Kohl Children’s Museum will recreate New York’s Times Square on New Year’s Eve morning, complete with a “midnight countdown.”
Chicago will have no shortage of bashes and balloon drops this New Year’s Eve, but why not celebrate closer to home? From family-friendly programs to Champagne- fueled festivities, there is something for everyone.
NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA
Enjoy butler-passed hors d’oeuvres, a decadent four-course dinner, wine, a five- hour open bar and Champagne toast at midnight—then burn it off by dancing to the sounds of an elite DJ. Party hats and favors will be provided. Package includes deluxe overnight accommodations and late check-out (2 p.m.)
Hilton Chicago Northbrook, 2855 Milwaukee Avenue, Northbrook. 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.; $442 per couple; 847-509-7072, hilton.com.
NEW YEAR’S EVE BURLESQUE EXTRAVAGANZA
Like your celebrations saucy? The Peckish Pig hosts its sixth annual New Year’s Eve with burlesque and cabaret performances by Eva La Feva. Expect hors d’oeuvres, a dessert buffet, and brews and bubbly all night long. A photo booth will help capture the memories that you may forget the next morning, and prizes will be awarded to guests for best outfit.
Peckish Pig, 623 Howard Street, Evanston. 8 p.m. to “late;” $65 plus tax and gratuity; the peckishpig.com.
FIRST NIGHT EVANSTON
This popular community event starts in the afternoon with Family Fun—two hours of bubbles, balloon shows,
and live music. Later in the evening, the church sanctuary will feature chamber and blues by Corky Siegel, plucky tunes from Covington’s Bluegrass band, and American Standard with Charlie Madigan, Michelle Perry and Al Day. For those looking to cut a rug, head to the gym for jazz tunes by Petra van Nuis and Gerald McClendon and the Soul Keepers Band.
First United Methodist Church, 516 Church Street, Evanston. Family Fun from 2 to 4 p.m., evening programs 7 p.m. to midnight; $20, or $5 for Family Fun only; firstnightevanston.org.
Jazz vocalist Petra van Nuis will perform at First Night Evanston.
Jazz’n Brass Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance Party
Dine, drink, and dance your way into the new year with live performances by The Joe Jazz Band and the
Hip Pocket Power Horn Band. Admission includes an open bar, four-course meal, and party favors.
Club 210 of Highwood, 210 Green Bay Road, Highwood. 7 p.m; $110; club210highwood.com.
NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH
Get an early start on 2020 with the kids at Kohl Children’s Museum. An entire wing will be redecorated to resemble Times Square, providing confetti, a photo booth, and music—minus the freezing temperatures. A “countdown to midnight” will be reenacted at a more kid-friendly hour, leaving you plenty of time to book a babysitter and enjoy a second round of festivities later in the evening.
Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview. Celebrations at 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; $25 for members, $35 for non-members; kohlchildrensmuseum.org.
