Naperville’s carillon to ring in 2014 — twice

The Naperville community is invited to gather at the Millennium Carillon on New Year’s Eve for two free, family-friendly countdowns.

Crowds will count down to 6 p.m. with Mayor George Pradel and CLTV news anchor Dolly McCarthy on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at the Millennium Carillon on Rotary Hill. Pradel also will host the midnight celebration.

From noon to 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, the Downtown Naperville Alliance will host a scavenger hunt in the downtown shops, along with face-painting, music and other entertainment.

The Naperville Park District will open the Riverwalk Eatery from 5 to 6 p.m., offering free hot chocolate and crafts for children. Weather and snow conditions permitting, there will be open sledding on Rotary Hill during the evening.

For the 6 p.m. countdown the park district will provide bells for participants to ring, glow necklaces for the kids, and a confetti drop. Searchlights will illumine the carillon as it rings in the New Year with a festive peal and carillon music.

Prior to the midnight countdown, Naperville’s carillonneurs Tim Sleep and Sue Bergren will play duets, waltzes and excerpts from Handel’s Royal Fireworks.

“We look forward to this unique New Year’s tradition, which has developed into a favorite community event,” said Sameera Luthman, director of marketing and communications for the Naperville Park District.

For information about the downtown Naperville New Year’s Eve celebration, visit downtownnaperville.com. To learn more about the Millennium Carillon, visit Naperville-carillon.org. For questions about the Naperville Park District, visit napervilleparks.org.