Carillon to host New Year's Eve countdown

The Naperville community is invited to gather Friday, Dec. 31, for a free, family-friendly countdown to the new year at 6 p.m. and again at midnight at the Millennium Carillon.

Mayor Steve Chirico and Dolly McCarthy will lead the countdown at 6 p.m. at the carillon, 443 Aurora Ave., Naperville. Prior to the countdown, 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 offering face painting, music and other entertainment.

The Naperville Park District will open the Riverwalk Eatery from 5 to 6 p.m., offering complimentary hot chocolate, courtesy of My Chef. A balloon artist will entertain participants and, weather and snow conditions permitting, there will be open sledding on Rotary Hill during the evening.

With the exception of the one hour on New Year's Eve, the Riverwalk Eatery will be closed from Dec. 28 through the rest of the sledding season, due to renovations planned for 2016.

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

City Carillonneur Tim Sleep will play carillon music from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m., and then he will join Carillonneur Sue Bergren to play duets from 11:15 to 11:45 p.m. before the midnight countdown.

"Dedicated in 2000, the Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower has become a focal point for community celebrations," said Sameera Luthman, director of marketing and communications for the Naperville Park District. "We hope everyone will come out to enjoy this special evening."

For information, visit naperville-carillon.org.

If you go

What: New Year's Eve Countdown

When: 6 p.m. and midnight, Thursday, Dec. 31

Where: Millennium Carillon, 443 Aurora Ave., Naperville

Cost: Free

Info: naperville-carillon.org