New Year's Eve Hot Spots
by Katie MorellNew Year's Eve is right around the corner and with plenty of celebration options right here in Naperville, both kids and adults will have a blast ringing in 2010. Here are some places around town to welcome the new year:
Insider's tip: make sure to book early, these events fill up fast.
Hilton Lisle/Naperville
3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle
630.505.0900,
www.hilton.com
Celebrate in style at the Hilton's New Year's Eve Gala. Starting at 7:30 p.m., guests will enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a five-course dinner. After dinner, enjoy the open bar or jive to the sounds of The Michael Heaton Band until 1 a.m. Tickets: $299 per couple and include overnight accommodations.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
131 W. Jefferson Avenue, Naperville
630.717.0700,
www.loumalnatis.com
Bring the whole family along for a truly unique celebration. Geared specifically for kids with two seating times, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., diners will enjoy party favors and Disney characters making balloon animals. Each seating period will end with a New Year's Eve countdown, complete with flickering lights and a balloon drop.
"It's unique, it's fun and the kids feel very important," said Dawn Daw, general manager of the pizzeria.
The Comedy Shrine
22 E. Chicago Avenue, #205, Naperville
630.355.2844,
www.comedyshrine.com
Ring in 2010 with a night of laughs at The Comedy Shine. "Naperville's first and only comedy club" plans to start the festivities early with two family shows, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., suitable for children ages 6–16. These shows will end with a countdown, complete with party favors. Tickets: $10 for kids, $15 for adults.
Following the children's programs will be one holiday-themed show, 8 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., that is open for individuals 17 and older. Tickets: $25 per person.
The last show of the evening, running from 10:15 p.m. to midnight and reserved for 21-and-older guests, will be "no-holds-barred, anything goes comedy," says manager Emily Ganden. A countdown and champagne toast will round out the evening. Tickets: $30 per person.
DuPage Children's Museum
310 N. Washington Street, Naperville
630.637.8000
www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org
Families are welcome at the DuPage Children's Museum for the 8th annual Bubble Bash. Themed "All About Bubbles," the party will run from 9 a.m. to noon and feature the musical talents of Jeanie B! and The Jelly Beans and a performance by Geoff Atkins, known as the Bubble Man.
Children will also make hats and noise makers at the celebration to get ready for the New Year's countdown at noon (Mayor George Pradel is expected to make an appearance). Tickets: $15 for members, $20 for non-members.
Hotel Arista
2139 CityGate Lane, Naperville
630.579.4100,
www.hotelarista.com
Head over to Hotel Arista for some grown-up fun. The hotel's restaurants are pulling out all the stops, with SugarToad plating up a five-course dinner and CityGate Grille offering a four-course meal, both starting at 8:30 p.m. After dinner, CityGate Grille will transform into a full-blown party, complete with an open bar, live band, balloon drop, and champagne toast.
Tickets for the party and dinner at SugarToad cost $339 per couple. Tickets for the party and dinner at CityGate Grille cost $319 per couple. Both packages include accommodations.
Shinto Japanese Steakhouse, Sushi Bar & Lounge
1778 N. Aurora Road, Naperville
630.637.8899,
www.shintoexperience.com
Located near the intersection of Aurora Road and Route 59, Shinto will celebrate by featuring a special menu as well as complimentary hors d'oeuvres and champagne. Visitors will dance the night away, with a rock ‘n roll band playing from 8 p.m to 11 p.m. and a DJ spinning house and dance beats from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.
La Sorella Di Francesca
18 W. Jefferson Avenue, Naperville
630.961.2706,
www.miafrancesca.com
Situated in the old city hall building, La Sorella Di Francesca is a great place for an intimate couple' s dinner or group gathering. Specializing in Roman cuisine and featuring an extensive wine list, the restaurant will offer specials as well as a midnight countdown with complimentary champagne and party favors.
