Skokie New Year's Eve Events: 2021 Guide

SKOKIE, IL — Where do you plan to ring in 2022? From extravagant galas to live music to cozy cocktail parties, there’s something for everyone in and around Skokie this New Year’s Eve.

Amid a surge in COVID-19 infections due to the fast-spreading omicron variant, some celebrations may be going virtual again even as 205 million Americans are fully vaccinated and more than 67 million have received booster doses — something health officials say is critical to protect yourself and others around you from the virus.

Still, there are likely to be more in-person celebrations this year, and if you’re among those hoping to get out this New Year’s Eve, here’s a sampling of events happening in or near Skokie.

Noon Year's Eve
From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, a family-friendly event is planned with dancing, games, crafts, prizes and a countdown and balloon drop at noon at the Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St. Tickets are $4 per adults and $18 per children at the Skokie Park District event.

Happy Brew Year
Sketchbook Brewing Company is hosting its first-ever New Year's Eve celebration in Skokie at its 3901 Main St. taproom from 8 p.m. Friday until 1 a.m. Saturday. The event is set to feature a DJ, dancing and the Soul & Smoke food truck. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Proof of vaccination is required and no outside food or drinks are permitted.

Let It Shine Lightshow
Tickets are $40 per vehicle to drive through the holiday light shows operating at the Northbrook Court Mall and Wintrust Field in Schaumburg, which are set to continue through Jan. 9.

NYE 2022
Good to Go Jamaican Cuisine and Event Space is hosting a celebration with a live DJ, a complimentary midnight champagne toast and party favors. The kitchen at the 711 Howard St. eatery is set to remain open for small plates until midnight. Tickets are $20.

New Year's Eve Rock n Roll Ball
Tavern On The Point, 6724 N. Northwest Highway in the Edison Park neighborhood, is hosting a party from 9:30 p.m. Friday until to 2 a.m. Saturday with live music, a buffet and an open bar through midnight. Tickets are $71 including fees.

First Night Evanston Virtual Variety Show
The 25th anniversary of the New Year's Eve music event will be held remotely. Hosted by Holly and Corky Siegel, the all-ages online event will include performances by Alvy Ray Smith, Billy Branch, Blair Thomas with Michael Smith, Chamber Blues, Corky Siegel, Dorothy Scott, Howard Levy, Last Word Quintet, Phil Bimstein, Sones of México, Sons of the Never Wrong, Toronzo Cannon, Lynne Jordan, Ernie Watts, Wayne Baker Brooks, John Primer, Chihsuan Yang and Will Tilson. A contribution of at least $35 is recommended.

New Year's Eve Party
Five Roses Pub, 5509 Park Place in Rosemont, is hosting a ticketed party from 8:30 p.m. with a DJ, buffet, party favors and a midnight champagne toast. Tickets are $40 and doors open at 8:30 p.m.

Despite this year’s planned festivities, many Skokie area residents may opt to stay home as the state experiences a surge in daily coronavirus cases thanks to the fast-spreading omicron variant.

According to data provided by the village, the seven-day rolling average number of new cases in Skokie fell from an all-time high of about 93 on Monday to 71.25 on Wednesday.

There were 961 cases per 100,000 residents during the week ending Sunday, more than nine times the per capita rate that constitutes the highest rate of transmission classified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Still, if you’re vaccinated and take the necessary precautions, you should be able to gather this New Year’s Eve with little risk of severe illness from a COVID-19 infection.

Public health guidelines for safer holiday celebrations include recommendations to avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces and favor outdoor environments. The CDC suggested that people take a self-administered rapid antigen test before attending an indoor gatherings with people outside of their household.

"A negative self-test result means that you may not have an infection," according to the CDC holiday guidelines. "Repeating the test with at least 24 hours between tests will increase the confidence that you are not infected."