NYE PARTIES ----------------------------------------------
Family Friendly & Kids NYE Parties*******
DuPage Children's Museum 11th Annual NYE Bubble Bash
Mon Dec 31, 10:30-12P, Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, IL (630)637-8000
Don’t miss DuPage Children's Museum’s 11th annual family-friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration! Featuring music by Jeanie B. and the Jelly Beans and entertainment by Geoff Akins, The Bubble Wonder Man. The concert will be held at the beautiful new Wentz Concert Hall on the campus of North Central College, just blocks from both the Museum and downtown Naperville. As usual, we’ll join together to ring in the New Year through a fun-filled countdown to noon! www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org/bubblebash_2012.html
Navy Pier's New Year's Eve Family Bash
4p-7P, Mon, Dec 31, Navy Pier
Ring in the New Year a little bit early with entertainment at the Winter WonderStage! The evening begins with dance performances by the N4C Crew from Pro Dance Elite, showcasing the newest, hottest dance styles including hip hop, contemporary, free style and breakin followed by the popular the Your Villain My Hero band. The celebration culminates with a special 7P Family Fireworks show outside on Dock Street.
Navy Pier's New Year's Eve Family Fireworks & Midnight Fireworks!
Monday, December 31 – NEW TIME! 7P & Midnight
Welcome in 2013 with Chicago’s only lakefront fireworks show on New Year’s Eve.
Budget NYE Parties*******
Fat Cat Roaring 20's NYE Party
Mon Dec 31, 9P-2A, Fat Cat 4840 N. Broadway, Uptown, No cover
Don your best fedora or flapper dress for this '20s-themed bash, with a costume contest awarding a $100 gift card for the crowd favorite. The ceiling will be covered with black, white and silver balloons to add to the festive atmosphere.
New Year's Eve at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Mon., Dec. 31, 2P, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! 2024 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park
No Cover | 773-935-5000
Celebrate the New Year with $1 Pintxos and $3 Tapas from 2 P to 6 P, half-price cocktails from 4 P to 10 P and a champagne toast at midnight.
New Year's Eve at Timothy O'Toole's
Mon., Dec. 31, 9P, Timothy O'Toole's 622 N. Fairbanks Ct., Gold Coast
$10 | 312-642-0700
The bash includes party favors, a DJ and a Miller High Life tall boy or a champagne split.
'Unique' NYE Parties*******
Masqarade New Year's Eve Ball
Mon., Dec. 31, 9P, Forza Ristorante and Bar 2476 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln Park
$85; $100 with dinner | 773-248-7888
Admission includes a premium open bar (9 P-1 a.m.). Bottle service options available. Add dinner (5, 7 or 9 P) for $15 more.
A New Year's Eve Monster's Ball
Mon., Dec. 31, 8P, Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Lake View
$60-$70 | 773-327-5252
A one night New Years Eve event filling all 4 spaces and the lobby at Stage 773. Your ticket grants you access to an unlimited specialty drink, diabolically delicious appetizers, and “live” entertainment. It also includes a “cham-PAIN” toast to ring in the New Year.” Rock out to a Zombie band, walk through the haunted theater, and move to our dead dance party. Be ready for tons of creepy crazy activities. And beware... There will be spooky surprises all night long!
Entrepreneur's Eve
Mon., Dec. 31, 8P, Adler Planetarium, $200-$325. RSVP required
The benefit for The H Foundation includes food, an open bar, casino games, a raffle, live music from Zeke Thomas and a view of the Navy Pier fireworks. Entrepreneur’s Eve is a night to pay tribute to the Entrepreneurial spirit of the world’s trail blazers. It applauds those pursuing the American Dream and toasts the starters igniting the community around them with ideas, passion and a drive for change. It’s an evening to celebrate and pay-it-forward. EE's organizing committee is made up of roughly two dozen entrepreneurs from the Chicagoland area, working together to celebrate this spirit while at the same time giving back and raising funds for The H Foundation, a non-profit cancer research organization raising seed money for grants for the Robert H Lurie Cancer Center. Over the past 12 years The H Foundation has raised $5 million for cancer research through this event and their annual blowout Goombay Bash. http://entrepreneurseve2012.eventbrite.com/
New Year’s Eve with Los Lobos
Mon., Dec. 31, 7:30P, City Winery 1200 W. Randolph St., West Town
$85-$175 | 312-733-9463
Doors open at 5:30 P and all tickets include a champagne toast. VIP tickets feature a five-course dinner and wine pairing.
