Chicago to host historic 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve' countdown in its own time zone for the first time.
For the first time in its 55-year history, America's beloved New Year's Eve countdown show "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest" is shifting its broadcast location to Chicago. The milestone event will air live from the Windy City, marking a new chapter in the iconic series.
According to an announcement by ABC, millions of viewers are expected to tune in as the show brings its signature energy and excitement to the Midwest. A new host and performers will be announced soon, promising an electrifying experience that will showcase Chicago's stunning architecture and breathtaking fireworks display over the city's famous bridges.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sees this opportunity as a chance to put his city on the global stage, highlighting its beauty and dynamism. The show's broadcast from New York City drew 29 million viewers nationwide last year, making this shift an exciting development for Chicago.
What's more, this year's lineup includes the first-ever Spanish-language edition of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" to be broadcast from Puerto Rico, catering to viewers in the Atlantic Standard Time zone. The show will begin its 2026 countdown at 7 p.m. on ABC.
For the first time in its 55-year history, America's beloved New Year's Eve countdown show "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest" is shifting its broadcast location to Chicago. The milestone event will air live from the Windy City, marking a new chapter in the iconic series.
According to an announcement by ABC, millions of viewers are expected to tune in as the show brings its signature energy and excitement to the Midwest. A new host and performers will be announced soon, promising an electrifying experience that will showcase Chicago's stunning architecture and breathtaking fireworks display over the city's famous bridges.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sees this opportunity as a chance to put his city on the global stage, highlighting its beauty and dynamism. The show's broadcast from New York City drew 29 million viewers nationwide last year, making this shift an exciting development for Chicago.
What's more, this year's lineup includes the first-ever Spanish-language edition of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" to be broadcast from Puerto Rico, catering to viewers in the Atlantic Standard Time zone. The show will begin its 2026 countdown at 7 p.m. on ABC.
. but hey, putting chicago on the global stage is def a win for mayor johnson and the city, who knows maybe this will boost tourism and economy? 
still got my eyes on the clock, 7 p.m. in march can't wait to see what's cooking 
The fact that they'll be showing off their cool bridges and architecture is just the cherry on top. And can you imagine watching the fireworks display live? 
I'm sure it'll be so much fun for everyone who tunes in. Chicago's been missing out on all the NYE party vibes, but now they're gonna get to shine too! 
It's also pretty cool that there's a Spanish-language edition being broadcast from Puerto Rico, it's like they're reaching even more people and celebrating the diversity of the country. 
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. Plus, have you seen the traffic in Chicago during NYE? That'll be a real party pooper 
. And what's with the Spanish-language thing from Puerto Rico? Can't they just stick to one broadcast location and not split it up like that? I'm all for representation, but this feels like a compromise to me 
. Guess we'll have to wait and see if Chicago can bring its own brand of NYE magic