Got plans for New Year’s Eve? We didn’t think so. With all the distractions and time demands of the holiday season, it’s understandable that you let slip a couple of responsibilities — like buying tickets or making reservations for New Year’s Eve.
So we did that for you.
Once again, Friday, The Section That Cares, has secured hard-to-find (and in some cases, impossible-to-find) tickets and reservations to myriad New Year’s Eve events.
To get them, just be the first caller or callers (some venues generously set aside multiple admissions) to one of the listed venues and identify yourself as a Friday reader (they’ll take your word for it), and you’ll be able to buy those tickets or claim that reservation.
Note the use of the word “buy.” This is a crucial point: These are not freebies (actually, one event is a freebie; look closely) or even discounts. These are full-fare, first-class admissions. The only advantage is that they are available, and generally at this late date, the pickings otherwise would be rather slim.
So when you call, have your credit card ready; in nearly all instances, full payment or a credit-card deposit is required up front. (These venues were nice enough to save us seats; the least we can do is ensure against no-shows.) Keep in mind also that unless specifically mentioned otherwise, prices are per person and do not include beverage, tax or gratuity.
I know lots of people are a bit bleary-eyed the day after Christmas, but aren’t you glad you opened the paper today?
Restaurants
– Adagio, 923 W. Weed St., is saving a table for four at its 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. seatings. Each seating will feature a four-course dinner; the 9 p.m. seating also will include champagne toast, party favors and entertainment. Cost is $75 at 6 p.m., $100 at 9 p.m.; there also is another party with buffet, open bar and dance music for $85. 312-787-0400.
– Ambria, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, is saving one table for its 6 p.m. seating and 1 table for its 9 p.m. seating. At 6 p.m., a six-course dinner will be featured for $95; at 9 p.m., a seven-course dinner will be featured for $125. 773-472-5959.
– America’s Brewpub, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora, is saving one table for four at its 5:30, 7:15 and 9:30 seatings. A four-course dinner, with split of champagne per couple, will be featured. Chicago Express begins playing at 9 p.m. Cost is $30 at the first seating, $45 at the last two seatings. 630-264-2739.
– Avanzare, 161 E. Huron St., is saving 10 tables between 5-7 p.m. Regular menu will be featured. 312-337-8056.
– Ben Pao, 52 W. Illinois St., is saving 3 tables for its 5-7 pm. seating and two tables for its 9-10 p.m. seatings. The first seating will feature a four-course dinner for $35; the second seating will feature four-course dinner, party favors, bottle of champagne and music by the Joan Hickey jazz quartet for $65. 312-222-1888.
– Bistro Pacific, 680 N. Lake Shore Dr., is holding one table for four. A seafood ($39.95) and beef/poultry ($33.95) menu will be offered. Seatings are at 6, 8 and 9:30 p.m. 312-397-1600.
– Bistrot Zinc, 3443 N. Southport Ave., is saving one table for two and one table for four. Featured will be a four-course dinner, with options in each course, plus a Laurent-Perrier champagne toast. Cost is $45. 773-281-3443.
– Brasserie Jo, 59 W. Hubbard St., is saving two tables for the 5 and 8:45 seatings. The first seating features a special a la carte menu; the second seating offers a six-course, $85 dinnner. Lynn Jordan and the Shrivers entertains. 312-595-0800.
– Brasserie T, 305 S. Happ Rd., Northfield, is holding one table for two. Three seatings will be offered at 5, 7 and 9 p.m. Two a la carte menus will be featured; entrees range from $18.95 to $28.95. Champagne toast included with the late seating. 847-446-0444.
– Brett’s, 2011 W. Roscoe St., has set aside one table for two and one table for four at the 9 p.m. seating, when the restaurant becomes Brett’s Cafe Americain, with Erwin Helfer on the piano and a six-course dinner for $75. 773-248-0999.
– Bub City Crabshack & Bar-B-Q, 901 W. Weed St., is holding five tables (for two to four people) for the 9 p.m. and later seatings of its All-Elvis New Year’s Eve Party. Elvis impersonators Rick Saucedo and Mark Hussman will perform. No cover charge for dinner guests; $10 charge for performance only. 312-266-1200.
– Burgundy Bistro, 3462 Vollmer Rd., Olympia Fields, is saving three tables (times to be determined). A special four-course menu, open bar and champagne toast will be featured; cost is $75. 708-747-5399.
