North Shore New Year's Events: 2018 Guide

Like it or not, the year's almost over and New Year's Eve is happening again. Whether you plan to ring in 2018 at a favorite restaurant, a raucous or restrained party with friends or family – or just all cozied up in front of the TV – we've got you covered.

So pop the bubbly, come up with some resolutions you can actually stick to and get ready to celebrate the New Year.

Check out the listings below of New Year's celebrations and events for 2018 in and around the North Shore if you want to go out, plus a look at which TV shows may make you want to stay in.

Going Out?

New Year's Eve Bash

When: 8:30 - 11 a.m., 12:30 - 3 p.m.
Where: Kohl Children's Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview
What to Expect: For the museum's most popular event of the year, an entire wing is transformed into a giant "Times Square style party with the biggest confetti drop you've ever seen!" All indoor exhibits remain open for exploration. There will also be crafts, family photos, and a DJ and dance party in the afternoon.
Cost: Until Dec. 21, $17 for members, $27 for non-members. After Dec. 21, $23 for members and $33 for non members.
More info and tickets: Available from Kohl's Children's Museum website

Red Hot Balloon Drop

When: 4 - 7 p.m., Dec. 31

Where: Michael's Red Hots, 1879 2nd Street, Highland Park
What to Expect: Live music, dancing, games, raffles, goodie bags, appetizers, desserts, a 6 p.m. champagne and sparking apple juice toast and more. (Organizers say this event always sells out so reserve your seat today if you're interested.)
Cost: $30
More info: Available from Michael's Red Hots, Downtown Highland Park

Fireworks on Ice

When: 11 a.m., Dec. 31 until 1 a.m., Jan. 1
Where: Chicago Wolves Ice Rink, 6920 Mannheim Rd, Rosemont
What to Expect: Open skating all day New Year's Eve ahead of a special fireworks display at midnight.
Cost: Entrance free. Skate rental $8.
More info: Available from the Village of Rosemont

First Night Evanston

When: 2 p.m., Dec. 31 until midnight
Where: Multiple locations, including First Presbyterian Church, 1427 Chicago Ave., and First United Methodist Church, 516 Church St.
What to Expect: 22 hours of live performances, including poetry, dance, music, comedy and a mentalist, as well as an afternoon children's program, resolution walls and a midnight celebration.
Cost: Before Dec. 26, tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for teens and kids, after which the price for adult tickets rises to $30.
More info: Available from First Night Evanston website, tickets available online.

Midnight In Paris 2018 at Found

When: Dec. 31, reservations taken after 5:30 p.m.
Where: Found Kitchen, 1631 Chicago Ave., Evanston
What to Expect: Five-course, shared-plate menu with the theme "Midnight in Paris."
Cost: $75 per person
More info: Call 847-868-8945 or visit the Found Kitchen website.

New Year's Eve at Boltwood

When: Dec. 31, reservations taken after 5 p.m.
Where: Boltwood, 804 Davis St., Evanston
What to Expect: A five-course menu with the theme of Luck and Prosperity made with ingredients "said to bring both."
Cost: $65 per person for dinner, $35 per person wine pairing
More info: Call 847-859-2880 or visit the Boltwood website.

New Year's Eve Gala

When: 7 p.m., Dec. 31 until 1 a.m., Jan. 1
Where: Hilton Chicago Northbrook, 2855 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook
What to Expect: An open bar for five hours with champagne at midnight, Hors D'Oeuvres passed by a butler, a four-course dinner with wine service, "Non-Stop dancing with an Elite DJ," late check-out if you spend the night.
Cost: Party & Room Packages begin at $295 per couple. Gala package (including both accommodations and dinner) are $395. Additional nights available for $79.
More info: Reservations and more information available by calling 847-509-7072, tickets available online.

New Year's Eve Party

When: 7 p.m., Dec. 31 until 12:30 a.m., Jan. 1
Where: Wilmette Masonic Hall, 1010 Central Ave., Wilmette
What to Expect: A family-friendly party, including a family balloon drop at 9 p.m. followed by a disco ball and light show. Food and non-alcoholic drinks provided, along with party hats and noise makers.
Cost: $30 for adults, $20 for teens and kids. (All proceeds go to building improvements at the Wilmette Masonic Temple and Lodge.)
More info: Tickets available online.

New Year's Eve 2018 at Hyatt Regency O'Hare

When: 8:30 p.m., Dec. 31 until 1 a.m., Jan 1
Where: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, 9300 West Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont
What to Expect: Live entertainment by 7th heaven, Tony Ocean, DJ-SPIN, Anthony Frank Cassano and Karma Committee, open bar.
Cost: Tickets from $109. Party and dinner packages available.
More info: Additional information available by calling 847-663-6545. Tickets available online.

'Let's Dance' in the New Year

When: 10 p.m., Dec. 31 until 1 a.m., Jan. 1
Where: Whiskey Thief Tavern, 616 Davis St., Evanston
What to Expect: A DJ playing top tracks of the 1970's and 80's, a buffet, a champagn toast at midnight, a photo booth and a lot of David Bowie tunes.
Cost: $35 per person.
More info: Tickets available online.

New Year's Eve Celebration

When: 10 p.m., Dec. 31 until 3 a.m., Jan 1
Where: Kizin Creole Restaurant, 2311 W. Howard St., Chicago
What to Expect: Free squash soup, free food, free drinks, music from DJ Chacha.
Cost: $30
More info: Available by calling 773-961-7275. Reservations are required and can be made online.

More events will be added as they are announced, so make sure you check back as the final day of the year nears. Got another event you'd like included? Email them to Winnetka@Patch.com.

Staying in?

If your idea of the perfect New Year's Eve involved curling up on the couch with a hot toddy and watching the countdown in your pajamas, you're in luck. These are a few of the top live TV specials people are already talking about. Here's a peek so you can you can plan accordingly:

"New Year's Eve Live" With Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen

Where to catch it: CNN
Why you should watch: For the first time ever, Anderson Cooper will host CNN's annual New Year's Eve Live special with none other than "Watch What Happens Live" host Andy Cohen. As these two are best friends in real life, you can expect tons witty banter and hilarious moments from the pair. The Bravo mogul will replace Cooper's former co-host Kathy Griffin, whom CNN fired after her controversial Donald Trump photoshoot.

“New Year’s Eve With Steve Harvey: Live From Times Square”

Where to catch it: Fox
Why you should watch: See how Steve Harvey handles hosting his first New Year’s Eve special from Times Square. It's produced by IMG, the same company that infamously handed him hosting duties of Miss America, but hopefully he won't need an envelope to know what year is being welcomed.

“New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly”

Where to catch it: NBC
Why you should watch: There'll be celebrity guests aplenty on hand to ring in 2018 with the host of “The Voice” and "Last Call." This could be Daly's last year of hosting duties, as speculation is abuzz that he could take the seat recently vacated by Matt Lauer as co-host of "Today."

"Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2018" Hosted by Ryan Seacrest

Where to catch it: ABC
Why you should watch: Remember last year's infamous Mariah Carey mic incident? Yes, it happened on Seacrest's watch. So if that's any indication, this could be a good one to tune-in to. And even if there aren't any crazy celebrity snafus, you can count on crazy views of Time Square packed with people, as well as awesome musical performances.

_{Top photo via Patch}