It’s nearly time to say goodbye to 2022 and welcome 2023. Here are a half-dozen ways to have fun doing that.
Berwyn
“New Year’s Eve w/DeeOhGee”: 10 p.m. Dec. 31 at FitzGerald’s Sidebar, 6615 Roosevelt Road. Tickets: $25. 708-788-2118; fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.
The trio of Matthew Paige, Zack Murphy, and Dylan Whitlow will share their original hummable songs as they perform on a wide variety of instruments, including timpani, piano, banjo, and harmonium. The rock ‘n’ roll group formerly toured across the country and Europe under the name Blackfoot Gypsies. The name has been changed but the band keeps its original spirit with each member contributing songs. Dinner can be ordered before the show from Babygold Barbecue on the FitzGerald’s campus.
Brookfield
“Holiday Magic”: 3-9 p.m. Dec. 31 at Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St. or 3300 Golf Road. Tickets: $24.95 adults; $19.95 seniors; $17.95 ages 3-11; $15 parking. 708-688-8000; czs.org/HolidayMagic2022.
New Year’s Eve will be the last night this season to see Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival, which features over two million twinkling LED lights across the zoo. Advance reservations are required for South Gate entry but not at the North Gate.
Oak Brook
“New Year’s Eve at Puttshack”: 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m. slots Dec. 31 at Puttshack, 1828 Oakbrook Center. Tickets: $25 entry; $14 to play. 773-831-7888; puttshack.com/specials/nye.
The cover charge for this event includes DJ entertainment all night, a Champagne toast at midnight, party favors, and surprises. For $14 per person you can try one of the four tech-infused mini golf courses, with special New Year’s Eve prizes. Food and beverages will be available for purchase with a variety of global choices. Reservations must be made for tee times as well as the event, which is for adults only.
“2023 New Year’s Eve Party”: 7 p.m. or 9 p.m. Dec. 31 at Drake Oak Brook, 2301 York Road. Tickets: $109, $159, or $699. 630-571-0000; thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com/new-years-celebrations.htm.
Three packages are available. The Silver package features an open bar and dancing from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in two rooms with the live band Green Fourteen in one room and live DJs in the other. The package includes party favors, a midnight Champagne toast, and late night snacks.
The Gold package, with seatings at 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., includes a gourmet dinner buffet in addition to all the Silver package amenities.
The Platinum package for two adults includes all the Silver and Gold amenities plus an overnight stay in the hotel with in-room Champagne upon arrival, and a New Year’s Day brunch for two.
Oakbrook Terrace
“New Year’s Eve Dinner”: 6 p.m. or 9 p.m. Dec. 31 at Lucille at Drury Lane, 100 Drury Lane. Tickets: $80. 630-530-8300; lucillerestaurant.com/holiday-events.
A multicourse dinner will include unlimited Champagne, mimosas, bellinis, coffee, and hot tea. Diners will have lobster bisque or arugula salad, a choice of entree (10 oz. buffalo steak, pan-roasted heirloom chicken, Chilean sea bass, or filet medallions) with sides, and mini cakes for dessert. There will be live music until 1 a.m. For an additional price, you can see the Drury Lane Theatre production of “Elf the Musical” at 5 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.
Oak Park
“Eve of the Eve Wine, Dine, and Dance!”: 7-10 p.m. Dec. 30 at Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid Ave. Tickets: $130 residents; $150 nonresidents, for two adults. 708-725-2500; amilia.com/store/en/park-district-of-oak-park/shop/activities/3904735.
Get an early start on celebrating the New Year with dinner, wine, and dancing guided by Park District of Oak Park dance instructors as a DJ provides the music. The evening will have a speak-easy theme so participants are encouraged to dress to match the theme.
Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
