Looking for a New Year’s Eve outing without having to fight heavy city traffic and pay even heftier city price tags? There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate right here on the North Shore — for all ages. Here are a few suggestions:
210, Highwood
The 210 New Year’s Eve Gala event begins with Indika Reggae from 7 to 9 p.m., followed by an exotic dance by Carmella, and it culminates in the funk/dance high-energy band Suite Mollie.
Gourmet food options include pecan soup, caprese salad, margarita chicken, pan-seared blackened sea bass, chocolate panna cotta- plus a vegan meal option including vegetable risotto and a champagne toast.
Cost is $150 per person for the gala and the party package, or $25 for the New Year’s Eve Party featuring Suite Mollie at 10 p.m.
210 is located at 210 Green Bay Road, Highwood. For more information call 847/433-0304 or visit 210restaurant.com.
Suite Mollie will perform again at 210 in Highwood on New Year’s Eve; Photo courtesy of 210.
Phoenicia Mediterranean Cuisine, Highland Park
Phoenicia Mediterranean Cuisine will offer four dinner options for New Year’s Eve, along with belly dancing entertainment at 8 p.m.
The first dinner option is prime rib served with Au Jus sauce, baked potatoes and steamed organic broccoli. The $59.99 per person dinner includes a whiskey shrimp appetizer, choice of soup or salad, cake or baklava, and a glass of red or white house wine.
The next three dinner options are $49.99 per person and include choice of pan seared trout topped with chef’s special dill sauce served with sautéed organic vegetables and oven roasted potatoes or Bronzini Mediterranean sea bass, grilled (whole fish or fillet). Oven roasted stuffed Mediterranean style cage free Cornish hen with sauce served with garlic mashed potatoes and gravy and sautéed organic vegetables.
Entrees from Phoenicia’s regular menu will also be available, and the restaurant will be open on New Year’s Day at 11:00 a.m.
Phoenicia is located at 1910 First Street in Highland Park. For more information call 847/266-9990 or visit www.phoeniciacuisine.com.
Guildhall, Glencoe
The Big Lagniappe, a New Orleans-style band, will begin at 8 p.m. and continue into the New Year. The chef is preparing specials that include rack of lamb, lobster fettucine and a langostino shrimp appetizer. Everything on the menu is served ala carte. The restaurant will open at 5 p.m. and there will be a champagne toast at midnight.
Guildhall is located at 694 Vernon Avenue in Glencoe. For more information call 847/835-8100 or visit guildhallrestaurant.com/.
MLG Chicago, Lake Forest
The Marcus Lemonis restaurant will feature acoustic duo The Sipos & Young Band from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the bar area. From 10:30 p.m. on music will be provided by Spotify Radio.
The regular dinner menu includes chicken, seafood, steaks, ribs, chops, pasta and sandwiches. These will be served along with specials posted on the board. In addition, MLG Chicago features an expansive wine menu with over 500 bottles from Lemonis’ personal collection.
MLG Chicago is located at 181 E. Laurel Avenue in Lake Forest. For more information call 847/234-9660 or visit mlgchicago.com.
Lake House Lake Bluff is offering two entrees, two shared sides, a bottle of house wine or champagne and dessert for $80 a couple. The choice of entrees include a bone-in porkchop, rotisserie chicken dinner, king-cut prime rib 16-ounce, 10-ounce filet, snow crab leg and prime rib dinner 12-ounce and parmesan crusted tilapia over pasta.
The celebration will feature a midnight champagne toast and party favors. Live music by Ron Barron and Friends starts at 7 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m., but the bar will remain open until 1 a.m.
Lake House Lake Bluff is located at 525 Rockland Road in Lake Bluff. For more information call 847/295-7140 or visit lakehouserestaurants.com.
Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Events
Brunswick Zone Deerfield Lanes
New Year’s Eve Daytime Family Party Package: 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3;30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Two hours of unlimited bowling including shoes, a kid-friendly buffet featuring chicken tenders, pizza and French fries, unlimited soft drinks, sparkling cider and a champagne toast starting at $19.99 per person.
Nighttime Party Ball Drop Package at 9 p.m.
Four hours of unlimited bowling, a gourmet buffet including Caesar salad, chicken tenders, pizza, shrimp poppers, grand nacho & taco bar, dessert sampler, unlimited soft drinks, party favors, sparkling cider and champagne toast at $33.99 per person.
Brunswick Zone Deerfield Lanes is located at 10 S. Waukegan Road in Deerfield. For more information call 847/498-3575 or visit www.bowlbrunswick.com
Kohl Children’s Museum, Glenview
Kohl Children’s Museum is doubling the fun with two New Year celebrations as the entire wing of the museum is transformed into a giant Times Square-style party complete with a big confetti drop. The event includes:
- Children’s concert with the Dreamtree Shakers(morning only)
- DJ and dance party(afternoon only)
- Party hat making and noisemakers
- Family photos and photo frame decorating
- All 16 indoor exhibits open for exploration
- Giant confetti drop at the stroke of “midnight”
The event takes place Sunday, December 31 from 8:30 a.m to 11 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets for the morning session. Click here to purchase tickets for the afternoon session.
Kohl Children’s Museum is located at 2100 Patriot Boulevard in Glenview. For more information call 847/ 832-6600 or visit www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org
Wilmette Masonic Hall, Wilmette
The New Year’s Eve party will be held at the Wilmette Masonic Hall at 1010 Central Avenue from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Here is a list of events:
- From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.- Family DJ Dance Party complete with kids activities
- At 9 p.m. – Family Balloon Drop
- 9:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.: Adult/Teen DJ, disco ball/light show
- Pizza, appetizers, dessert and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided but BYOB
The price is $20 kids/teens and $30 for adults. Noise Makers and Party Hats are also included. Proceeds will benefit building improvements at the Wilmette Masonic Temple and Lodge.
For more information visit https://wilmetteeventhall.com/
Kohl Children’s Museum; photo courtesy of Facebook
Phoenicia Mediterranean Cuisine; Photography by Joel Lerner/JWC Media
MLG Chicago; Photo courtesy of MLG Chicago
Guildhall; photo courtesy of Facebook
LakeHouse; Photo courtesy of Facebook
Wilmette Masonic Hall; Photo courtesy of Facebook
