Chicago City Wire

Fireworks at Navy Pier and along the Riverfront, the Chicago Bears v. Atlanta, and more for New Year’s Eve, Sunday, December 31. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is reminding everyone to be safe and vigilant, especially in crowds and to report suspicious activity to 9-1-1. OEMC will monitor all citywide activities, traffic, and weather conditions and coordinate public safety resources with the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department and City of Chicago infrastructure departments.  

 

Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand to direct flow and impacts from heavy traffic. Public transportation is encouraged. For more information on CTA services and reroutes, visit TransitChicago.com or call 312-836-7000 from any area code/1-888-YOUR-I CTA.  

 

Suspicious Activity:  If you See Something Say Something. The city reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. 

 

New Year’s Eve Fireworks along the Riverwalk and Art on the Mart 

The New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacular on the Chicago River to ring in 2024. In partnership with ART on THE MART, the New Year’s Eve celebrations will include a custom projection highlighting ART on THE MART’s five years of programming, beginning Sunday, December 31, at 7:30 p.m. The evening will culminate with a fireworks display from six bridges along the river beginning at midnight. 

 

The fireworks show can be best viewed along the Chicago River from Upper Wacker Drive from McClurg Court to Franklin Street. Bridge closures will be in place at Franklin Street, LaSalle Street, Clark Street, Dearborn Street, State Street and Columbus Drive beginning Sunday, December 31, from 11:45 p.m. until 12:15 a.m. The Wabash and Michigan Avenue bridges will remain open. Public transportation is recommended for the best experience.  

 

The Riverwalk will remain open until 12:15 a.m. at the ART on THE MART Jetty to enjoy the full audio/visual projection program. Projections will begin at 7:30 p.m. and repeat until 11:55 p.m. before displaying a countdown to the New Year. Following the fireworks, a special New Year message will be displayed until 12:15 a.m. Note: The Chicago River will be closed to boat traffic from Franklin to Columbus from 11:30 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. For more information on the New Year’s Eve celebration, visit Chicago.gov/NYE..  

 

Navy Pier New Year’s Eve Fireworks 

On Sunday, December 31 Navy Pier will ring in the new year with a 10-minute fireworks show at midnight in conjunction with the fireworks on the Chicago River. There will be a number of events at Navy Pier throughout the day. For details, visit NavyPier.org/events/new-years-eve-fireworks/. Sunday is also the last day for Light Up The Lake Closing Night at Navy Pier. For details, visit NavyPier.org/light-up-the-lake/ 

 

Chicago Bears v. Atlanta Falcons 

Sunday, December 31, Noon 

The Bears host the Falcons at Soldier Field with kick-off at noon on New Year’s Day. Parking lots open at 8 a.m. Gates open at 10 a.m. For complete details, visit SoldierField.com/ 

 

New Year’s Eve 5K 

Sunday, December 31, 8 a.m. 

The annual race along lakefront has a start and finish in Lake View Park at 111 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The race begins at 8 a.m. and the course closes at 9:30 a.m. For details, visit  

NewYearsEve5k.com/race-details 

 

Weather 

OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. We encourage residents to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date weather information, please tune into local media or download a weather app or the Chicago OEMC App. 

 

ChicagoOEMC App (video) – Winter Weather Preparedness and Weather Forecasts  

For Winter safety and preparedness at your fingertips, residents are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information, DSS Snowplow Tracker and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar, and public safety information as well. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website, Chicago.gov/OEMC. 

 

OEMC will issue any alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.  Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org. OEMC also issues TEXT alerts for lakefront notices, issues affecting businesses or COVID-19 updates: 

 

CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5 

CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3 

 

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911). 

Original source can be found here.