UPDATE, Dec. 28, 2016 / Click here for 2016 Post of Festivities for New Year’s Eve
Naperville offers many family-and-kid-friendly activities in addition to dinner and dancing on New Year’s Eve 2014. The following are some of positive picks to hop and revel into the new year. Be sure to make reservations to avoid disappointment. And, don’t forget to tip your servers, bartenders and valets – 20 percent is customary.
Celebrate Safely! Area and state police departments will be adding extra patrols New Year’s Eve. Don’t forget to plan ahead for all your transportation needs. Taxis and limos will be at a premium.
DuPage Children’s Museum Bubble Bash 2014 / 9AM – noon / New Year’s Eve has taken on super-powered proportions at DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington Street. The annual Bubble Bash will power up and transform the Museum into an elite, superhero headquarters complete with action-packed activities, caped crusaders, and a mighty musical performance by Mr. Dave and his Super Hero Sidekicks! As always, the party will build to a spectacular conclusion with a countdown at Noon with local superhero Naperville Mayor A. George Pradel. Pre-registration is required. Call (630) 637-8000 ext 0 or register online by visiting DCM’s website. Early registration through 12/08: $15 Members/$20 Non-members; after 12/08: $20 Members/$25 Non-members. www.dupagechildrens.org.
NYE, Dublin time AT Quigley’s Irish Pub / 6PM / Quigley’s Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson in downtown Naperville, welcomes friends and neighbors to its annual family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration with a countdown beginning seconds before 6PM (Midnight Dublin Time). New Year’s Eve attire, silly hats and noise-making revelers are welcome. Live music is an added attraction during afternoon hours between lunch and dinner. Cirrus Falcon returns to Quigley’s stage from 3-7PM. Complimentary Champagne Toast with countdown at 6PM. Quigley’s Irish Pub will close by 8PM.
New Year’s Eve in downtown Naperville / noon / Enjoy the final day of 2014 shopping, dining and celebrating downtown from noon to 4PM. Celebrate safely all day with roving entertainment, scavenger hunt for prizes, trolley rides and special sales and a happy way to spend New Year’s Eve with family and friends. www.downtownnaperville.com.
Succulent seafood at Catch 35 / Catch 35 in downtown Naperville, 35 N. Washington St., will be serving seafood specialties including Nantucket Cape scallops and crab stuffed lobster tail. Reservations can be made beginning at 5PM by calling (630) 717-3500 or visiting www.catch35.com.
Dinner at the Mansion / Meson Sabika welcomes guests at two different seatings to celebrate on New Year’s Eve. 6PM and before features a sampling of 9 different tapas for $39.95 per person with complimentary children’s menu. Reservations after 7PM feature a sampling of 9 different tapas for $49.95 per person. Live Spanish Flamenco Dancer and Guitarist performance begin at 8PM. Party favors and Traditional Spanish Countdown with a Champagne Toast are included. To make reservations, call (630) 983-3000 x 2 or visit us at www.mesonsabika.com.
Countdown New Year’s Eve at the Carillon, first at 6PM, then midnight at Rotary Hill / Bundle up, sled all day (snow conditions permitting), then join friends and neighbors when the Naperville Park District hosts a free, family-friendly countdown to the New Year at the Millennium Carillon on Rotary Hill at 6PM and again at 12AM midnight. The Riverwalk Eatery will serve complimentary hot chocolate from 5-6PM while supplies last. For more info, visit www.naperville-carillon.org.
Celebrate in style at CityGate Grille / CityGate Grille will be hopping into the New Year with jazz sensation Funkshunal Groove. Enjoy dinner, cocktails and dancing. Reservations can be made by calling (630) 718-1010. CityGate Grille is located in the Calamos Investments building at I88 and Rt. 59. Special NYE rates and packages are available at Hotel Arista by calling (630) 579-4100.
Remember also that most Naperville restaurants offer take-out menus. Just give a call and ask. To check out a few of more than 250 local choices, visit www.dinenaperville.com.
Here’s to a happy, healthful 2015! Celebrate safely.