– Cafe Lucci, 609 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview, is holding four reservations for its party in Club Lucci (private room). Four-course dinner, live dance music, open bar, midnight toast and party favors are featured. Cost is $70. 847-729-2268.
– Cafe Luciano, 871 N. Rush St., is holding a table for four. Five-course menu and musical entertainment will be featured, with a midnight countdown at each seating. Cost is $45. Seatings are at 5:30, 7 and 10 p.m. 312-266-1414.
– Cafe Matou, 1846 N. Milwaukee Ave., is saving a table for four. Featured will be two prix-fixe menus; a $35 three-course menu will be served before 9 p.m., and a $45 four-course menu will be served after that. Both dinners include wine. 773-384-8911.
– Cafe Salsa, 412 Northwest Hwy., Fox River Grove, is holding two tables for four at the 9 p.m. Grand Gala seating. Three seatings will be offered: a 5:30 p.m. seating with a la carte menu, a 6:30 p.m. seating with a a $30 three-course dinner, and a Grand Gala seating at 9 p.m. with a $62 six-course dinner. Live music, dancing and party favors included. 847-516-4441
– Coco Pazzo, 300 W. Hubbard St., is holding a table for two at its 5:30-7 p.m. and 8 p.m.-11 p.m. seatings. A la carte menu will be featured; entree prices $18 to $38. 312-836-0900.
– Coco Pazzo Cafe, 636 N. St. Clair St., is holding a table for two at its 5:30-7 p.m. and 8 p.m.-close seatings. A la carte menu and special degustazione menu will be featured. 312-664-2777.
– Con Fusion, 1616 N. Damen Ave., is saving a table for two and a table for four. A four-course menu will be featured; seatings are at 5:30-7 p.m. ($75), 7:30-9 p.m. ($75) and 9:30 p.m.-midnight ($85). 773-772-7100.
– Crofton on Wells, 535 N. Wells St., is holding one table for two at 7:30 p.m. A special a la carte menu, incorporating luxury ingredients such as caviar, truffles and foie gras, will be featured; entrees range from $18 to $24. 312-755-1790.
– Cucina Roma, St. James Plaza, Westmont, and Iroquois Center, Naperville, are saving tables for four at both locations. Five-course menu will be featured, with a midnight countdown at each seating. Cost is $35. Seatings are at 5:30, 7 and 10 p.m. 312-266-1414.
– Erwin, 2925 N. Halsted St., is saving a table for several seatings. A three-course dinner will be featured for $50; a wine flight of three 3-ounce tastings of sparkling wines is $15. 773-528-7200.
– Everest, 440 S. LaSalle St., is saving one table for four at 5:30 p.m., one table for two at 6:30 p.m., and a table for two and a table for six at 9 p.m.. Early seatings feature a four-course menu for $75; the 9 p.m. seatings feature a six-course menu for $175. The jazz group Metizo will entertain. 312-663-8920.
– Flat Top Grill, 319 W. North Ave., and 707 Church St., Evanston, is holding a table for four at each location. Regular menu will be available. 312-787-7676 or 847-570-0100.
– Fly Me To The Moon, 3400 N. Clark St., is holding one table for four (time to be determined). A la carte menu with live jazz will be featured. 773-528-4033.
– Frontera Grill, 445 N. Clark St., is saving a table for two and a table for four. Featured will be a prix-fixe dinner that includes several appetizers, choice of entree and dessert for $55. 312-661-1434.
– Gordon, 500 N. Clark St., is saving one table for two and one table for four. There will be three seatings. The 5:30-7 p.m. seating features a three-course dinner for $45; the 7:30-9 p.m. seating features a four-course dinner for $75. The last seating, 9:30 p.m.-midnight, features a five-course dinner, dancing, entertainment and a colossal balloon drop at midnight for $150; a kilted Gordon Sinclair will once again warble “The Night I Invented Champagne.” 312-467-9780.
– Grapes, 733 N. Wells St., is holding one table for four. A three-course menu Mediterranean specialties will be featured. Cost is $35. 312-943-4500.
– Graziano’s Brick Oven Pizza, 5960 Touhy Ave., Niles, is holding four tables of four. Featured will be a family-style dinner for $16.95 ($6.95 under 12) and children’s entertainment. 847-647-4096.
