Countdown Chicago 2017

CHICAGO (WLS) -- ABC 7's 26-year tradition on New Year's Eve is still going strong! The longest running local New Year's Eve show, COUNTDOWN CHICAGO, will once again ring in the New Year! This special program features the hottest parties, musical talent, comedy and breathtaking fireworks in and around Chicago. December 31, 1991 marked the beginning of ABC 7's annual broadcast of New Year's Eve specials.

ABC 7's Janet Davies and Mark Giangreco, two of Chicago's most recognized broadcasters, will team up for their 16th broadcast as co-hosts ushering in the New Year, Saturday, December 31st from 11:08 pm-12:15 am on ABC 7.

Joining Davies and Giangreco for the biggest night of 2016/17 are ABC 7's Eyewitness News meteorologist Cheryl Scott and anchors Terrell Brown and Hosea Sanders, and from ABC 7's Windy City LIVE, Val Warner, Ryan Chiaverini and Ji Suk Yi.

Co-hosts Mark Giangreco and Janet Davies will get the party started in downtown Chicago when they kick things off inside the Drake Hotel. Live bands and DJs will keep things rockin' throughout the evening.

Ryan Chiaverini and Val Warner will bring plenty of laughs and surprises to viewers at home during Arie Crown Theatre's Chi-Town Comedy Countdown. Guests include larger than life television personality NeNe Leakes, comedian & Chicago native Deon Cole and the guy who always brings down the house, WGCI's Leon Rogers.

Then, Cheryl Scott and Terrell Brown will showcase a musically nostalgic 50's and 60s New Year's Eve gala - featuring the timeless and romantic music of "the Rat Pack" at the Hilton Oakbrook Hills Resort.

They may be singing the blues but they'll be fired up to get everyone in a celebratory mood. The Chicago Blues All-Stars will perform at the Harold Washington Cultural Center. Hosea Sanders and Ji Suk Yi will capture all the excitement from this Vegas Night party in Bronzeville.

And once again, COUNTDOWN CHICAGO will celebrate the New Year with a bang during Navy Pier's signature fireworks spectacular.

Matt Knutson is the executive producer of ABC 7 PRESENTS: COUNTDOWN CHICAGO 2017.