The BIG Kids NYE Parties*******
NEW YEAR'S EVE ROCK N ROLL BALL
featuring Soul Asylum, Hairbanger's Ball, Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts & Your Villain My Hero
Mon, Dec 31, 8:30P, Montrose Room InterContinental O'Hare, Rosemont, IL
Home of ABC 7's "Countdown Chicago" with hosts Janet Davies & Mark Giangreco.
Navy Pier's Chicago’s Resolution Ball
Mon, Dec 31, 9P, Navy Pier Grand Ballroom
Ring in the New Year at Chicago’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration! Every ticket to this big event includes five hours of premium open bar, stationed buffet tables, live DJ and a special champagne toast at midnight. There are also VIP tickets available with reserved seating on the terrace. This black-tie affair will revolutionize the way Chicago celebrates New Year’s, inviting you to dance the night away in the historic and beautiful Grand Ballroom. The countdown to Chicago’s Resolution Ball has begun! Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. www.navypier.com/things2do/entertainment/nye.html
Navy Pier's New Year’s Eve 2013 in the Crystal Gardens
Mon, Dec 31, 9P, Crystal Gardens, Navy Pier
http://www.navypier.com/things2do/entertainment/nye.html
New Year's Eve at The Signature Room
Mon., Dec. 31, 6P, The Signature Room at the 95th, John Hancock Building
$100-$225 | 312-787-9596
Guests can choose from a variety of party packages, including early and late dinner seatings with music from NEO Orchestra throughout the night. The early dinner - with seatings at 6, 6:30 and 7 P - features a three course meal, champagne and a performance from SODA for $100. The second seating - beginning between 8 and 9:30 P - features a four course menu, champagne, dancing and a midnight balloon drop for $225 per person. Guests can also pay a $25 cover charge to ring in the New Year with music and dancing at the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor.
New Year's Eve at the Palmer House Hilton
Mon., Dec. 31, 9P, Palmer House Hilton 17 E. Monroe St., The Loop
$125-$155 | 312-619-9497
A formal extravaganza includes a four-hour top shelf cocktail reception, specialty martinis, appetizers, champagne, DJs, live music, charitable casino games, live video mixing, a midnight confetti storm and complimentary admission to a pre-party and after-party.
New Year's Eve at Hyatt Chicago Mag Mile
Mon., Dec. 31, 9P, Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile 633 N. St. Clair St., Gold Coast
$125-$150 | 312-619-9497
The 10th annual bash takes place in multiple rooms and features an appetizer buffet, four-hour top shelf cocktail and champagne reception, live music and admission to a pre-party and an after-party.
ONGOING HOLIDAY EVENTS ----------------------------------------------
Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier
Now thru Sun, Jan 6, Navy Pier 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, (312) 595-7437
Celebrate the holidays in a 170,000 square foot winter playground indoors! Enjoy ice- skating, rides, holiday attractions, rides, music, entertainment and more all from one of the city's best spots! FREE Admission but you need wristband for rides & attractions. www.winterwonderfest.com
Lincoln Park Zoo ~ ZooLights
Now thru Jan 6, from 5–9P
Join LPZ for the brilliance of this annual fun, free, family-oriented holiday celebration, featuring luminous displays and holiday-season activities throughout zoo grounds. We’ll flip the on switch for the free holiday fun on Fri, Nov 23. Afterward, ZooLights will shine each Friday–Sunday until December 26, at which point the lights will stay on nightly until January 6. (Santa heads back to the North Pole after December 23, however.) www.lpzoo.org/events/calendar/zoolights
Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show
Now thru Mon, Dec 31, 6-10P, 1350 N Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills, $5-$10, (847)362-3042
Drive through the grounds of the Cuneo Estate are covered brightly lit figures of animals, elves and characters from children’s stories. The holiday display is a delightful family outing or romantic date.
www.vernonhills.org/special_events/WinterWonderland.asp
2nd Annual Downers Grove’s Gingerbread Festival & Visit with Santa
Now thru Mon, Dec 31, Downtown Downers Grove, Main & Curtiss St., Free | 630-725-0991
Downtown Downers Grove is offering something for all ages to enjoy: Gingerbread Story-time, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Gingerbread Man Hunt, Gingerbread House Contest, visits with Santa in his Gingerbread House, Small Business Saturday, Gingerbread Boy and Girl perusing town, and Complimentary Carriage Rides.
Millennium Park Ice Rink
Now thru mid-march 2013, Millennium Park, FREE
It's time to lace up and get out on the ice! Skate in the heart of downtown; skate rental available for $10. www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/events/dca_tourism/mccormick_tribune0.html
Rink at Wrigley
Seasonal depending in weather, Adults $5, Kids $3, Skate Rental $5
Due to the unusually high temperatures the rink will be closed Sunday, December 2 and Monday, December 3.
