2013 is approaching and almost here! There are many happenings, events and festivities around town to ring in the New Year.

Make reservations early, plan smartly and be sure to make arrangements for transportation for late night travel to insure a fun and safe New Year’s Eve. Taxis are often at a premium between midnight and 3AM, and limousines book up early. Many restaurants offer early seatings at a reduced price and is a great way to avoid the crowds. There are also many family-friendly activities that take place throughout the day.  Don’t forget to tip your servers, bartenders and drivers—have a happy New Year!

NYE Naperville Events

The DuPage Children’s Museum hosts its 11th annual Bubble Bash New Year’s Eve concert and countdown to noon at 10:30AM Monday, Dec. 31, in North Central College’s Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. The event also celebrates the museum’s 25th anniversary. Tickets are $15/nonmembers, $10/members; call 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

4th Annual Kidz Kabaret New Years Eve Event & dinner theater production of “Footloose” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” Held at Chicago Marriott-Naperville on Diehl Rd., the package for $240 (plus tax) includes: Guest Room for 4, Prime Rib Dinner Buffet for 4 (including a children’s menu), 4 tickets to both shows (8 tickets in all), Live Music from 10:30PM – 1AM, and ”Countdown to Midnight” Activities, Reservations are required. For information call (630) 505-4900.

SugarToad at Hotel Arista, 2139 CityGate Lane located in CityGate Centre, will help revelers ring in 2012 with a special three-course menu for New Year’s Eve 6-11PM. Menu items include: foie gras terrine with cocoa nib, Maine lobster risotto, bone-in prime filet of beef and flourless chocolate torte with bittersweet chocolate ganache. The three-course meal is $75 or $100 with wine pairings. Their regular menu will also available. For reservations, call (630) 778-8623 or visit www.sugartoad.com.

Ring in the New Year at the Mansion! Meson Sabika offers a pair of seatings: 6PM and before: 9 tapas & 3 desserts is $39.95 pp and includes Champagne toast and complimentary children’s menu. 7PM and after: 12 tapas and 4 desserts is $49.95 pp and includes Champagne toast, party favors for the countdown and a children’s menu is available. Live Spanish flamenco dancer and guitarist performance to begin at 8PM. To make reservations call (630) 983-3000 x 2 or visit www.mesonsabika.com to view the full menu.

New Year’s Eve in Naperville from Thomas Hartmann on Vimeo.

Ringin’ in the New Year in downtown Naperville. Enjoy the final day of 2012 shopping, dining and celebrating downtown leading up to an early evening 6PM countdown to ring in the New Year at the base of the Moser Tower with the 72-bell carillon at Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk. Your day downtown includes roving merriment, scavenger hunts for prizes, sales and celebration. For more info visit www.downtownnaperville.com.

Then at 11:15PM, a traditional New Year’s Eve countdown is planned with Mayor George Pradel at Moser Tower with the MIllennium Carillon along the Riverwalk. Tim Sleep and Sue Bergren will play a program of carillon duets in the Viennese New Year’s tradition  just prior to the countdown. The 72-bell carillon will chime at midnight including a royal peal followed by music from the Royal Fireworks music by Handel to finish the program. The concert is open to the public and free of charge.

Happy 2013!

Celebrate New Year’s Eve Dublin time at Quigley’s! Families and friends are invited for the annual New Year’s Eve Celebration Dublin Time at 6PM at Quigley’s Irish Pub at 43 E. Jefferson St. in downtown Naperville. This family-friendly event filled with good cheer is a great way for folks to celebrate who don’t like to stay up until midnight CST to welcome in the New Year. Note also that the pub will close at 8PM on New Year’s Eve. It’s best to come early if you plan to find a table as this event attracts groups of revelers of all ages.

CityGate Grille, located in the Calamos Investments Building at I88 and Rt. 59, invites you to kick back and enjoy an evening of friends, fun and nothing stuffy at their New Year’s Eve Party! Enjoy appetizer buffet, open bar 8:30-12:30PM, and champagne toast at midnight! Live Music featuring Chicago Music Machine on the lower level. The cost is $85 per person. Dinner at the Grille, on the main level, will be from 5-11 PM featuring the regular menu. All diners that purchase a ticket to the party will receive a $30 gift card for their next visit. For reservations call (630) 718-1010 or visit www.citygategrille.com.