Music

Best Bets: Marriott, Raue Center, Navy Pier will be rockin’ New Year’s Eve

Posted December 22, 2025 10:55 am

Barbara Vitello

Looking for a rockin’ Yuletide treat? The cast of Marriott Theatre’s “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas” welcomes 2026 rockabilly style during special New Year’s Eve performances. Courtesy of Justin Barbin

Rock in the new year

• Cast members from Marriott Theatre’s current production of “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas” usher in 2026 with a rockabilly New Year’s Eve performance and party featuring such hits as “Great Balls of Fire,” “Hound Dog,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Let’s Have a Party,” “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” and more. Tickets are $85 for the early performance and $75 for the late show at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-0200 or marriotttheatre.com. 5 and 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31

American English headlines a New Year’s Eve concert at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake. Courtesy of Todd Heintz Photography

• The renowned Beatles tribute band American English brings “The Beatles in Bloom: A Musical Journey Through the Seasons of Life” to the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. $34.30-$69. (815) 356-9212 or rauecenter.org. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31

Cantigny replaces the holiday soundtrack accompanying its light display with songs from hit films through Jan. 4. Courtesy of Cantigny

‘Lights, Camera, Action!’ at Cantigny

This weekend, the holiday soundtrack accompanying the elaborate light displays at Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, shifts to Hollywood with film scores, including selections from “The Little Mermaid,” “The Breakfast Club” and “Top Gun.” For 16 and older, it’s $15 in advance, $20 at the door; for kids 3-15, it’s $10 in advance, $15 at the door; and free for kids 3 and younger. Ice skating on the outdoor rink is $7; skate rental is $3. Passenger vehicle admission starts at $6. Hours are 4:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, with extended hours on weekends and during special events. cantigny.org. Friday, Dec. 26, through Jan. 4

Conductor Kirk Muspratt and the New Philharmonic welcome 2026 during the annual New Year’s Eve concerts at the McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn. Courtesy of the McAninch Arts Center

New Year’s with the New Philharmonic

Vocalist Alisa Jordheim joins conductor Kirk Muspratt and the New Philharmonic for a New Year’s Eve pop concert consisting of Johann Strauss waltzes (including “The Blue Danube Waltz”), arias from Franz Lehar’s “Guiditta” and Charles Gounod’s “Romeo and Juliet,” musical and film favorites and more at the McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. $70-$80. (630) 942-4000 or AtTheMAC.org. 1:30, 5 and 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31

New Year’s on Navy Pier

• DJ, producer and electronic music artist Sami Diament, known as LSDREAM, headlines a New Year’s Eve party in the Aon Ballroom at Navy Pier, 840 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Know Good, Steller and Noize Complaint are among the supporting acts. Tickets are $96.69 general admission, $160.39 VIP. navypier.org/nye-at-navy-pier. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31

• Bar Sol’s celebration includes live musicians and DJs, multiple dance floors on multiple levels, gourmet appetizers, drink packages, a champagne toast and fireworks at Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. General admission tickets start at $129; VIP tickets start at $179. Table packages (sold separately), which include a booth or table, start at $329 for six guests. navypier.org/nye-at-navy-pier. 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31

• City Cruises hosts a three-hour NYE dinner cruise on Lake Michigan that includes cocktails, games, a DJ and fireworks. The cruise boards at 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Tickets start at $314. navypier.org/nye-at-navy-pier. Boarding is at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31

Saucy celebrations for adults only

• The retro venue Stars & Garters, 3914 N. Clark St., Chicago, hosts a New Year’s Eve spectacular consisting of comedy, jazz courtesy of the Steve Knight Trio, illusionist Nolan Webber, tarot card readings, food including a charcuterie board, a candy and sweets bar and a pizza bar, a champagne toast and a dance party. Tickets start at $95.93. (773) 242-9929 or starsandgartersclub.com. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31

Drag performers Darby Lynn Cartwright, left, and Alexis P. Bevels headline The Den Theatre’s New Year’s Eve party. Courtesy of Julia Stoyanova

• Drag duo Darby Lynn Cartwright and Alexis P. Bevels host the New Year’s Eve party at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. $30-$55, plus a two-item minimum. (773) 697-3830 or thedentheatre.com. 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31

• Step into the Roaring Twenties at Kit Kat Club, 3524 N. Halsted St., Chicago, which hosts a drag-inspired “Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve 2026.” The celebration includes a four-course prix-fixe dinner, two signature martinis, a champagne toast and entertainment. $89.95 per person. $149 per person for the late-night dance party (includes a 90-minute open bar). (773) 525-1111 or kitkatchicago.com. Dinner seatings at 6 and 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, but guests can stay all night; dance party follows from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.