New Year's Eve: Chicago gets ready to ring in new year with fireworks along Riverwalk, Navy Pier

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The countdown is on to 2025 and many celebrations are ahead here in Chicago.

New Year's Eve preps were well underway earlier Tuesday at Doolin's party supply store, a third generation family-owned business.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

"It's one of the busiest times of the year, it's like the Super Bowl for us," Nicholas Doolin said.

The folks at Doolin's party supply store were blowing up balloons and stocking shelves full of supplies for your home parties.

'ABC7 Presents: Countdown Chicago 2025' longest-running New Year's Eve show in Chicago airs Dec. 31

"We have party kits, we have hats, we've got derby's, we've got fedora's, we've got top hats, we've got noisemakers, we've got confetti cannons. You name it we've got it," Nicholas Doolin said.

Party stores and liquor stores were extra busy on Tuesday as many stocked up on party supplies and bubbly.

"We're going to celebrate New Year's Eve with a bottle of Dom Perignon, so we're excited," said Keaton Docchio.

The DuPage Children's Museum held a New Year's celebration midday, giving hundreds of parents a much needed break.

"Get them nice and tired. Yeah, get their fun out, so that we can have fun later," said mom Michelle McConico. "It's all hands on for the kids. They get to learn so much by doing rather just looking at an exhibit."

It was a confetti-filled event with marshmallow snowman-making, picture-taking and crown-wearing.

"Running the clock at noon is a lot more accessible to some of our smaller friends than to our adult friends, right? So the adults hopefully have a babysitter, and they can go out and have fun tonight?" said DuPage Children's Museum Public Programs Manager Shamra Fallon.

The museum is a sensory-friendly space, so if the confetti was too much, kids could head downstairs to a quiet room, or they could take in the new year with bubbles.

"This is their fun, and then we get our fun, which is relaxing," said mom Evelyn Carrillo.

Chicago's New Year's Eve celebrations include a custom projection with Art on The Mart along the riverfront beginning at 10 p.m. with a fireworks display at midnight that can be viewed from six bridges along the Chicago River.

"My mom and sister are visiting, we are going to go to the Riverwalk and watch the fireworks and have so much fun. It's freezing cold, but we are so excited," said Galit Roffe.

At 11:55 p.m., a clock will be projected on the Merchandise Mart's facade and will begin counting down to midnight, when fireworks will be launched from bridges along the Chicago River.

"We are going to dinner with our family, and then we are going to watch the fireworks," said Natalie Rivera.

SEE ALSO: CTA offering free rides on New Year's Eve

For Chris Burgos, it is a double celebration: His birthday plus ringing in the new year.

"We are here for my 40th birthday to celebrate with my parents and my cousins," Burgos said. "We are staying here at the hotel. We are going to hang out. We have the room decorated and watch the fireworks."

The city says the best viewing for the show is along the Chicago River from Upper Wacker Drive from McClurg Court to Franklin Street.

Also joining in on the festivities is RPM Events. They are hosting a ticketed event on Tuesday night, and guests will have front-row seats to the show along the Riverwalk.

"We don't want anyone to not have a party to go to on New Year's Eve. We are all inclusive. We will sell you a ticket at the door. It will be food, beverage, champagne toast, and fireworks at midnight," said RPM Restaurants Director of Events Shannon Binder.

Fireworks will be launched from the the Orleans Street, La Salle Drive, Clark Street, Dearborn Street, State Street and Columbus Drive bridges.

The following street closures are planned:

• Franklin/Orleans from Lake Street to Wacker Drive (noon to 4 a.m. on January 1)


• The Franklin Street Bridge over the Chicago River (9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on January 1)


• Wacker Drive from Lake Street to Wells Street (9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on January 1)


• Note that additional streets and bridges may close as the countdown to midnight draws closer.

The bridges will be closed to traffic from 11:45 p.m. until 12:15 a.m. and additional bridges may close as the countdown to midnight approaches.

The Riverwalk will also be closed beginning at 11 p.m. with only a section from Wells Street to Orleans Street open until 12:15 a.m. for spectators.

Navy Pier will also ring in the new year with a 15-minute firework show there, as well.

The NHL Winter Classic also took center stage at the iconic Wrigley Field earlier Tuesday afternoon.

A free pre-game festival got underway at the Cubs parking lot until 3:30 p.m. with food, giveaways, interactive games and attractions, and the opportunity to take a picture with the greatest trophy in sports, The Stanley Cup!

"This is where a lot of our fans come and get pumped up for the game, whether you have a ticket to the game today or just to the neighborhood, you want to be a part of the hockey action. We have so many activities here," Vince Granieri, NHL director of events, said.

The Office of Emergency Management will be monitoring all citywide events, traffic, and weather conditions.

If you plan to come downtown, might want to get here early. The CTA will also offer free rides starting at 10 p.m.

SEE ALSO | Chicago police, Mayor Johnson discuss 2024, New Year's Eve safety efforts

Chicago police are reminding the public to be on their best behavior and celebrate safely.

"Every year, we see shots fired into the air. Not only is this a careless act, it is illegal and dangerous," said CPD Supt. Larry Snelling.

And with a few hours left, some already have their resolutions set.

"I'm looking forward to spend time with my kids, because they are all in different states. When I have time to share with them, it is a blessing, so that's what I'm looking forward to the next year or two," said Claudia Murciano.