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.

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.

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

You can also catch a light show in the sky at midnight via Navy Pier's free fireworks display along the lakefront.

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.