Where’s the best place to watch fireworks in Chicago on the Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve? That’s easy: on the deck of a yacht with a fully catered meal and a group of friends and family. When you’re out on the water, nothing will block your view of the fireworks and Chicago’s famous skyline. It’ll give you a holiday experience unlike any you’ve had before, and one you’ll never forget.
Does Chicago Have New Year’s Fireworks?
Chicago may not have New York’s iconic New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square, but the city is world-renowned for its New Year’s celebrations. These include an annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display at Navy Pier. Whether you want to make the trip to Navy Pier or prefer to watch the fireworks closer to home in the suburbs, there are plenty of options on New Year’s Eve.
Unlike on the Fourth of July, Chicago’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display occurs on the actual holiday. Like the Fourth of July, though, many Chicago suburbs also host their own fireworks displays for New Year’s Eve. But if you want to watch the Chicago Navy Pier fireworks show, we recommend you hire a yacht to give you an incredible, unobstructed view of the display.
Does Chicago Have 4th of July Fireworks?
According to NBC Chicago, the city itself does not usually do a Fourth of July fireworks display, so as not to conflict with the numerous events taking place in the suburbs. What is the Chicago fireworks schedule for July 4th, then? Instead, it usually does a display on July 3, which is also the case in 2024.
What Time Are the Fireworks in Chicago?
For the New Year’s Eve fireworks, the city’s official display happens at Navy Pier. As in New York and other cities, Chicago’s New Year’s Eve fireworks start at midnight, helping residents mark the occasion in style.
Navy Pier also hosts a summer fireworks display every Wednesday and Saturday all season long.
Various Chicago suburbs usually do their own displays on the Fourth of July. In 2024, this year’s display is scheduled for July 3 (at 9 p.m.) and another one on July 6.
Are the Navy Pier Fireworks Free?
Navy Pier does not charge admission to enter the grounds. However, many individual attractions charge admission. This includes Navy Pier’s iconic Centennial Wheel. The Centennial Wheel brings guests 200 feet in the air, providing an incredible view of the city, the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, and more.
One thing to note is that while Navy Pier has free admission, it can get crowded on holidays. Many people will flock to the pier to watch the fireworks, potentially leading to a less-than-ideal viewing experience for many guests. Why not avoid the hassle and the crowds by watching the fireworks from one of our yachts?
Where Can I Watch Chicago Fireworks 2024?
There are other potential options for watching fireworks on or around the Fourth of July in Chicago, including:
- Soldier Field – On July 3, the Chicago Fire will take on the Philadelphia Union in a soccer game at 7:30 p.m. There will be a fireworks show after the game.
- Aurora – Aurora residents or those who don’t want to trek downtown for fireworks can watch the suburb’s fireworks display from RiverEdge Park or McCullough Park. The fireworks start at dusk, and there will be DJs, live music, and food trucks set up at the event.
- Blue Island – If you’re a stickler for tradition and want to watch fireworks on the actual Fourth of July, catch this show at Waterfall Park starting at 9 p.m.
- Elgin – For another show for Fourth of July purists, catch this show at Festival Park at 9:30 p.m. Get there early for music, food trucks, and more.
See the Chicago 4th of July Fireworks on a Yacht
Are you looking to create a memorable Fourth of July experience? Watch the fireworks from a yacht, courtesy of Anita Dee Yacht Charters. We can accommodate groups of all sizes, offer fully customizable entertainment and menus on our dinner cruise, and pride ourselves on providing top-notch customer service. Whatever your needs or desires, we’ll make it happen for you. Our yachts even provide family-friendly photography and videography services to capture the memories of your special event forever.
If you want to celebrate the holidays in style and enjoy a spectacular view of Chicago’s fireworks, Anita Dee Yacht Charters has you covered. Contact us at (312) 379-3191 to schedule a summer or winter Chicago fireworks cruise and experience an unforgettable event. We look forward to making your holiday an enjoyable time you’ll think about for years to come!