10 last-minute ways to send off 2010
New Year's Eve celebrants generally fall into two camps: Those who plan way, way ahead. And those who don't.
If you're in the latter group but still want to enjoy the night, no fear. Here are 10 last-minute ways to send 2010 off in style. Just check ticket availability, which can change quickly.
1. Celebrate the silly with “Monty Python's Spamalot” at the Drury Lane Oak Brook. What other splashy stage musical offers a king on a quest, singing knights and killer rabbits? Tickets are $45, with dinner packages available. www.drurylaneoakbrook.com or (630) 530-0111.
2. Make it a night in Naperville. The family-friendly festivities go on all day in downtown Naperville. Ring in the new year at either 6 p.m. (good for the kids!) or midnight at the base of the Millennium Carillon at Rotary Hill. www.downtownnaperville.com.
3. See Second City — in the suburbs. You have two choices. Second City's “Dysfunctional Holiday Revue” is at Noble Fool Theatricals at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. The 9 p.m. show features a champagne toast and party favors for $50. www.noblefool.org or (630) 584-6342. Another revue, “Holiday in the Heights,” wraps up its Arlington Heights run at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre with 6 and 10 p.m. New Year's Eve shows for $50-$60. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com.
4. Rock in the new year with a local favorite: Lucky Boys Confusion at Chicago's Double Door. The band, which got its start in DuPage County more than a decade ago, joins 15 Minutes Late, Swizzle Tree and Saraphine for the 9 p.m. show. Tickets are $30, more with drink packages. www.doubledoor.com or (773) 489-3160.
5. Laugh the night away. Radio personality Steve Cochran brings his #8220;New Year's Eve Comedy Show for People Who Can't Stay Awake Until Midnight#8221; to DeKalb's Egyptian Theatre. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show start at $25. You can make it a night with a follow-up party package that includes food, wine, music and dancing starting at 9:30. It's $65 day of, $50 in advance. egyptiantheatre.org or (815) 758-1225.
6. No sitter? No worries. Brookfield Zoo's annual holiday lights festival is the perfect place for a family-friendly New Year's Eve with entertainment from Radio Disney and an early countdown at 8 p.m. The fun starts at 4. Activities are free with paid zoo admission of $9.50 to $13.50. www.brookfieldzoo.org or (708) 688-8000.
7. Mingle if you're single. It's billed as the World's Largest New Year's Eve Singles Party. And while we can't know for sure, the bash thrown by Thunderbird Singles at the Westin Hotel in Itasca sure does pack 'em in. It's too late to get in on the 6 p.m. dinner, but for $15 you can come by later in the evening to dance, see the balloon drop, toast the new year and maybe #8212; just maybe #8212; meet someone special. www.thunderbirdsingles.com or (847) 604-3446.
8. Pretend you're far, far away from home. KeyLime Cove in Gurnee offers the ultimate package for a family of four: one night in a queen deluxe stateroom, extended hours in the indoor water park, breakfast and dinner buffets, live entertainment, balloon drops, champagne toast and more. If the $449.95 tag is too steep, you can skip the water slides and hotel stay and just check out the party in the arcade. The 10 p.m. balloon drop is free. www.keylimecove.com or (877) 360-0403.
9. Usher in 2011 with a bang. It will be cold #8212; and crowded #8212; but you can view New Year's Eve fireworks from Navy Pier. You even have two times to choose from: 8:15 p.m. and midnight. www.navypier.com.
10. Watch the countdown on TV. It may not make for the world's most memorable New Year's, but you'll be warm and potentially a lot better rested come New Year's Day.