– The Greenery, 117 North Ave., Barrington, is saving a table for four at its 8:30 p.m. seating. Featured will be a five-course degustation menu for $49.95; party favors and champagne toast included. 847-381-9000.
– Harvest on Huron, 217 W. Huron St., is holding one table for two. Special a la carte menu will be featured. 312-587-9600.
– Hat Dance, 325 W. Huron St., is holding two tables at its 5:30, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. seatings. Regular menu with specials will be featured; champagne toast at midnight. 312-649-0066.
– Heaven on Seven on Rush, 600 N. Rush St., is saving two tables to its 7 and 9:30 p.m. seatings. At the first seating, a five-course dinner will be $50; the second seating will feature a seven-course dinner, with party favors and champagne toast, for $75.
– Iron Mike’s Grille, Tremont Hotel, 100 E. Chestnut St., is holding a table for four at 7:30 p.m. in the cigar bar. Regular a la carte menu will be featured. From 9 p.m. on, a four-course menu with open bar and champagne toast will be $89. 312-587-8989.
– The Italian Village Restaurants, 71 W. Monroe St., will offer special a la carte menus at each of its three restaurants (Cantina, The Village, Vivere) and is saving a table for two and a table for four at each. 312-332-7005.
– Jaipur Palace, 22 E. Hubbard St., is saving a table for four at its 6:30-7 p.m. seating and a table for four at its 7:30-8 p.m. seating. A multi-course Indian buffet, with split of champagne and two glasses of beer or wine will be featured. Cost is $29.95. 312-595-0911.
– Las Bellas Artes, 112 W. Park Ave., Elmhurst, is holding one table for two. Special a la carte menu will be featured. Seatings are at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. 630-530-7725.
– Lino’s, 22 W. Ontario, is saving one table. Regular menu will be featured, plus special packages, including the President’s dinner. 312-266-0616.
– Mango, 712 N. Clark St., is holding one table for four. A five-course menu, every course featuring mangoes, will be featured. Cost is $40. 312-337-5440.
– Mantuano Mediterranean Table, NBC Tower, 455 N. Cityfront Plaza Dr., is holding a table for two and a table for four. Featured is a five-course dinner, dancing to music by Brazil! Brazil! and overnight accommodations at the Sheraton Hotel. Cost is $299 per couple. 312-832-2600.
– Marche, 833 W. Randolph St., is saving a table for two and a table for four. At the 6-7 p.m. seating, a four-course dinner will be featured for $55; at the 9-10 p.m. seating, a four-course dinner will be $75. 312-226-8399.
– Meritage, 2118 N. Damen St., is saving a table for 4 to 6 people at its 6:30 and 9 p.m. seatings. Featured will be a five-course menu with a split of Veuve Clicquot champagne per couple. Cost is $75 for early seating, $90 late. 773-235-6434.
– Monastero’s Ristorante & Banquets, 3935 W. Devon Ave., is holding two tables for the early seatings and one table for four for the late seating. At the early seatings, anytime from 4 to 8 p.m., a four-course dinner with entertainment and dancing; prices range from $18 to $25, depending on entree. At the 10 p.m. late seating (10:30 for parties of 5 or more), a four-course menu with entertainment, dancing, party favors and champagne toast is $37.50. 773-588-2515.
– Narcisse Champagne Salon & Caviar Bar, 710 N. Clark St., is saving a table for four. Regular menu will be featured. 312-787-2675.
– Papagus Greek Taverna, 620 N. State St., is saving 10 tables for its 9:30 p.m. seating. A five-course dinner with music by Orchestra OPA, party favors and champagne toast will be featured for $55; early seatings (up to 7:15 p.m.) will feature the regular menu. 312-642-8450.
– Park Avenue Cafe, 199 E. Walton Pl., is holding a table for two at its 5, 7 and 9 p.m. seatings. Regular menu will be featured. 312-944-4414.
– Pegasus, 130 S. Halsted St., is saving a table for four at each of its 5, 7 and 9:30 p.m. seatings. Regular menu will be featured; party favors and champagne toast at the last seating. 312-226-3377.
– Pops for Champagne, 2934 N. Sheffield Ave., is holding one table for two for the 6-10 p.m. dinner show featuring four-course dinner and music by the Von Freeman Quartet. Cost is $65. 773-472-1000.
– Provence, 64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, is holding two tables for two at its 8 p.m. seating. From 6-7:30 p.m., a four-course menu will be featured for $35; from 8 p.m. on, a 10-course menu will be featured for $55. 847-501-5505.
