Chicago Will Have A Massive New Year's Eve Celebration On The Riverwalk

By Kate Shepherd in News on Sep 18, 2015 3:20PM

Chi-Town Rising Facebook

Usually disappointed by Chicago's New Year's Eve festivities? Chicago's finally getting its own outdoor, public celebration. A new event called "Chi-Town Rising" will ring in 2016 on the Riverwalk with musical performances, a countdown and fireworks.

"We are thrilled to welcome a new tradition to our city, changing the way that Chicago and the Midwest celebrates New Year's Eve," John Murray, founder of Arena Partners and Executive Producer of Chi-Town Rising, said in a statement. "Our line-up of festivities amidst the city's iconic surroundings will make for a truly unique holiday event, spotlighting Chicago as an exciting destination to ring in the New Year."

The celebration will take place along the Riverwalk between Columbus Dr. and Michigan Ave. A giant "Chicago star" will ascend 36 stories up the Hyatt Regency Chicago’s west tower.

"The ascending star symbolizes our collective history of meeting challenges head-on and seeing opportunities in every new adventure,"Murray said. "And it represents our aspirations rising to embrace the New Year."

The free event hopes to increase Chicago tourism during the winter and make the city a destination for New Year's Eve.

The privately funded event is sponsored by Corona Extra and Hyatt Gold Passport and will be televised on NBC 5.