As Chicago prepares to ring in 2025, thousands are putting on their sparkly dresses and party hats and heading downtown to celebrate the new year.Navy Pier will host its annual New Year's Eve countdown and fireworks display – and this year's fireworks show will be longer than ever – while the city will host its own fireworks festival along the Chicago River.

For those seeking a larger party, the Aon Grand Ballroom will host the "Grand Chicago New Year’s Eve," featuring the city’s largest dance floor. Around 3,000 attendees are expected to join the fun, which will include a 70-foot balloon drop and Navy Pier’s extended 15-minute fireworks show.

When the clock strikes midnight on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, there will be two opportunities to watch fireworks.

There are parties across the area—whether one prefers outdoors, a rooftop, or a ballroom. And a night ahead of time, organizers were putting their final touches on the events. Jermont Terry reports.