WHEN TO GO
Loading…
United StatesSaved
Free fireworks are scheduled over the Mississippi River at 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026. Grafton’s listing names Lighthouse Park, while also suggesting broader riverfront and vehicle viewing; an earlier skating party is separate.
All times are local to the venue · America/Chicago
Lighthouse Park is the listed destination for Grafton’s Dec. 31 fireworks, but the local event listing also describes viewing more broadly: along the riverbanks or from a vehicle, with the whole town presented as prime viewing. It does not identify a specific viewing area or parking spot, so the park remains the confirmed venue—not a guarantee of a particular vantage point.
The fireworks are scheduled for 10 p.m. above the Mississippi River on Thursday, Dec. 31, at Lighthouse Park, Vine St., Grafton. The event listing gives a 10–11 p.m. window; 11 p.m. is the posted event end, not a stated duration for the fireworks.
Grafton’s listing suggests gathering along the riverbanks or watching from a vehicle and describes the entire town as prime viewing. It does not designate a particular riverbank location or parking area, so check directions for the confirmed park destination rather than assuming a specific spot is set aside.
Further reading: Grafton's New Years Eve Fireworks | Great Rivers & Routesr&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logo ↗ · Grafton's New Years Eve Fireworks | Grafton, IL ↗
The Loading Dock lists a family-friendly New Year’s Eve party at its rink, 401 E. Front St. The rink is scheduled to be open from noon to 10 p.m., with a balloon drop at 8 p.m. both on and off the ice; the venue says the Grafton fireworks follow at 10 p.m.
This is separate from the Lighthouse Park fireworks. Public fireworks viewing is free, while rink admission and select private parties have separate pricing.
Further reading: NYE Balloon Drop - The Loading Dock - St. Louis' Only Waterfront Entertainment DestinationNYE Balloon Drop - The Loading Dock - St. Louis' Only Waterfront Entertainment Destination ↗ · Grafton's New Years Eve Fireworks | Grafton, IL ↗
The Loading Dock’s rink activities take place at a different venue from the 10 p.m. fireworks at Lighthouse Park. Rink admission is not included with free public fireworks viewing.
The fireworks are scheduled for 10 p.m. CST. The listing runs until 11 p.m.; that is the posted event end, not a stated fireworks duration.
Grafton's New Years Eve Fireworks | Great Rivers & Routesr&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logo ↗ · Grafton's New Years Eve Fireworks | Grafton, IL ↗
The listed address is Vine St., Grafton, IL 62037. The event describes the display over the Mississippi River and also suggests riverbank or vehicle viewing, without naming a specific viewing area or parking location.
Grafton's New Years Eve Fireworks | Great Rivers & Routesr&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logo ↗ · Grafton's New Years Eve Fireworks | Grafton, IL ↗
Free admission applies to public fireworks viewing. The Loading Dock’s rink admission and select private-party pricing are separate.
Grafton's New Years Eve Fireworks | Great Rivers & Routesr&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logo ↗ · Grafton's New Years Eve Fireworks | Grafton, IL ↗
The separate Loading Dock party is at 401 E. Front St. Its rink is listed as open noon–10 p.m., with the balloon drop on and off the ice at 8 p.m.
The confirmed destination is Lighthouse Park, Vine St., Grafton, IL 62037. The event listing includes a map link for directions from your starting point. The supplied event information does not specify transit, parking, an entrance or a particular viewing area.
Grafton's New Years Eve Fireworks | Great Rivers & Routesr&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logo ↗ · Grafton's New Years Eve Fireworks | Grafton, IL ↗
The separate rink party is at 401 E. Front St., Grafton. Use an available map link to calculate directions from your starting point; the supplied party information does not specify transit, parking or an entrance.
They are scheduled for 10 p.m. CST on Dec. 31, 2026. The listing ends at 11 p.m., but does not give the display’s duration.
Grafton's New Years Eve Fireworks | Great Rivers & Routesr&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logo ↗ · Grafton's New Years Eve Fireworks | Grafton, IL ↗
Lighthouse Park is the listed venue. Grafton’s listing also suggests riverbank or vehicle viewing and calls the whole town prime viewing, but does not name a specific viewing area or parking location.
Grafton's New Years Eve Fireworks | Great Rivers & Routesr&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logo ↗ · Grafton's New Years Eve Fireworks | Grafton, IL ↗
No. Public fireworks viewing is free; rink admission and select private parties are priced separately.
Grafton's New Years Eve Fireworks | Great Rivers & Routesr&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logor&r-primary-logo ↗ · Grafton's New Years Eve Fireworks | Grafton, IL ↗
The Loading Dock lists its separate balloon drop for 8 p.m., both on and off the ice. Its rink is scheduled to be open from noon to 10 p.m.
Vine St., Grafton, IL 62037
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.
Images from the linked sources. Each caption identifies the context of the image.
Event, planning and background information checked 2026-11-02 against the linked sources.