Where To Celebrate New Year's Eve In Oswego

OSWEGO, IL — A new year is right around the corner, and as Oswego residents are gearing up with resolutions and goals for 2022, several businesses are preparing for New Year's Eve festivities.

Several venues, restaurants and bars will host special celebrations — some include musical performances, while others include interesting tasting menus.

With COVID-19 on the rise thanks to the omicron variant, plans have the possibility to change, so guests are encouraged to call in advance or keep track of social media for last-minute updates.

Tap House Grill, 123 W. Washington St. in Oswego

Trying to figure out New Year's Eve plans with the kiddos? Tap House Grill is hosting an NYE party for kids, who will get to indulge in a buffet, balloon drop and sparkling grape juice toast for $16.99 a person. The event starts at 3 p.m., and each ticket also comes with noisemakers to aid celebrations.

Multiple seating options are available, and reservations are required. To book a table, call 630-383-2020.

Fox River Naturals, 52 N. Adams St. in Oswego

The outdoor nature center is hosting a "super cool after dark" celebration on New Year's Eve. Starting at 5 p.m., guests will be able to enjoy snacks, a sparking cider toast and balloon drop to ring in the new year "dedicated to balance and happiness," organizers said on Facebook.

RSVPs, with tickets costing $35, can be made here.

New Year’s Day Hike, Hoover Forest Preserve in Yorkville

After cancellation in 2020 due to the pandemic, nature lovers and people who want to help the community can once again join in a New Year’s Day hike at Hoover Forest Preserve, 11285 Fox Road.

Hikers can gather at 10:30 a.m. for a hike to start half an hour later. People should bring three cans of soup as admission: one will be to eat after the hike, while the other two will be donated to the Kendall County Community Food Pantry.

Grays Mill Estate, 211 N. River St. in Montgomery

Interested in a special dinner and all-night entertainment featuring Libido Funk Circus? The historic Grays Mill Estate is hosting a night to remember on Friday.

The party will begin in the Foundry Hall, where dinner will be served and smooth jazz by Dave Eno will be played. From there, guests can dance at Danny Boy's and hear performances from the Tim Gleason duo.

On the menu for the evening will be a caesar salad, teriyaki salmon, peppercorn beef tenderloin and seafood linguine.

A $25 fee will be required, and it includes reserved seating, party favors and a champagne toast.

Ballydoyle Pub, 28 W. New York St. in Aurora

If ringing in the new year with a breakfast buffet is a dream of yours, Ballydoyle's New Year's Eve party is ready to make that come true.

Naperville-based rock outfit This End Up will be performing on the last day of the year. The show starts at 9 p.m. and doors open at 7 p.m., but guests are encouraged to come early for cocktails and appetizers at the pub, which opens in the afternoon. Party favors, decorations, a champagne toast and a late-night breakfast buffet are included in the cost of a ticket.

Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets, which cost $25, can be purchased here.

The Riverfront Playhouse, 11 S. Water St. in Aurora

For people who may already have evening plans for New Year's Eve or would prefer to spend a quiet night at home, The Riverfront Playhouse's afternoon event is fitting.

From 3 p.m. to about 6:30 p.m., The Playhouse will serve as the site of a small carnival sideshow of music, art and dance on New Year's Eve. Guests will be able to enjoy performances from Cora Vasseur, The Heels, The League of Erics and Magnolia Dance Troupe.

Several artists will be around displaying and selling their work, and Annie Hex will be doing tarot readings in the lobby.

Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased at the door, with proceeds going toward The Playhouse.

Plainfield Lanes, 15610 S. Joliet Road in Plainfield

A New Year's Eve celebration bowling could be one for the books. On the last day of the year, party packages include unlimited bowling for up to five players per lane, shoe rental and party favors. The bowling alley will also have guests covered as the package also includes a large pizza and pitcher of soda.

The party has sold out in the last six years Plainfield Lanes hosted, so reservations online are required. Depending on when you visit, the cost per lane with a party package ranges from $129.95 to $199.95.

The Forge, 22 W. Cass St. in Joliet

Crowds will likely be ringing in the new year at The Forge, one of the only nightclubs in the area for people 18 and older. Five DJs playing hip hop, reggaeton and top hits will be providing the sounds for the event that costs $20 to attend.

Doors open at 10 p.m., and the party will last until 3 a.m. A dress code is in place requiring guests to wear no sweats and hoodies.
Tickets can be purchased here or at the door.

Know of an event happening on New Year's Eve that should be included in the round-up? Email emily.rosca@patch.com with details.