The “Windy City” is without a doubt one of the most unique and visited places in the United States. The New Years Eve holiday season is one of the biggest events to Chicago, and the city will excite and intrigue even the most veteran partier and native Chicagoans.

Regardless of how the previous 364 days went for you, everyone in Chi-Town can look forward to the events on the last day of the year. One of the biggest parties in the city is also the most public— in addition to being free. The crowd gathered around Buckingham Fountain is enormous, as it anticipates the awesome pyrotechnic show and music that made headlines from past year. Dancing is almost unavoidable, as Grammy winning hits as well as local Chicago legends are played from the speakers surrounding the illuminated fountain.

No holiday (or regular day, for that matter,) is complete in Chicago without good food. Restaurants ranging from 5-star decadence to pizza joints serving mouth-watering Chicago-style pies will be welcoming guests from all corners of the globe. With world-renowned city original items, dining is an essential part of an unforgettable night in the city.

While food may be an enticing way to ring in 2009, the steamy clubs and bars of Chicago will certainly be competition this winter. With everything from all-night bowling parties to the Navy Pier and beyond, there is no telling how you will welcome the New Year. Clubs and lounges will also be providing places to party well into the incoming year, selling advance tickets to events that are sure to be sold out and packed with the party-ready by December 31st. Since Chicago boasts an adventure-filled nightlife on any given night, NYE is always better than expected; genres from the young and trendy to the sophisticated and glam venture out to the diverse night-time opportunities. You can read all about the hottest parties and even purchase tickets well in advance at sites such as NewYears.com and NewYearsEve.com.

No matter how you choose to spend the last hours of 2008 in Chicago, the city is open to you. With safety and fun in mind, you may not need a resolution for the next year other than topping this holiday—just keep in mind the following 365 days will go by fast!