Ring in the new year at Naperville Millennium Carillon
Naperville Park District invites the community to the "Countdown at the Carillon," featuring both the Early Family Countdown at 6 p.m. and the Traditional Countdown at midnight. Both events are free and take place at the base of the Naperville Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower, 443 Aurora Ave.
The Early Family Countdown will be co-led by Naperville City Councilwoman Judith Brodhead and Dolly McCarthy, host and executive producer of "The Dolly McCarthy Show" and award-winning journalist and former news anchor for NCTV-17's Naperville News 17.
"The fun-filled family tradition lives on! I am super excited to be a part of the festivities again this year," said McCarthy. "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. 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, 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 Naperville Park District has hosted two New Year's Eve Countdowns on Dec. 31 at the Carillon since 2008, providing a unique event where residents can bring their families and meet up with neighbors in this community gathering place.