Don't sit at home on New Year's Eve - get out and celebrate
Do not plan on spending your New Year's Eve alone! Whether you have a special someone to kiss when the ball drops on 2008, or not, there are just too many modish NYE parties happening around the burbs. No, I am not referring to that yearly lame get-together in your friend's basement.
So get up off the couch, take a shower, throw on your fancy dress party clothes and head on out to one of these happening NYE bashes:
Bar/Club Parties:
Accent Café, 700 N. River Road, Mount Prospect, (847) 298-2233
8 p.m. to 4 a.m.; $90, $120
Accent's Annual NYE Gala features an all-inclusive party with three premium bars open all night; unlimited bottle service to tables that includes vodka, wine and champagne; appetizers; a five-course meal; after-midnight hors d'oeuvres, sweet table, fruits; and a mega countdown on the big screens with a balloon drop. With two dance floors to party on, a $5,000 prize wheel, free parking and coat check, you should reserve now! Dinner tickets $120; party only $90.
Alumni Club, 871 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg, (847) 397-3100, alumniclubchicago.com
8 p.m. to 3 a.m.; $20-$69
Alumni Club's "to the extreme" bash is reeling in guests with promises of a massive balloon drop and video countdown at midnight, plus party favors and champagne provided by the house as the clock nears midnight The nearby Embassy Suites is also offering Alumni's guests a special $99 deluxe two-room suite, complete with transportation, a two-hour cocktail reception and a cooked-to-order breakfast. You will even get to check out late the next morning at no additional cost. Tickets can be purchased in person at Alumni Club, by phone or online.
Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine, (847) 358-9150
9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; $70 (buy tickets at ticketmaster.com)
Ring in the New Year like it is 1989 with cover band 16 Candles. Ticket price includes unlimited draft beer and well drinks, a champagne toast and party favors. Contact kim@durtynellies.com to become a VIP for the night.
Famous Freddie's, 1799 S. Busse Road, Mount Prospect, (847) 593-2200
2 p.m. to 3 a.m.; $10
Bon Jovi tribute band Bad Medicine will rock guests into 2009 beginning at 9 p.m. Those who just cannot contain themselves should move downstairs to the 2008 dance party, featuring a DJ, light show and party favors. Champagne toast will take place at midnight, along with a video countdown and balloon blasts.
Finn McCool's, 1941 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg, (847) 397-1313
11 p.m. to 3 a.m.; $45
Cheers to the New Year at this Irish-themed event. Highlights include a live DJ, party favors and a midnight toast. The package will feature a four-hour open bar beginning at 8 p.m. and passed appetizers starting at 9 p.m. Finn McCool's guests can also score a special $99 deluxe two-room suite, complete with transportation, a two-hour cocktail reception and a cooked-to-order breakfast at the nearby Embassy Suites. Call for party reservations.
Heat, 616 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg, (847) 592-5959
8 p.m. to 1 a.m.; $75 available presale online
Five-hour premium open bar, six bars, hors d'oeuvres, multiple balloon drops and champagne toast. Dance your way into 2009! For table reservations, call Dave at (630) 518-2857. For group reservations, call Randy at (847) 222-3162. Discount hotel reservations are available at Wingate by Wyndham Schaumburg, 50 Remington Road, Schaumburg, (847) 882-5000.
Hotel Parties
Crystal's Party Bar
800 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-6000
8 p.m. to 2 a.m.; $10
Housed within the Holiday Inn, Crystal's Party Bar is promising its guests a wild time in 2009. Celebrate with live DJs, party favors, a video countdown, a balloon drop and a midnight toast. Additionally, the hotel is offering guests discounted NYE room rates; to book yours, call (815) 477-7000.
Hyatt Lisle
1400 Corporetum Drive, Lisle, (630) 852-1234
$289 per couple
This luxury suburban hotel is proving that not all good things take place in the glitzy city. It is doing so with an extravagant dinner buffet and a dance-friendly performance from the Lisa Rene Band in the hotel's starlit Atrium. If the slow jams are not enough to keep your energy in check before the clock strikes midnight, move it over to the Arbor Ballroom, where DJ Dave Dieter is spinning. At the end of the night, you can take the elevator back to your room and check out late on New Year's Day. The Hyatt is also offering an extended stay until Jan. 2 for an extra $49 per night.
Travel safely
No matter what your party plans, be careful! Call a taxi.
Americar Taxi: (847) 394-0026
303 Taxi Service: (847) 656-0303
American Taxi: (847) 724-1000
A American Taxi: (847) 259-1555