With a bit of planning, you can turn the last night of the year into the night of your dreams. As the third-largest city in America and the biggest in the State of Illinois, Chicago has it all: ice skating, fireworks from 2,000 feet above ground, Latin-American dancing, murder mystery, you name it. This world-class metropolis is the perfect place to put old times behind you.
Shows
Swing by Crystal Gardens, a one-acre, indoor botanical garden with 80 live palm trees and a dazzling view of the Chicago skyline. With its tropical atmosphere, hanging twinkle lights and leapfrog fountains, it's one of the most spectacular places to listen to music on new year's at Navy Pier. In tough times, laugh your way into the new year at Zanies. One of Chicago's most intimate comedy clubs, Zanies brings in top-notch stand-up performances from both skillful newbies and reputable headliners.
Bowling
Exercise brain cells, develop muscle tone and practice hand-to-eye coordination as you say "so long" to the old year and "hello" to the new. 10pin Bowling Lounge, Lincoln Square Lane and Lucky Strike Lanes are just a few of dozens of bowling alleys to offer New Year's packages with bowling, dance, snacks and cocktails. Let the new year loose with the sound of a strike!
Ice Skating
Sharpen your skates and start off the last night of the year ice skating at the open rink in Millennium Park. If you bring your own skates, it's free. Opening hours on New Year's are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. After working up a healthy appetite, head over to Vivere, Coco Pazzo Cafe or Trattoria No. 10, which are among the best Italian restaurants in Chicago and within easy walking distance of the rink.
Zoo Year's Eve
For a kid-friendly New Year's eve, take your family to Brookfield Zoo. The kids can blow off steam with music, games, prizes, magicians and ice carving. Have a ball making holiday crafts, riding endangered species carousels and sipping warm spiced wine or hot chocolate at Lincoln Park Zoo. Both events end several hours before midnight.
Dance the Night Away
Get down with your bad self at Latin Street Dancing's Studios. With one of the largest populations of Latinos in the nation, Chicago is the place to practice your salsa moves as you ring the new year in. Sign up for classes ahead of time to get invited to their salsa New Year's bash. After a Latin cuisine buffet with carne guisada, pernil and arrox con gandules, cut the new year loose with champagne, grapes and celebs of the Latin entertainment scene, and dance 'til you drop.
Fireworks
Watch fireworks 12,000 feet above the ground at John Hancock Observatory. The shooting colors are incredible at eye level. Look down on the street to gain perspective on your life, and make or break your New Year's resolution while you are on top of the world. For an luxurious evening, hop on board a cruise at Navy Pier and watch the blasting colors of fireworks reflect off the water of Lake Michigan. Most cruises offer packages that include dinner buffet, open bar, live music, party favors, champagne toast and boarding photo.
Murder Mystery Train
Catch the mystery train from Union Station in Chicago to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and back to Chicago. Solve the mystery while you feast on prime rib or a vegetarian dinner, cheesecake and champagne. Everyone is a suspect! After the detective's summation, dance the night away to a live band. Morning mystery breakfast is served before you roll in to Chicago.
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