Celebrate New Year's Eve 2026 in Chicago with the city's most iconic hotel parties. Congress Plaza, Palmer House, and Swissotel offer all-inclusive galas, live music, open bars, and unforgettable countdowns with the comfort of staying on-site.
Chicago CalendarNew Year's Eve in Chicago is unlike anywhere else in the world. The city comes alive with hundreds of parties, concerts, and celebrations that light up the night as the countdown to midnight begins. Yet, among all the options, three hotels have earned a legacy for hosting the most spectacular and unforgettable New Year's Eve experiences.
These celebrations are more than just parties, they are all-inclusive galas held in Chicago’s grandest ballrooms, complete with DJs, live entertainment, open bars, and the convenience of staying on-site once the night comes to an end.
Attending one of these three hotel parties is a guarantee of glamour, excitement, and memories to last a lifetime.
For decades, the Congress Plaza has been synonymous with New Year's Eve grandeur. Guests are treated to an all-inclusive night filled with Chicago's top DJs, multiple dance floors, and an electric atmosphere that keeps the energy high into the early hours. Premium cocktails, late-night bites, and a midnight champagne toast make this ballroom bash one of the most anticipated events of the year.
Explore Hotel RatesStep into Chicago's history at the Palmer House, where New Year's Eve becomes a glamorous affair. Held in one of the city's most iconic ballrooms, this party blends sophistication with celebration. Guests enjoy an appetizer buffet, handcrafted cocktails, chocolates, and live entertainment. With cocktail or black-tie attire encouraged, the evening sets the stage for a classic and elegant start to the new year.
Explore Hotel RatesPerched along the Chicago River, Swissotel offers a unique New Year's Eve experience with breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Navy Pier's midnight fireworks. Guests indulge in all-inclusive packages featuring an open bar, gourmet hors d'oeuvres, and a midnight champagne toast. With its luxurious setting and dramatic skyline views, Swissotel delivers both excitement and exclusivity.
Explore Hotel RatesWhile Chicago offers countless ways to ring in the new year, these three hotels stand apart for their consistency, organization, and unmatched experiences. They have built a legacy of fun, elegance, and excitement-attracting thousands of guests year after year. What sets them apart is the seamless blend of world-class entertainment, fine dining, and the convenience of staying overnight, ensuring that the celebration doesn't end with the final toast.
For anyone seeking an unforgettable New Year's Eve, these legendary Chicago hotel parties are the best way to welcome 2026 with style, joy, and lasting memories.
The Congress Plaza, Palmer House, and Swissotel are considered the top three hotels for New Year's Eve in Chicago. Each offers an all-inclusive gala with live music, open bars, and a vibrant countdown celebration, making them the most popular and trusted options year after year.
Yes. These hotel parties typically include premium open bars, gourmet food or appetizer buffets, live entertainment, DJs, and a midnight champagne toast—all included in the ticket price.
Absolutely. One of the biggest advantages of attending these hotel parties is the convenience of booking a room on-site. This way, guests can enjoy the celebration without worrying about transportation after midnight.
Dress codes vary by hotel. The Palmer House encourages cocktail or black-tie attire for a classic, elegant experience, while Congress Plaza and Swissotel welcome festive, upscale party wear.
Swissotel offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and Navy Pier fireworks, making it the top choice for guests who want to enjoy stunning skyline and lakefront views as they welcome 2026.
It's recommended to book tickets and hotel rooms early-often several months in advance—as these parties are among the most popular in Chicago and regularly sell out.
The "NYE at Navy Pier" celebration includes glamorous parties, festive lights, award-winning fireworks at midnight, and iconic attractions such as the Centennial Ferris Wheel.
Attendees can choose from events like "Grand Chicago New Year's Eve" in the Aon Grand Ballroom, offering live DJs, music, balloon drops, and expansive dance floors-and "New Year on the Pier" at Bar Sol, which delivers multi-floor lakefront revelry and spectacular views of the fireworks.
