Chicago is getting its biggest New Yearâs Eve spotlight yet. For the first time, the Central Time Zone will have its own live countdown as part of âDick Clarkâs New Yearâs Rockinâ Eve with Ryan Seacrestâ 2026, with former âThe Voiceâ coach Chance the Rapper hosting the celebration from the Chicago Riverwalk. Whether youâre tuning in from home or planning to watch on the go, hereâs where and how to catch the Chicago New Yearâs Eve 2025â2026 ball drop live.
Where to Watch the Chicago New Yearâs Eve 2026 Ball Drop?
âDick Clarkâs New Yearâs Rockinâ Eveâ has been taking place for over 50 years. However, the show has never had a major segment or live countdown take place from the Central Time Zone.
That will change this year, as Grammy-winning Chicago native Chance the Rapper will be hosting the festivities. This Chicago celebration will feature live performances and a fireworks show over the Chicago River, the City of Chicago reported.
The celebration will take place on the Chicago Riverwalk, with the main stage located at Franklin and Wacker. It is free and open to the public, with gates opening at 5 p.m. CST.
This Chicago celebration will be part of the bigger celebration taking place on ABC, hosted by âAmerican Idolâ host Ryan Seacrest and his co-host, Rita Ora, from New York Cityâs Times Square, while Julianne Hough and Rob Gronkowski will co-host from Las Vegas.
âDick Clarkâs New Yearâs Rockinâ Eve with Ryan Seacrestâ will kick off live on ABC on Wednesday, December 31, starting at 8 p.m. EST / 7 p.m. CST. The special will run until 4 a.m. EST / 3 a.m. CST, the longest-running special in the showâs history.
In case you miss all the performances, you can stream the special the next day on Hulu.
Chicago Performers & Details
In addition to hosting, Chance the Rapper will also be taking the stage on the Chicago Riverwalk to perform. He will be joined by other hometown artists, including Shemekia Copeland, J. Ivy, DJ Mike Dunn, and DJ Mike P.
Again, this is a free event and is open to the public. The gates will open at 5 p.m. CST.
Since Seacrest will be checking in with Chicago during the night, and when the clock strikes midnight, this is a big deal for the Windy City. A chance to put a spotlight on a Central Time Zone location for the first time in the showâs history.
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