic from Franklin to Columbus from 11:30 p.m. to 12:15 a.m.

Revelers are also invited to take in Navy Pier’s nationally award-winning fireworks show. The free show starts with a countdown to midnight, followed by a 10-minute celebratory fireworks display featuring 100,000 pyrotechnics across Lake Michigan, with the Chicago skyline as the breathtaking backdrop.

“The New Year's Eve Fireworks Show not only serves as a vibrant celebration but also stands as a testament to Navy Pier's dedication to providing free, family-friendly programming year-round,” Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner said.

Those seeking more information about the city's New Year's Eve festivities can find it by clicking here.