“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026” airs Wednesday, Dec. 31, live on ABC beginning at 7 p.m. CST. The festivities will take place along the Chicago Riverwalk at Wacker Drive from Wells Street to Lake Street, with the main stage located at Wacker and Franklin. A custom audio/visual projection program from ART on THE MART will be displayed from 7 to 9 p.m. before on-stage performances begin. THE MART will then transform into the backdrop for the 2026 countdown as fireworks are launched from bridges along the Riverwalk.