Chicagoans and visitors alike are in for a dazzling celebration as the city rings in 2025 with a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display along the Chicago River. Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced the return of this iconic event, complete with a custom ART on THE MART projection show, ensuring the city’s festivities are both vibrant and unforgettable.
Starting at 10 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, ART on THE MART will present an awe-inspiring series of projections on THE MART’s massive façade. At 11:55 p.m., a countdown clock will illuminate the iconic structure, leading to a breathtaking fireworks display launched from several bridges along the Chicago River at the stroke of 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 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.”
Where to Watch
The fireworks can be best viewed along Upper Wacker Drive from McClurg Court to Franklin Street. The show will launch from the Orleans, La Salle, Clark, Dearborn, State, and Columbus Drive bridges, creating a picturesque backdrop against Chicago’s skyline.
Plan Ahead: Street Closures and Transportation
To ensure a safe experience, several bridges will close to both traffic and pedestrians from 11:45 p.m. to 12:15 a.m.:
- Orleans
- La Salle
- Clark
- Dearborn
- State
- Columbus
Spectators are encouraged to use public transportation for ease of access and to avoid traffic congestion. Additional closures may occur as the countdown to midnight approaches.
ART on THE MART: A Visual Treat
The ART on THE MART projections will feature past favorites, beginning at 10 p.m. and culminating with the official countdown at 11:55 p.m. Highlights include works by renowned artists such as:
- Obscura Intro
- Jonas Denzel
- Yuge Zhou
- Black Dance Legacy Project
- Yiyun Kang
- Cory Arcangel
- Brendan Fernandes
The Riverwalk will be partially closed from 11 p.m., with only the section from Wells Street to Orleans Street open to the public until 12:15 a.m. This area provides the best vantage point to enjoy the ART on THE MART program in full.
“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.”
Navy Pier’s Fireworks and Citywide Events
For those near the lakefront, Navy Pier’s award-winning fireworks display will also start with a countdown to midnight, followed by a ten-minute show visible along the Lakefront. Visit NavyPier.org for more details, and check ChooseChicago.com for additional New Year’s Eve celebrations across the city.
Stay Safe and Vigilant
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) urges attendees to remain vigilant in crowded areas. Report any suspicious activity to onsite security or call 9-1-1. Public transportation is recommended to ease traffic congestion. For updates on traffic, weather, and emergencies, download the Chicago OEMC App or visit Chicago.gov/OEMC.
As the clock strikes midnight, Chicago’s New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacular promises to offer a magical start to 2025, blending art, celebration, and community in the heart of the city. For more details on the event, visit Chicago.gov/NYE and follow DCASE on social media.
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced today the return of the New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacular on the Chicago River to ring in 2025. In partnership with ART on THE MART, the New Year’s Eve celebrations will include a custom ART on THE MART projection, beginning Sunday, Dec. 31, at 10 p.m. leading up to a countdown to midnight projected onto THE MART’s massive façade.
At 11:55 p.m. a clock projected onto the façade of THE MART will begin the countdown to midnight, when the riverwalk will erupt in a fireworks display launched from a series of bridges along the river.
“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 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 fireworks show can be best viewed along the Chicago River from Upper Wacker Drive from McClurg Court to Franklin Street. Fireworks will be launched from the Orleans Street, La Salle Drive, Clark Street, Dearborn Street, State Street and Columbus Drive bridges spanning the Chicago River. To support the fireworks display, the following street closures are planned:
- Bridges will be closed to traffic and pedestrians at Orleans, La Salle, Clark, Dearborn, State & Columbus on December 31st from 11:45 p.m. to 12:15 a.m.
- Note that additional streets and bridges may close as the countdown to midnight draws close
- Spectators are encouraged to use public transportation for the best experience.
“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.”
Beginning at 10 p.m., ART on THE MART will present a selection of past projections leading up to the official countdown clock projection, which begins at 11:55 p.m. This year’s projections will feature pieces by:
- Obscura Intro
- Jonas Denzel
- Yuge Zhou
- Black Dance Legacy Project
- Yiyun Kang
- Cory Arcangel
- Brendan Fernandes
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.
For more information on the New Year’s Eve celebration, visit Chicago.gov/NYE and follow on Facebook at ChicagoDCASE, on Twitter @ChicagoDCASE and Instagram @ChicagoDCASE.
Revelers are also invited to take in Navy Pier’s nationally award-winning, free fireworks show, which starts with a countdown to midnight, followed by 10-minute celebratory fireworks display visible up and down the Lakefront. Visit NavyPier.org for information on their NYE fireworks display and visit ChooseChicago.com for a list of other NYE celebrations citywide.
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is reminding everyone to be safe and vigilant especially in crowds and report suspicious activity and suspicious packages to 9-1-1. OEMC will monitor all citywide activities, traffic, and weather conditions and coordinate public safety resources with the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department and City of Chicago infrastructure departments.
Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand to direct flow and impacts from heavy traffic. Public transportation is encouraged. For more information on CTA services and reroutes, visit TransitChicago.com or call 312-836-7000 from any area code/1-888-YOUR-I CTA. To receive weather, traffic and emergency alerts from OEMC, download the Chicago OEMC App at Chicago.gov/OEMC (OEMC).
Suspicious Activity: If you See Something Say Something. The city reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. 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.
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