Chicago’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display will return in 2025, lighting up the Chicago River as the city rings in the new year. The spectacular show will be presented in partnership with ART on THE MART, which will begin a custom projection at 10 p.m. on December 31st. At 11:55 p.m., a countdown clock will be projected onto the Merchandise Mart’s façade, culminating in a fireworks launch from bridges along the river at midnight.
“New Year’s is a time when we gather with friends and family to reflect on what’s been and what’s yet to come,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “We’re inviting residents and visitors to come together along the Riverwalk and welcome the New Year with a celebration of what makes Chicago the most beautiful, iconic, and vibrant city in the world.” The city recommends viewing the fireworks from Upper Wacker Drive, between McClurg Court and Franklin Street, along the Chicago River.
Fireworks will be launched from the Orleans Street, La Salle Drive, Clark Street, Dearborn Street, State Street, and Columbus Drive bridges. These bridges will be closed to traffic from 11:45 p.m. to 12:15 a.m., with additional closures possible as midnight approaches. The Riverwalk will also be closed from 11 p.m., with only the section from Wells Street to Orleans Street remaining open to spectators until 12:15 a.m. A separate, free fireworks show will also take place at Navy Pier.
“I’m thrilled we’re able to again bring back Chicago’s fireworks along the river to ring in the New Year,” said DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. “It’s a fantastic spectacle worthy of our great city, and a way to turn the page on 2024 while we look forward to all that 2025 will offer. On behalf of all of us at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, we also want to wish the best for you and yours in the upcoming year.”
ART on THE MART’s projection artists will include Obscura, Intro, Jonas Denzel, Yuge Zhou, Black Dance Legacy Project, Yiyun Kang, Cory Arcangel, and Brendan Fernandes. For more information, visit Chicago.gov/NYE.