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On the road: Don't miss NYE Cheese Drop in Wis.

Chicago

The Lincoln way

End the year with a mini-vacation at Hotel Lincoln in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. New overnight packages include the Lincoln Park ZooLights package: the ZooLights Festival, going on until Jan. 4, is located just across the street from the property and the package includes hot chocolate from Elaine's Coffee Call and complimentary entry to the zoo's holiday ice rink plus skate rentals. A Hotel Lincoln Takes the Mag Mile package starts with a free hot chocolate from Elaine's Coffee Call and once downtown, you can take a break from shopping to enjoy the sites with a winter carriage ride. Back at the hotel, Hotel Lincoln's team of elves provides free gift-wrapping services. Guests enjoying either package depart with a keepsake Hotel Lincoln holiday ornament.

Hotel Lincoln is at 1816 N. Clark St. The Lincoln Park ZooLights package is valid through Jan. 3, with rates starting at $159 per night. Blackout dates may apply. The Hotel Lincoln Takes the Mag Mile package is available through Thursday, Dec. 25, with rates starting at $159 per night. hotellincolnchicago.com or (855) 514-8112.

All ages bash

The Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center presents its first New Year's Eve Family Bash. The package includes early check-in on Dec. 31; party favors for the family; a lavish buffet dinner in Windows, the hotel's fine-dining restaurant, which serves everything from Peking duck to children's favorites; feature films with popcorn and punch; live entertainment for family dancing; free play tokens for kids in the game room; indoor swimming pool, stocked with pool toys; a midnight toast and dessert table in the lobby; The Times Square "ball drop" broadcast live on lobby big screens; and a Hangover Brunch buffet for the family January 1.

Dec. 31-Jan. 1 at 3500 Midwest Road, Oak Brook. Cost is $299 plus tax for two adults and two children (more family members can be added for an additional fee). Upgraded suite accommodations available with the premium party package for $349. A second night can be added to either package for $79 plus tax. Reservations for dinner should be requested separately in advance at (630) 850-5507. Call (866) 275-6295 for reservations or visit oakbrookhillsresortchicago.com.

Yummy package

The James Chicago presents a new Chicago Foodie's package just for holiday travelers at its award-winning steakhouse, David Burke's Primehouse. Named the No. 1 steakhouse in Chicago by Chicago magazine last year, Primehouse and the hotel package includes: an exclusive three-course Chef's Tasting Menu for two provided by executive chef Dino Tsaknis at Primehouse; coursed wine pairings selected by certified sommelier Matthew Bills; a private tour of the Himalayan salt-titled dry aging room where all of the Primehouse steaks are aged on premises; and two after-dinner drinks at next door cocktail lounge JIMMY.

The James Chicago is at 55 E. Ontario St. Book the Chicago Foodie's package by Jan. 31 for stays through April 2015. Rates begin at $349. jameshotels.com/chicago or call (312) 337-1000 and mention "DINEDBP" at the time of booking.

Midwest

Dashing through the snow

An old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh ride may break the cynicism of the toughest Ebenezer type. Go dashing through the snow, tucked under warm blankets in a velvet-padded red sleigh, pulled by Belgian draft horses through a winter wonderland. The nostalgic experience is safe, comfortable and even offers music wafting in the chilly air. The whole family can get in on the sleigh ride scavenger hunt, too.

Daily through March at Go Sleigh, 10009 Lilja Road, Harvard. Rates are $89 for one to three couples; $109 for up to 9 passengers. Check availability and book a ride by calling (815) 321-4300 or visiting gosleigh.com.

Worship the wedge

Only in Wisconsin would the citizenry revel in a New Year's Eve Cheese Drop. Join the folks in the Plymouth Arts Center, which will be open for a casual evening of live musical entertainment, food, socializing and the nationally acclaimed Big Cheese Drop at midnight. Admission is free. Visitors may bring an appetizer, dessert or nonalcoholic beverage to share, and there will be a complimentary cheese hors d'oeuvres table and a cash bar. As the clock strikes midnight, watch an 80-pound decorated cheese wedge descend from a ladder truck operated by the Plymouth Fire Department.

8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 520 E. Mill St., Plymouth, Wisconsin. (920) 892-8409 or plymoutharts.org.

Ollie, nollie and fakie

Plan now to visit Racine, Wisconsin, for The Big Chill Ice and Snow Festival offering a Downtown Rail Jam, a mobile park ramp setup for snowboarders and skiers. There will be open riding on Friday night with demonstrations by professional snowboarders. On Saturday, there is more open riding for all ski levels capped by the AGA Cup-a-Cash competition in the evening. The Big Chill includes the 25th Annual Wisconsin State Snow Sculpting Championships, too.

Friday through Sunday, Jan. 9-11, in downtown Racine, Wisconsin. racinedowntown.com or (262) 634-6002.

Hotel Lincoln in Chicago overlooks Lincoln Park. courtesy of Joie de Vivre Hotels
Book the Foodie's Package at The James Chicago. courtesy of The James Chicago
The Big Chill Ice and Snow Festival in Racine, Wisconsin, Jan. 9-11 offers fun for skiers and snowboarders as well as the Annual Wisconsin State Snow Sculpting Championships.
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