Chicago welcomed 2026 with unprecedented fanfare, marking a historic milestone as it hosted the first-ever live Central Time countdown on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve." This event, broadcast nationwide, showcased the city's vibrant spirit and cultural richness, making it a memorable start to the new year.
The celebration, which aired on December 31, 2025, was a collaborative effort between Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Choose Chicago, ABC7 Chicago, and Dick Clark Productions (DCP). The event marked the first time in the show's more than 50-year history that a live broadcast from the Central Time Zone was featured.
The festivities kicked off at 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve at Chicago's downtown area, with a lineup of performances headlined by the esteemed South Side native, Chance the Rapper. This celebration was not just a local event; it was a national spectacle, broadcast live across the country, highlighting Chicago's pivotal role in the nation's New Year's Eve festivities.
The event was a grand spectacle, featuring performances and entertainment that kept the audience engaged throughout the night. The highlight, of course, was the midnight fireworks display over the Chicago River. The fireworks lit up the night sky with a breathtaking show that concluded the countdown and ushered in 2026 with a bang. The riverwalk at Wacker Drive, from Wells Street to Lake Street, served as the epicenter of the festivities, with the city's official event open to the public and free of charge.
For those who couldn't attend in person, the event was broadcast live on ABC, ensuring that viewers across the country could join in the celebration. The live broadcast featured a mix of performances, interviews, and the much-anticipated countdown to midnight, all culminating in a spectacular fireworks display.
The New Year's Eve celebration in Chicago was a testament to the city's ability to host large-scale events with flair and precision. The city’s infrastructure, from the bustling downtown area to the picturesque Chicago River, provided a perfect backdrop for the celebration. The event was also a boon for local businesses, as the influx of visitors contributed to a thriving economy over the holiday period.
As the sun rose on January 1, 2026, Chicago began a new chapter, buoyed by the success of its historic New Year's Eve celebration. The city's first live Central Time countdown on "Rockin' Eve" set a new standard for future celebrations and solidified Chicago's place as a premier destination for national events.
