As New Year’s Eve approaches, some cities in the United States and Europe have scaled back or reshaped traditional celebrations due to heightened security warnings from law enforcement officials.

In Chicago, state and local authorities released a joint threat assessment warning that large, crowded New Year’s events could be appealing targets for extremist attackers. Officials said classic celebrations like the Navy Pier fireworks display will continue, but with significant security increases, including expanded surveillance and monitoring for vehicle attacks or other planned acts of violence. 

New York City’s Times Square, the location of the iconic New Year’s Eve celebration with the ball drop, is also the subject of elevated warnings from federal agencies. A recent law-enforcement report highlighted the risk posed by “lone wolf” attackers and small extremist groups, noting that high-profile, densely packed crowds can present opportunities for small-scale assaults or vehicle-ramming attacks, according to ABC7 New York.

Authorities emphasize that no specific, credible plots targeting these events have been publicly disclosed, but the assessments reflect concerns about both domestic extremists and individuals inspired by foreign terror organizations. 

In Europe, some cities have already canceled or modified New Year’s Eve festivities citing safety concerns. Paris officials announced that the annual open-air concert on the Champs-Élysées will not take place this year, though a fireworks show and televised celebration are still planned. French authorities said the decision was based on crowd management and public safety considerations amid a general atmosphere of elevated threat. 

Across the continent, police forces have stepped up patrols and checkpoints in urban centers to deter potential attacks during the holiday period. Other European cities have adjusted logistics for public gatherings to reduce risks posed by dense crowds. 

Concerns about public safety around large celebrations are amplified by recent attacks and arrests linked to extremist violence. For example, a deadly vehicle attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day earlier this year, which authorities believe was inspired by Islamic State ideology, killed multiple people and heightened vigilance among U.S. law enforcement agencies ahead of the next year-end festivities.