It’s nearly time to say goodbye to 2022 and welcome 2023. Here are a half-dozen ways to have fun doing that.
Arlington Heights
2023 New Year’s: 7 p.m. Dec. 31-2 a.m. Jan. 1, 2023, at Chez Hotel, 519 W. Algonquin Road. Tickets: $140 per person. 847-437-5590; chezhotel.com/open-house.
The seven-hour event will include a five course dinner with an entree of filet mignon and chicken, an open bar all night, a Champagne toast at midnight, and a midnight buffet. Live entertainment will be provided by the Marszalek Band and a DJ.
“The Second City’s Jingle Bell Ruckus”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St. Tickets: $50. 847-577-2121; metropolisarts.com/event/the-second-citys-jingle-bell-ruckus.
Six performers from The Second City present seasonal satire that addresses everything from holiday film classics to family gatherings, beloved Christmas carols, and winter. This fast-paced original comedy revue involves the audience and includes improvisation in addition to comedy sketches. The cast includes Tim Metzler, Javid Iqbal, Bill Letz, Yazmin Ramos, Maureen Boughey, and Jenelle Cheyne. There will be a Champagne toast.
Barrington
Noon Year’s Eve Ball: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at Fitness and Recreation Center, 235 Lyons Drive. Tickets: $10 residents; $12 nonresidents; parents free. 847-381-0687; barringtonparkdistrict.org/event/noon-years-eve-ball.
If you’re not a night owl or want to share the end of year celebration with your kids, this is the event for you. There will be dancing to music provided by a DJ, holiday snacks, a festive craft project and a Noon Year’s Eve toast after a countdown to the Noon Year.
Des Plaines
I Am King: The Michael Jackson Experience: 8 p.m. Dec. 31 at Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St. Tickets: $49. 224-354-2333; desplainestheatre.com.
The gala New Year’s Eve celebration features the top nationally-touring Michael Jackson tribute band starring Michael Firestone, who captures the look, vocals, and dance moves of the late icon. The group performs at 9 p.m., preceded at 8 p.m. and followed at 11 p.m. by Chicago’s Own Piano Man Band, which pays tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John.
The dance floor will be open and there will be three cash bars plus food available for sale. There will be a balloon drop at midnight and continuous entertainment until 12:30 a.m.
Libertyville
New Year’s Eve Party with Ivy Ford Band: 9:30 p.m. Dec. 31-1 a.m. Jan. 1, 2023, at Mickey Finn’s Brewery, 345 N. Milwaukee Ave. Tickets: $15 admission. 847-362-6688; mickeyfinnsbrewery.com/live-music-december-2022.
Just back from touring in France, international artist Ivy Ford will demonstrate her versatility during her band’s annual New Year’s Eve concert at Mickey Finn’s Brewery. Ford, a writer/producer who has released three albums of original music, plays piano, guitar, bass, drums, and saxophone, as well as singing.
Lincolnshire
“A Christmas Story The Musical”: 4 and 8 p.m. Dec. 31 and 1 p.m. Jan. 1, 2023, at Marriott Theatre, Ten Marriott Drive. Tickets: $60. 847-634-0200; marriotttheatre.com.
You have two more chances to enjoy the holiday magic of “A Christmas Story The Musical” at Marriott Theatre. Set in 1940s Indiana, and based on the beloved film, it tells the story of Ralphie Parker’s attempt to convince his parents that he deserves a Red Ryder Air Rifle, even though they are fairly certain that he will shoot his eye out with the weapon.
After the Saturday evening performance, you can continue the holiday celebration in Wright’s Brew and Bistro in the same building, which is open until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve.
Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
