New Year's Eve Celebrations in the Chicago Area

If you're spending New Year's Eve in Chicago this year, there are many celebrations you can attend. Ring in 2007 with any of these events and make it memorable.

Who says fireworks are only for July? Chicago has some really stunning fireworks displays to welcome in the new year and they are often more brilliant when viewed with reflections over the water or in the snow. What better way to bring in 2007 with a bang and lots of sparkle?

There will be New Year's Eve fireworks at Buckingham Fountain, Congress Parkway and Columbus Drive in Chicago this year. These are scheduled annual events. For more information about exact times, please call (312) 744-3370. There is no admission charge for these fireworks displays on December 31st, and the start time is usually just before midnight.

At Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, there is another large pyrotechnic display scheduled for New Year's Eve. You can phone (312) 595-PIER for more information about exact times, parking information and other questions.

Also, The LaSalle Bank Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier is scheduled to run from December 8th, 2006 through January 7th, 2007. This event is now in its sixth year and has become a favorite for Chicago residents and visitors. There will be a forest of hundreds of trees decorated with thousands of lights. Holiday entertainment is scheduled around the clock and there will be many family style attractions. You will enjoy walking through this winter wonderland on New Year's, and the kids will enjoy it too.

The Lincoln Park Zoo, located on 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, is having it's ZooLights New Year's Eve Countdown. The admission is free and you can ring in the new year with your favorite animal. Because the animals have an earlier bedtime, this event takes place at the earlier hour of 8:30 pm. This is a unique way to welcome in the new year that children will especially find fun.

First Night Evanston takes place December 31st, 2006. It is one of Illinois' largest festivals. billed as a New Year's Eve Festival of the Arts, there will be around 250 extraordinary artists, 40 family-friendly performances, 17 downtown stages and a midnight fireworks display to welcome in the new year. For more information, please phone 847-475-NITE.

Once again there will be Chicago's famous New Year's Eve Fireworks display over Monroe Harbor. People attending usually meet at Buckingham Fountain ( located at Congress Parkway and Columbus Drive in downtown) to watch an amazing pyrotechnic show featuring a lighted fountain countdown to the new year. At midnight, fireworks will continue above the lakefront and the show is choreographed to musical soundtracks that include rock, pop and classical. Admission is free for this New Year's Eve celebration.

Pick any one of these New Year's celebrations and events to attend and you'll be sure to make a memory for years to come. Resolve to have some fun. Whatever you decide to do to say good bye to 2006 and welcome in 2007, have a safe and Happy New Year.