New Year's Spots That Pop

Celebrate New Year's Eve and welcome the New Year with fireworks, food, fun, and family!

Have a festive cocktail, indulge in an elevated end-of-year meal, and attend a party - Southwest Illinois invites you to dress your best and toss some confetti as you say hello to 2026!

New Year's Eve Events & Fireworks

Hundreds of colorful balloons suspended from the ceiling over tables and Christmas trees at The Loading Dock
The Loading Dock Ice Rink New Year's Eve Balloon Drop

New Year's Eve Balloon Drop at The Loading Dock Ice Rink

12 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Spend the last day of the year in Grafton with a New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop at The Loading Dock Ice Rink. Enjoy the balloon drop at 8 p.m. then watch the New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Grafton reflect off the waters of the Mississippi River at 10 p.m. (after your skate) and be sure to have a hot cocoa on hand from The Loading Dock for the show!

New Year's Eve Party at Pere Marquette Lodge

6:30 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Ring in the New Year at Pere Marquette Lodge! Dress up in your best outfit and spend the evening enjoying light bites, cocktails,and a lavish buffet dinner for two. Live music, a midnight champagne toast, and party favors add to the evening's festivities. After the party, retreat to your cozy room at the lodge.

New Year’s Eve at Bakers & Hale

8 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Head to Bakers & Hale in Godfrey for a fun, easygoing New Year’s Eve. Their farm-to-table dishes set the stage for a great meal, and Flip the Frog brings the energy with live music throughout the night. It’s a great way to close out 2025 with good food, good music, and great company.

FRIENDS Christmas Pop-Up

7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Close out 2025 at the final night of the holiday pop-up at EXO Lounge & Spa in Edwardsville. Bring your friends and celebrate the end of the year with great drinks, food, immersive décor, and memorabilia from the original FRIENDS set. Explore Instagram-worthy photo ops along with trivia, music, entertainment, curated beverages, and themed menu items throughout the evening.

Bright Nights in Jerseyville

5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a drive through the dazzling holiday light display at Dolan Park. The sparkling lights create a festive backdrop as you wind down the year, making it a simple yet memorable way to ring in 2026.

Restaurants Open on New Year's Eve

Close up of two dishes at Cleveland-Heath in Edwardsville
Cleveland-Heath in Edwardsville

Hungry for 2026? Have one last taste of 2025 and dine in style at fine sit-down eateries throughout the Great Rivers and Routes region of Southwest Illinois.

Alton

Reserve a table at fine sit-down eateries like Tony’s Steakhouse & Bar, Santino’s Steak & Pasta House, Gentelin’s on Broadway, Castelli’s Restaurant at 255, Bluff City Grill, or State Street Market in Alton. Each restaurant brings something a little different to the table, from classic steakhouse dishes to comforting, homemade pasta and everything in between.

Collinsville

Grab a table at Mungo’s, Ravanelli’s Italian Steak House & Wine Bar, Porter’s Steakhouse, or Old Herald Brewery & Distillery in Collinsville. Whether you’re craving a traditional steakhouse experience or want the more laid-back vibe of a local brewery, these spots give you plenty to choose from.

Edwardsville

Gather your family and friends, pick a restaurant, and start your New Year's festivities with a warm, festive meal in Edwardsville. Pull up a seat at 1818 Chophouse, Cleveland Heath, Bella Milano, Brick & Bramble, Moussalli’s Prime, Sugo’s Spaghetteria, or 1929 Pizza & Wine.

Godfrey, Litchfield & Jerseyville

While exploring Southwest Illinois, you’ll find great dining options in every direction. Enjoy a meal at Bakers & Hale in Godfrey, stop in for dinner at Maverick Steaks & Spirits or The Ariston in Litchfield, or head to Charcoal House Tavern in Jerseyville.

7 Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year’s Day Learn More
Things to Do Learn More
Events Learn More

About the Author

Kayla Howland

Kayla Howland is a local writer and artist who lives in Alton, IL with her Cairn Terrier, Ripley. She enjoys fiction and non-fiction writing, graphic design, painting, drawing and photography. Kayla is a graduate of Southwestern High School and Lewis & Clark Community College. She has worked doing freelance graphic design, photography and commissioned paintings since 2012.