11 Chicago Fireworks Cruises to Plan a Day Around

1.Fireworks Cruise with Lake or River Viewing Options

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 551 reviews · 45 minutes - 2 hours · from $32Our pick

Cruise inland to Wolf Point for a short look at Chicago’s riverfront architecture, then watch the Navy Pier fireworks from either the river mouth or Lake Michigan. The longer option passes through the Chicago Locks. An English-speaking guide provides light commentary, and you can choose an indoor climate-controlled cabin or an outdoor deck.

“The cruise was so much fun. It was easy to hear the guide & interesting to learn about Chicago’s beautiful architecture. Enjoyed learning about the Locks & the fireworks were larger than life. Overall, a very fun experience!”

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2.Lake Michigan Fireworks Cruise in Chicago

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 89 reviews · from $50

Board at 400 N Michigan Avenue for a roughly 2.5-hour cruise toward Lake Michigan and Navy Pier’s fireworks. You’ll pass Chicago landmarks, travel through the Chicago Lock, and watch the show from the water. A cash bar sells drinks and snacks; the lock can add a long wait, so allow extra time.

“great family experience boats were clean and nice . great price for the experience . nice views of the city”

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3.City Cruises Chicago: Fireworks Signature Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 85 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $116

Cruise Lake Michigan aboard a City Cruises Chicago dinner boat for buffet dinner, DJ entertainment and views of Chicago’s architecture, with Navy Pier fireworks when weather permits. The outing lasts about two to three hours and costs $116.17 per person. Drinks from the bar cost extra, and smart-casual dress is required.

“Overall the experience was fantastic. Some of the highlights, I would have to say are the FOOD, Entertainment, Quality of Time and Firework Show at the end of the night. Everything that was served was delicious from the Mexican Street Corn (off the cob) & the summer squash and zucchini (which were all seasoned perfectly); to the verity of meats (pork, salmon, and chicken) which were all flavored just right and nearly cooked to perfection; to the potatoes and the mushroom Alfredo pasta (which complimented the entrees just right). Once the Desserts hit, you were wondering if you could even eat anything else, but those even tasted just right to…”

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4.Summer Fireworks Cruise with 3D Glasses and Music

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 78 reviews · from $52

Board First Lady’s two-hour cruise at the Michigan Avenue bridge, hear an English-speaking guide narrate the Chicago River and Harbor Lock, then watch Navy Pier fireworks from Lake Michigan with music and complimentary 3D glasses. Cruises run Wednesdays and Saturdays. Priority boarding is an optional way to board early and choose your seat.

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5.City Cruises: Chicago Fireworks Premier Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 72 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $142

Board a climate-controlled yacht at Navy Pier for a roughly 2.5 to 3-hour dinner cruise on Lake Michigan. Enjoy a plated meal, DJ music, skyline views and, on select summer nights, Navy Pier fireworks. Coffee, tea and water are included; alcoholic drinks cost extra.

“It was a wonderful night. From the food , to the view, and then the fireworks . Great time and so romantic.”

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6.City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Fireworks Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 57 reviews · 3 hours · from $116

Spend three hours aboard the Spirit of Chicago or Spirit of Navy Pier, sailing the Lake Michigan shoreline from Navy Pier. Dinner comes from a multi-course buffet, with city views from indoor dining rooms and open-air decks. A live DJ, games and a cash bar add to the evening, which may include Navy Pier fireworks if weather allows.

“I liked the fireworks. It felt like they were firing it correctly for our ship's entertainment!”

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7.Chicago Pier Fireworks Segway Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $79Top rated

In about two hours, ride a Segway from 300 E Monroe St through Grant Park and along the lakefront to a spot for Navy Pier’s fireworks. You’ll get a helmet, training, and a guide for a route of about seven miles. Past guides have included Kevin, Ian, Cari, and Fred. The tour is in English and suits beginners who can stand unassisted.

“Excellent training & lots of Chicago history: the beautiful Chicago skyline & fireworks made it spectacular!”

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8.City Cruises Chicago: Seadog Fireworks Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 24 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $61

City Cruises’ one-hour Seadog Fireworks Cruise leaves from 600 E Grand Ave and returns there after a nighttime ride past Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, and Chicago’s skyline. Expect fireworks hosted by Navy Pier when weather allows, plus a fast boat ride that can get you wet. Guides including Andy have shared Chicago facts and kept the trip lively.

“Andy - you are funny! Boat ride at night to watch year end fireworks. Perfect night. Felt safe. Andy kept you entertained and had lots of facts on Chicago. Lasted about 45 minutes, which was perfect. My daughter and I would go again”

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9.Chicago’s Fireworks Show aboard Tall Ship Windy!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $113

Sail aboard Tall Ship Windy for about 90 minutes, watching Chicago’s fireworks from Lake Michigan with Navy Pier and the skyline in view. The public cruise includes a boarding ticket and a full-service bar, where you can buy drinks by credit card. No guide names are provided.

“Enjoyed this experience. Great view of the fireworks and city skyline. Be sure to give yourself extra time to drive/Uber to Navy pier due to the heavy traffic.”

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10.2 Hour Chicago Pier Fireworks & Evening Segway Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 2 hours · from $77

In two hours, a guide leads a small group of up to seven from Segway training to Buckingham Fountain, Millennium Park and a lakeside fireworks view near Navy Pier. You’ll see illuminated park sights, including Crown Fountain, and may hear from guides such as Ian, Sean or Russell. Helmets and a 15-minute orientation are included.

“Increíble experiencia! El tour muy divertido. Las vistas muy lindas. Nuestro guía Sean espectacular! Valió la pena muchísimo!”

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11.City Cruises Chicago: Fireworks Premier Plus Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 5 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $147

City Cruises Chicago pairs a plated dinner, DJ music, and views from a glass-enclosed boat with Navy Pier fireworks on select summer Wednesdays and Saturdays. Expect a guaranteed table for your party, a choice of entrée and dessert, and a two-hour cruise from the River Esplanade. Drinks beyond coffee, tea, and water cost extra.

“I had an absolutely amazing experience! At first, things started off a bit chaotic! I accidentally purchased my tickets for the wrong date. I panicked, but thankfully I was able to reach out to the vendor and was connected with a wonderful woman named Samantha. She was truly invested in helping me make my birthday wish come true, and she did just that. The boat ride and dinner were nothing short of a dream. The food was exceptional, and the entire experience exceeded my expectations. My husband and I had the joy of standing on the back deck, soaking in the breathtaking views of the city while watching the fireworks…”

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