Chicago Joins ‘Rockin’ Eve’ With First Central Countdown

For the first time, Chicago will serve as a live broadcast location for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve”, producers announced Thursday alongside ABC7, Dick Clark Productions, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Choose Chicago. The celebration will feature the show’s inaugural Central Time Zone midnight countdown.

“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.”

The broadcast will include a new host, live performances, and updates from across the city throughout the night.

Kristen Reynolds, president and CEO of Choose Chicago, highlighted the city’s growing global visibility. “This is an incredible opportunity to showcase Chicago on one of the biggest nights of the year,” she said. 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.”

The announcement follows WalletHub’s recent recognition of Chicago as a leading winter travel destination and comes after a record-breaking summer tourism season with more than 3.5 million hotel bookings.

Alongside broadcasts from Times Square in New York City and Puerto Rico, Chicago will join as a new broadcast hub, bringing its own celebration to national audiences.

John Idler, president and general manager of ABC7 Chicago, added: “WLS-TV is ‘Chicago Proud’ to have the opportunity to showcase the amazing city of Chicago on Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve. We look forward to bringing viewers a spectacular fireworks display centered around the iconic bridges that cross the Chicago River and cascade over the city’s world-class architecture.”

“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026” will air live on ABC beginning at 8 p.m. EST on December 31. Last year’s show drew more than 33 million viewers.

Mayor Johnson appeared on ABC7 earlier in the day to discuss the plans, with more details about Chicago’s participation expected soon.