– The Pump Room, Omni Ambassador East, 1301 N. State Pkwy., is saving two tables for its 5 p.m. seating. A four-course dinner (to be determined) will be featured. 312-266-0360
– Rhapsody, Symphony Center, 65 E. Adams St., is saving a table for two and a table for four at its 6:30 and 9 p.m. seatings. An a la carte and prix-fixe menu will be featured at the early seating; a prix-fixe menu (to be determined) will be featured at the late seating. 312-786-9911.
– Rhumba, 3631 N. Halsted St., is holding two tables for four at its 5-6 p.m. seating. A special a la carte menu, plus entertainment by Delilah Bouvier, aka Carmen Miranda, will be featured. 773-975-2345.
– Riva, Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave., is saving one table. Featured will be a four-course menu for $65. 312-644-7482.
– Salpicon!, 1252 N. Wells St., is saving a table for two and a table for four. Featured will be a five-course regional-Mexican cuisine; there will be party favors and champagne at midnight. Seatings are at 5:30-6 p.m. ($45), 7:30-8 p.m. ($45) and 9:30-10 p.m. ($55). 312-988-7811.
– Shaw’s Crab House, 21 E. Hubbard St., is saving one table at its 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. seatings. Regular a la carte menu with seasonal specials will be featured; live entertainment ($10 entertainment charge per person) begins at 6 p.m. 312-527-2722.
– The Signature Room at the 95th, John Hancock Center, 875 N. Michigan Ave., is reserving two tables for four at the first and second seating on New Year’s Eve. The first seating, beginning at 5 p.m., includes four-course dinner with entertainment by the Bill Peterson Trio; cost is $75. The second seating, beginning at 9 pm., includes dinner, dessert buffet and dancing to Franz Benteler and the Royal Strings; cost is $150. 312-787-9596.
– Spago, 520 N. Dearborn St., is saving one table for two at its 9, 9:30 and 10 p.m. seatings. A four-course menu, with live entertainment and dancing and a champagne toast will be featured. Cost is $120. (At early seatings, 5-6:30 p.m., an $80 four-course menu will be featured.) 312-527-3700.
– Spruce, 238 E. Ontario St., is holding one table for two and one table for four on New Year’s Eve; guests can reserve their table for the entire evening. Featured is a seven course dinner, including wines with each course and a champagne toast at midnight. A jazz quartet with dancing also is featured. Cost is $150, inclusive. 312-642-3757.
– Starfish, 1856 W. North Ave., is saving a table for two and a table for four at its early and late seatings. A five-course menu, split of Veuve Clicquot NV champagne per couple and music by the Thomas Gunther Jazz Trio are featured. Early seatings (6, 6:30, 7 p..) are $65; late seatings (8:30, 9, 9:30 p.m.) are $80. 773-395-3474.
– Szechwan East, 340 E. Ohio St., is holding four tables for two and four tables for four for its 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. seatings. A 30-item Chinese buffet with glass of champagne is featured for $19.98. Call 312-255-9200 and ask for Alfred.
– Topolobampo, 445 N. Clark St., is holding a table for two and a table for four. A five-course degustation dinner will be featured for $75. 312-661-1434.
– Toulouse on the Park, 2140 N. Lincoln Park West, is saving two tables for four (times to be determined). A special four-course menu, plus entertainment by Kari Howard and Bob Moreen, will be featured. Cost is $75 for the 7 p.m. seating, $100 for the 9 p.m. seating. 773-665-9071.
– Trattoria No. 10, 10 N. Dearborn St., is holding a table for four at 8 p.m. A four-course dinner with glass of champagne will be featured. Cost is $42.95 (a la carte dinner also available). 312-984-1718.
– Tucci Milan, 6 W. Hubbard St., is saving two tables for its 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. seatings. Regular menu, will be featured along with specials. 312-222-0044.
– Un Grand Cafe, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, is saving one table for its 6 p.m. seating and one table for its 9 p.m. seating. At 6 p.m., a six-course menu will be featured for $45; at 9 p.m., a seven-course dinner will be $65. 773-348-8886.
– Vivo, 838 W. Randolph St., is saving a table for two and a table for four. A seasonal a la carte Italian menu will be offered. Seatings are at 5:30-6:30 p.m. and 8:30-9:30 p.m. 312-733-3379.
