Count down to the New Year twice at Naperville's carillon

Visitors to downtown Naperville and the Millennium Carillon will be able to count down to the new year not once, but twice, on Sunday, Dec. 31.

The park district's annual Countdown at the Carillon will feature both an Early Family Countdown at 6 p.m. and the Traditional Countdown at midnight. Both events take place at the base of the carillon along the Riverwalk, 443 Aurora Ave.

The Early Family Countdown will be co-led by city council member Judith Brodhead and Dolly McCarthy, host and executive producer of "The Dolly McCarthy Show" and former news anchor for NCTV-17's Naperville News 17.

"There's something very special about gathering with your family and friends on New Year's Eve at the foot of the beautiful carillon, sharing resolutions, laughter, ringing bells and enjoying the music of City Carillonneur Tim Sleep," McCarthy said.

"I can't think of a better place to ring in the New Year."

Festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m., with complementary hot cocoa provided by My Chef and entertainment provided by Magic of Scott Piner. Glow sticks, bells and cocoa will be available outside the Carillon Visitor Center until 6:30 p.m., while supplies last. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, as the entire event is outdoors.

The Traditional Countdown will take place at midnight led by council member Patty Gustin, with carillon music beginning at 11:15 p.m. The music will feature carillonneurs Sue Bergren and Tim Sleep in a duet concert and will include selections from the "Nutcracker Suite," a Viennese waltz, and "Try to Remember" from the musical, "The Fantasticks."

After the midnight countdown to the New Year, the bells will ring a Royal Peal, then will play "Auld Lang Syne" and conclude with music from the "Royal Fireworks" by Handel.

The park district has sponsored two New Year's Eve Countdowns on Dec. 31 at the carillon since 2008.