CHICAGO (WLS) — The countdown is on to 2025 and many celebrations are ahead here in Chicago.
New Year’s Eve preps are well underway at Doolin’s party supply store, a third generation family-owned business.
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“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 blowing up balloons and stocking shelves full of supplies for your home parties.
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“According to Nicholas Doolin, we offer a variety of party kits, hats including derby’s, fedora’s, and top hats, as well as noisemakers and confetti cannons. We have everything you need,” he stated.
The New Year’s Eve festivities in Chicago feature a unique visual display with Art on The Mart starting at 10 p.m. along the riverfront. The celebration includes a fireworks presentation at midnight that can be seen from six different bridges spanning the Chicago River.
As the clock approaches midnight at 11:55 p.m., a clock will be projected onto the Merchandise Mart’s exterior, initiating the countdown to the new year. The grand finale includes fireworks launched from various bridges located throughout the Chicago River area.
The city says the best viewing for the show is along the Chicago River from Upper Wacker Drive from McClurg Court to Franklin Street.
Fireworks will be launched from the the Orleans Street, La Salle Drive, Clark Street, Dearborn Street, State Street and Columbus Drive bridges.
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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.
And a heads up hockey fans, the NHL Winter Classic, will take center stage at the iconic Wrigley Field earlier in the evening at 4 p.m.
A free pre-game festival is underway now 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.
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