For the fourth consecutive year, an ice skating rink will welcome skaters to the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field this winter, thanks to the generosity of the Ricketts family and Chicago Cubs Charities, the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, Central Lakeview Merchants, local businesses and community groups.
www.chicago.cubs.mlb.com/chc/community/rink_at_wrigley.jsp
Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light
Now thru Sun, Jan 6, Museum of Science & Industry, 5700 S Lake Shore Dr. Chicago (773)684-1414
The Museum halls will be decked, holiday singers and dancers will fuel the festivities, and the sparkle of dozens of decorated trees will greet you at the annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light. www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/christmas-around-the-world/
CONCERTS ----------------------------------------------
Los Lobos Mon 12/31 7:30 & 11P City Winery
Shatner’s World Fri 1/4 8P Paramount Theatre, Aurora
Marc Cohn Wed&Thurs 1/9&10 8P City Winery
THEATER & COMEDY ----------------------------------------------
12th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival
Thurs- Sun, Jan 3-13, Stage 773 - 1225 W. Belmont Ave (Lakeview), $14-15 ($150 pass for all shows)
Start the New Year off on a hilarious note by snagging tickets to the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, which is the largest sketch festival in the world. There are 169 shows taking place over 8 days, so you'll have to pick and choose which ones to see. The fest is in its 12th year and features local, national and international sketch comedy groups. www.chicagosketchfest.com
Sandra Bernhard: I Love Being Me, Don't You?
Fri & Sat, Jan 4-5, 8P, City Winery 1200 W Randolph St Chicago, $45-65
War Horse
Now thru Jan 5, Cadillac Palace Theatre (next door to the Hotel Allegro), $27-87
The Tony Award-winning play finally comes to Chicago. Set during World War I, watch the story of a boy and his horse reunite in the middle of war. www.broadwayinchicago.com
The Book of Mormon
Now thru June, Bank of America Theatre (formerly the Shubert Theatre), $45-115
Try to snag tickets to one of the best new musicals in years! Written by the creators of South Park, you'll laugh a lot at this Tony Award-winning play. Nine 2011 Tony Awards® say it's the Best Musical of the Year. Vogue says, "It's the best musical of the last 25 years." And The New York Times says, "It's the best musical of this century." It's THE BOOK OF MORMON, the Broadway phenomenon from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Avenue Q co-creator Robert Lopez. www.broadwayinchicago.com
I Love Lucy® Live On Stage
Now thru Mar 3, Broadway Playhouse @ Water Tower Place (formerly Drury Lane Theatre), $35-85
I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE, the brand new hit musical stage show adapted from the longest-running and most beloved television program in history, starring Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel: America's favorite foursome, is coming to Chicago for the very first time! Imagine stepping back in time and into the Desilu Playhouse soundstage! It's 1952 and you are a member of the studio audience awaiting the filming of two hilarious and oh so familiar "I Love Lucy" episodes. The Crystaltone Singers perform live advertising jingles of the show's newest sponsors in perfect 50s style harmony. Can you say 'Brylcreem'?! www.broadwayinchicago.com
Potted Potter
EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND thru 1/6/2012 at The Harris Theatre @ Millennium Park, $40-85
A Critic's Pick by the New York Times, New York Magazine and Time Out London, Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience — A Parody by Dan and Jeff, won the prestigious 2012 Olivier Award nomination for Best Entertainment & Family Show; playing to sold-out houses worldwide. Written and performed by former BBC Television hosts Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, the play takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing, or "potting", all seven Harry Potter books into 70 madcap minutes, aided only by multiple costume changes, brilliant songs, ridiculous props and a generous helping of Hogwarts magic. The show also invites audiences to engage with a real life game of Quidditch, but according to Clarkson and Turner's unique set of rules. www.broadwayinchicago.com
Cinderella
Now thru Jan 6, Broadway Playhouse @ Water Tower Place (formerly Drury Lane Theatre), Chicago, $16-22
The holidays have arrived, and with them the anticipated Royal Ball! Cinderella's cruel Stepmother and Stepsisters are plotting to win the heart of The Prince, but a spunky and barefoot servant girl may just become the belle of the ball. This swashbuckling Cinderella just needs a little help from her Fairy Godmother and one ratty Footman to find her happy ending. Emerald City's adaptation of this favorite fairy tale is a musical holiday wish come true. Cinderella is best suited for ages 3-10.