– Whitehall Place, Whitehall Hotel, 105 E. Delaware Pl., is holding several tables. An a la carte menu will be featured, with live music, from 5:30 -11 p.m. Entrees range from $18-$27. 312-573-6300.
– Wildfire, 159 W. Erie St., is saving one table each hour between 5-11 p.m. Regular menu will be featured; champagne toast at midnight. 312-787-9000.
– Zinfandel, 59 W. Grand Ave., is saving a table for four. At the 6 p.m. seating, a four-course dinner with wine is $75; at the 9 p.m. seating, a five-course dinner with wines is $100. Some reservations accepted for the regular menu as well. 312-527-1818.
Theater
– American Theater Company is holding 30 tickets to the 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve performance of “Scapin.” Performance will be followed by a reception and champagne toast. Tickets, including reception, are $35. 773-929-1031.
– The Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., is holding four tickets to the 5:30 and 9:30 p.m. performances of “Buddy. . .The Buddy Holly Story.” Ticket prices are $55 (early) and $65 (late); champagne toast accompanies both performances. 773-935-6100.
– The Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., is saving two Deluxe Gala packages for the 8 p.m. concert by Mandy Patinkin. Included is main-floor ticket, dinner, dancing and champagne reception following the concert. Cost is $250; tickets must be claimed in person at the box office.
– The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is saving a pair of main-floor tickets to the 9 p.m. performance featuring Marvin Hamlisch at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave.. Tickets, $195, include champagne toast at intermission and admission to the post-performance party. 312-294-3000.
– The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., is holding five pairs of main-floor tickets to the 7:30 p.m. performance of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” $85 includes ticket, souvenir watch, champagne toast and dessert with costumed cast members following performance.
– The Organic Touchstone Company, 2851 N. Halsted St., is holding two pairs of tickets to the 9 p.m. performance of “After-Play.” Tickets, $40, include champagne toast. Must claim tickets in person at the box office.
– The Royal George Cabaret Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted St., is holding two pairs of tickets for the 7 and 10 p.m. performances of “Forever Plaid.” $60 ticket price includes champagne toast and party favors. Must claim tickets in person at the box office.
– The Shubert Theatre, 22 W. Monroe St., is holding a pair of main-floor tickets to the 7:30 p.m. performance of “Rent.” Tickets, $70, must be claimed in person at the box office.
Hotels
– The Fairmont Hotel, 200 N. Columbus Dr., is holding two reservations to its three New Year’s Parties. At the Ballroom, The Mighty Blue Kings perform; $85 includes open bar and party favors. In Moulin Rouge Showroom, Nick Colionne and Rare Form play; $125 includes four-course dinner, open bar and party favors. And in the Metropole Room, Spider Saloff Quartet will entertain; $50 includes cover and party favors. Overnight stay in the hotel is $159 additional. To get the set-aside tickets, call 312-565-6665 after 9 a.m.
– The Hyatt on Printer’s Row, 500 S. Dearborn St., is saving one RENT Theatre Package for two. Package includes overnight accommodations, champagne and strawberries in the room and two tickets to the musical “Rent” (dinner at Prairie restaurant optional). Cost is $250 per couple. 312-344-4920.
– The Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Dr., is saving one VIP package for two to its New Year’s Eve celebration. Package includes Regency Club Level accommodations, champagne in room, dinner for two at Stetsons Steak House, admission to all three hotel parties, two drink coupons, party favors and breakfast for two. Cost is $549 per couple. 312-616-1988.
– Hyatt Regency Oak Brook, 1909 Spring Rd., Oak Brook, is saving one Italian Festiva Package. Included are overnight accommodations for two, champagne in the room, five-course dinner in Anthony’s Italian Chop House, admission to two parties, six-hour open bar, champagne toast, balloon drop and party favors, and New Year’s Day brunch. Cost is $365 per couple, tax and tip included. 630-472-6009.
– Hyatt Regency O’Hare, 9300 W. Bryn Mawr, Rosemont, is holding one Celebration Package, which includes overnight accommodations for two, admission to three parties, four drink tickets, party favors and balloon drop. Cost is $219 per couple. 773-380-4941.
