New Year’s Eve in Evanston: What You Need to Know

EVANSTON, IL - The signature event on New Year’s Eve in Evanston is First Night Evanston. One wristband gets you into all of the events that are part of the annual musical performances held at several venues in the city. Wristbands are $25 for adults through the day of the event and $30 at the door.

Where to get your wristband:

All three Whole Foods locations, the Morton Civic Center, all three public libraries and Bookends and Beginnings, 1712 Sherman Ave.

Performances:
Performances will take place at the First United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, Nichols Concert Hall at the Music Institute of Chicago and First Congregational Church.

Find a list of performers and a schedule of events here.

Children’s entertainment is planned from 1-4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

Find additional entertainment options for teenagers.

Transportation:

The Chicago Transit Authority and Pace Bus will provide free rides on all trains and buses from 10 p.m.on Saturday through 4 a.m. on Sunday. The Purple Line will also offer extended service.

Elsewhere on the North Shore:

The Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd. in Glenview will ring in the New Year with Times Square-inspired “midnight” celebrations at 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31.

Up in Highland Park, there will be a full open bar with an all-you-can-eat option at The Panda Bar, 596 Elm Place.

Send any other New Year's Eve plans on the North Shore to tim.moran@patch.com.