'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve' adding 1st ever Central Time zone countdown in Chicago on ABC
CHICAGO (WLS) -- "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest," America's most-watched New Year's celebration and one of the country's most enduring annual traditions, will add a Central Time zone midnight countdown live from Chicago for the first time in its more than 50-year history.
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Chicago will bring the city's energy and New Year's festivities directly into homes across the nation. The festivities will be led by a new host, live performance and on-the-ground updates, and reporting throughout the evening.
"WLS-TV is 'Chicago Proud' to have the opportunity to showcase the amazing city of Chicago on 'Dick Clark Rockin' New Years Eve,'" said John Idler, general manager and president of WLS-TV Chicago. "We look forward to bringing viewers a spectacular fireworks display centered on the iconic bridges that cross the Chicago River and cascade over the city's world-class architecture."
"For more than five decades, 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve' has served as America's premier destination for live New Year's Eve entertainment, bringing people together from coast to coast to celebrate the start of a new year," said Barry Adelman, EVP, Television, Dick Clark Productions. "The addition of a live Central Time zone countdown from Chicago (my hometown!) marks an exciting new chapter for the show and lets us share this iconic American city's incredible energy, culture, and spirit with millions of viewers across the country."
"This is an incredible opportunity to showcase Chicago on one of the biggest nights of the year. Partnering with Dick Clark Productions brings national attention to our city and positions Chicago among the world's top New Year's Eve celebrations-marking yet another first-time milestone for our destination. Choose Chicago is proud to help make this happen, and we thank Mayor Brandon Johnson, DCASE, ABC7, and Dick Clark Productions for helping share Chicago's unmatched energy, pride, and spirit with the world," said Kristen Reynolds, president and CEO of Choose Chicago.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joined ABC7 to talk more about the big announcement on Monday morning.
"We are proud to announce that 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve' is coming to the greatest city in the world," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the beauty and dynamism of our city and its people for the world to see. We could not be more excited to welcome in the new year with fireworks, music, and Chicago pride."
"Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026" airs Wednesday, Dec. 31, live on ABC beginning at 7 p.m. CT.
More details will be announced soon!