– Indian Lakes Resort, 250 W. Schick Rd., Bloomingdale, is holding more than 20 New Year’s Eve packages. The Gala Ballroom package, $319 per couple, includes overnight stay, dinner, six-hour open bar, live entertainment, champagne toast, balloon drop and party favors, and New Year’s Day brunch. The Gala Ballroom dinner-only package is $199. The Sedona Grille Package, $260 per couple, includes room, five-course dinner, drink coupons, DJ entertainment, champagne toast, party favors and New Year’s Day brunch. The Sedona Grille dinner-only package is $125 per couple. All prices included tax and gratuities. 630-529-0200.
– Indian Oak Resort & Spa, 558 Indian Boundary Rd., Chesterton, Ind., is saving two New Year’s Eve Rockin’ 50s packages. Included are overnight stay for two, two admissions to the Rockin’ 50s Celebration with dinner, DJ music, fireworks, champagne toast and continental breakfast. Cost is $15.48 per person, double occupancy. 219-926-2200.
– Nordic Hills Resort, 1401 Nordic Rd., Itasca, is saving more than 10 admissions to each of its three packages. The Gala Holiday package, $319 per couple, includes overnight stay, hors d’oeuvre reception, five-course dinner, six-hour open bar, live entertainment, party favors, champagne toast, continental breakfast and New Year’s Day brunch. The Uptown Holiday package, $345 per couple, includes overnight stay, dinner in Montclair Chop House, open bar, live music, champagne toast, continental breakfast and New Year’s Day brunch. The International Holiday package, $245 per couple, includes dinner and celebration in Montclair Chop House. All prices include tax and gratuities. 630-773-2750.
– Oak Brook Hills Hotel and Resort, 3500 Midwest Rd., Westmont, is saving five reservations for each of its two New Year’s Eve packages. The Grand Ballroom package includes open bar, five-course dinner, dance music by the Dave Simone Orchestra, champagne toast and a balloon drop; cost is $199 per couple. The Family Beach Party includes buffet dinner, plus dancing and music for the adults and electronic games and swimming for the kids. Cost is $41 adults, $25 children 3-12. Special overnight rates available with packages. 630-850-5555.
Other
– Big Creek Productions has set aside a number of tickets to the 93XRT New Year’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Ball on Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave. Music by Abra Moore, World Party and The Smithereens, two fireworks shows and cash food and drink bars are featured. The set-aside tickets are $54 (including tickets good for three or four food and drink selections) and must be picked up between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 445 N. Michigan Ave. Cash only. Call ahead 312-502-7710 to check availability.
– Also on Navy Pier, 20 tickets are being saved to Crystal Countdown ’98, a party by Phil Stefani Restaurants in the Crystal Garden Room of Navy Pier. Elaborate buffet, open bar, party favors and champagne toast and music by Orchestra 33 are featured; a midnight countdown on the Ferris Wheel will be followed by fireworks along the pier. Cost is $75; overnight stay at the nearby Sheraton Hotel (including free shuttle service) is $179 per room. 312-595-5441.
– America’s Brewpub, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora, is saving 10 tickets to its Dinner with the King, an interactive, 70s-themed (guests should wear 70s outfits) theater party. Tickets, $125, include dinner, show, dancing and open bar. 630-264-2739.
– Drink, 702 W. Fulton St., is holding 10 tickets to its New Year’s Eve bash, from 7 p.m.-5 a.m. Featured will be music by the Afrodisiacs, hors d’oeuvre, party favors and champagne toast. Tickets $50 advance; $75 door. 312-733-7800.
– Ten tickets are being held for the LesBiGay Radio New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at the Athenaeum Theater, 2936 N. Southport Ave. Featured performers are Lea Delaria, The Vanessa Davis Band and Valerie James; hors d’oeuvre, cash bar and designated nonsmoking and nondrinking areas. Tickets are $65; the set-aside tickets must be picked up in person at the Athenaeum box office, which opens at 1 p.m.
– The John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr., is holding 4 free tickets for its “Kiddie New Year” event from 3-6 p.m. New Year’s Eve. Included will be a scavenger hunt, dance party, games, singalongs, crafts and photo opportunities. Tickets are $25 adults, $21 ages 3 and older, but four free tickets await one lucky caller. Call 312-986-2300.
– There are 10 tickets being saved for the sixth annual Union Station Extravaganza, 210 S. Canal St., which runs 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvre and dessert, plus live music by Nick Moss and the Flip Tops are featured. Cost is $85. 312-280-8239.
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On the Internet: You’ll find a comprehensive listing of other New Year’s Eve events at Metromix.com
