From light shows to stage spectacles, 2024 finale has plenty to offer revelers
New Philharmonic's performances at College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center and the Winter Lights display at the Central Park in Oak Brook are just a couple of the activities that New Year's Eve revelers can enjoy as part of their celebration of the occasion. Appetites can also get in on the fun with special fare being served at local restaurants. (photos provided)
Give 2024 a fond farewell by joining the celebration at one of these sites nearby.
• Seats are available for the 8 p.m. New Year's Eve performance of "Disney's The Little Mermaid" at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.
Dive beneath the waves with Ariel, a young mermaid with a captivating voice and an insatiable curiosity, as she defies her father and makes a daring deal for the chance to create the world of her dreams on land. Enjoy the beautiful score including favorites like "Under the Sea," "Part of Your World" and "Kiss the Girl."
Tickets start at $79.20. Visit http://www.drurylanetheatre.com or call (630) 530-8300.
• New Philharmonic will perform to close out 2024 and ring in 2025 at the College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center, 421 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn.
Maestro Kirk Muspratt will conduct this fun pops concert featuring a variety of light classics, Strauss waltzes, arias, guest soloist bass-baritone Richard Ollarsaba, champagne and surprises.
Tickets are $68-$80 and are still available for the 5 and 8:30 p.m. concerts. Visit http://www.atthemac.org or call (630) 942-4000.
• Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic light festival ends on the last day of the year, so head on over to 8400 31st St. to experience the magic before it's gone.
Featuring more than 2 million twinkling LED lights, the festival also captivates visitors with giant illuminated animals, a dazzling tunnel show, and more than 900 beautifully decorated trees that illuminate the night, each adorned by local community groups and organizations. Take a leisurely stroll through new immersive displays, Candy Cane Lane and Sparkling Coast, and enjoy the festive atmosphere - complete with Santa on hand.
Tickets are $20.95 to $34.95 plus parking; some activities have additional fees. Visit http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/holidaymagic for tickets and more information.
• Experience a wonderland at Winter Lights at Central Park in Oak Brook, 1510 Forest Gate Road.
As the sun sets and darkness descends, discover dancing trees, colorful rainbow arches, cascading snowflakes, dazzling twirling icicles, vibrantly colored butterflies and musical hearts throughout this accessible, one-way half-mile looped scenic pathway. The event continues through Sunday, Jan. 5.
Admission is free; visitors are encouraged to bring donations to benefit the Peoples Resource Center and The Oak Brook Park District Foundation. The walk is open from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Visit http://www.obparks.org for more information.
• Don't miss the always breathtaking Illumination light show against a wooded winter landscape at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle.
See the show while strolling along a 1-mile paved walking path with festive music. This year's event introduces a vibrant display of interactive tree shapes synchronized to different musical instruments in the Grand Garden. Also enjoy s'mores or stop in one of the concession tents for a snack and beverage.
Tickets are $16-$41.75, with member discounts. Visit http://www.mortonarb.org for tickets and time availability.
Year-end bites
• Savor the closing hours of 2024 at Vistro Prime, 112 S. Washington St.
The restaurant's New Year's Eve menu will feature the normal offerings plus prime rib, lobster risotto and A5 wagyu. Pair your meal with a Champagne cocktail of Laurent-Perrier, a sugar cube and a perfect balance of rhubarb and angostura bitters.
Visit http://www.vistroprime.com or (630) 537-1459 for reservations.
• The whole family can get in on the party at Il Poggiolo, 8 E. First St.
Bring the young ones starting at 5 p.m. for a New Year's Eve party for children, with party favors and a countdown at 7 p.m. A special kid's menu will be offered for $25, along with chef's specials and regular menu items throughout the evening.
Visit http://www.ilpoggiolohinsdale.com or call (630) 734-9400 for reservations.
• Lucille at Drury Lane, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, offers two ways to celebrate New Year's Eve with dinner and a show.
The first option includes a 7 p.m. prix fixe five-course dinner, unlimited beverages and a ticket to the 8 p.m. Drury Lane Theatre performance of "Disney's The Little Mermaid" - with intermission refreshments - for $225 per guest.
The second option includes dinner and a theater ticket as well as 10:30 p.m. post-show party with butler-passed hors d'oeuvres, stationed appetizers, carving station, dessert display, live music and a premium open bar and midnight Champagne toast for $300 per guest.
Visit http://www.lucillerestaurant.com/holiday-events or call (630) 530-8300 for reservations.
