Neighborhood News-River North, Lakeview, Chicago Loop, Wrigleyville, Gold Coast

After the isolation of New Year’s Eve 2020-21, the party starts again in 2021-22! This year, the City of Chicago is going all-out for safe, socially distanced events that bring the house down! 

A reminder: The mask mandate for Chicago and Illinois remains in effect. A mask is required at all public indoor settings across the city. Many venues will also require proof of vaccinations or a negative COVID-19 test for entry.

River North: Thursday, December 30 is the final performance for Art on the MART at 7:30pm and 8pm. The media spectacular has three presentations- ‘Shaping the Future’ by the nonprofit After School Matters, uses mosaics as a framing structure to feature teen performances, murals and original music. ‘The Nutcracker,’ by the Joffrey Ballet, features images from its acclaimed production of the Christmas classic set to music from Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Harmonic AI, from Ouchhh Studios, was created by training artificial intelligence with jazz compositions made by Chicago’s most famous jazz musicians. Free.

Lakeview: Friday, December 31 is the final day of Wrigleyville’s Christkindlmarket on Gallagher Way. From 11am-4pm, browse among the Market’s high quality gifts and food, sip cocoa from a commemorative mug with a glow of holiday cheer, go ice skating, and make unique New Year’s Eve memories! Free admission. 

Chicago Loop:  Chicago’s Very Own New Year’s Eve Blast! Bundle up, take your family out to dinner, and take your place along the Riverwalk (Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive to Dearborn) for a spectacular view of the New Year’s Eve night sky for what the city is calling “the largest fireworks display” the city has ever seen! The fireworks launch at the stroke of 2022, launching from eight sites between Navy Pier and Orleans Street, and from Franklin Street to DuSable Lake Shore Drive. For indoor fun, numerous hotel venues are hosting major league parties, including the Hilton Chicago,  Swissotel and LondonHouseChicago.

Gold Coast: Celebrate 2022 in style at New Year on the Pier in the Grand Ballroom of Navy Pier! Dance on the city’s largest dance floor to live entertainment, enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres, premium catering and drinks, and the music of Chicago blue-eyed soul star Matt Kysia. A festive midnight countdown will welcome the return of Navy Pier’s famous fireworks show. Doors open at 8pm, and the party concludes (at least in the Ballroom) at 1am. For tickets, click here.

Also on the Gold Coast: The immersiveThe Dr. Seuss Experience ends its run this weekend at Water Tower Place, 875 N. Michigan Avenue. From classics like ‘The Cat in the Hat,’ to ‘Horton Hears a Who’ as its website says, “This Seuss-tacular sensory spectacle takes each guest on an awe-inspiring journey through nine different Dr. Seuss books, allowing each visitor a chance to magically step into the pages of each of the books.” Oh, the places you’ll go!  For tickets, click here.

Here’s to an amazing 2022!

Alison Moran and Dean’s Team Chicago