Great Ideas for Celebrating New Year's Eve in the 'Burbs

The Chicago suburbs has plenty of excellent options for entertainment, outdoor activities and family-friendly events that will make your New Year’s Eve a memorable one. Here are some options for doing just that:

• Zoo Year’s Eve at Brookfield Zoo: Rock in the “Zoo Year 2016” with your friends at Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St. in Brookfield. In the Holly Jolly Theater there will be live DJ music, games, party favors, prizes and an early countdown at 8 p.m. Also at the Hamill Family Play Zoo you can make your own noisemaker. This area is perfect for families with children ages 6 and under. This event is free with paid zoo admission.
• Elf at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire: Performances of Elf at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire, will run through New Year’s Eve. On Dec. 31, the showtimes are 1 and 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.
• Kohl’s Children Museum New Year’s Eve Bash: There will be two sessions of the New Year’s Eve Bash at the Kohl’s Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Boulevard in Glenview. A morning session will be from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and an afternoon session from 12:30 to 3 p.m.
• Frozemont in Rosemont: Families can enjoy ice skating on the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink at MB Financial Park, 5501 Park Place in Rosemont. Skating will be open from 11 a.m. through 1 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31. Ice skating is free with skate rentals available onsite for $8. There will be celebrations held at various venues, which includes special dinner packages, live music and champagne toasts. At midnight, there will be a fireworks display.
• Party Gras 2015 at Pheasant Run St. Charles: Pheasant Run in St. Charles will host a New Year’s Eve Celebration. The package includes overnight accomodations, banquet-style dinner with complimentary wine, live music with Hooked on Sonics and an open bar from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. There will be a countdown at midnight, balloon drop, party favors and midnight snack buffet. Prices start at $439 per night.
• Second City’s Holiday in the Heights at the Metropolis: The Metropolis, 111 W. Campbell St. in Arlington Heights, will hold a special New Year’s Eve performance of Second City’s Holiday in the Heights starting at 10 p.m. on Dec. 31. Tickets are $50 for and stage tables are $60 and will include a complimentary glass of champagne, party favors, a countdown and balloon drop. Tickets can be purchased online.
• Arcada Theatre New Year’s Eve Bash: The Arcada Theatre will host its New Year’s Eve bash, which will include entertainment from The Bronx Wanderers. There will be upscale appetizers, including slow-roasted prime rib sliders, bruschetta bar, Ron’s meatballs, Taylor Street sausage and peppers, cold shrimp cocktail and more. There will be an open bar, champagne toast at midnight and a dance floor. The cost is $125 per person and tickets can be purchased online.