Seasonal & Holidays

Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills New Year’s Eve Events: 2018 Guide

It's never too early to start thinking about New Year's Eve! Here's your guide to fireworks, parties and other events.

HINSDALE-CLARENDON HILLS, IL – Love it or hate it, New Year’s Eve is happening again this year. Whether you plan to ring in 2018 at your favorite restaurant, a buzzing party with your friends, or all cozied up in front of the TV, we’ve got you covered.

So pop the bubbly, come up with some resolutions you can actually stick to and get ready to celebrate the New Year. Check out town-by-town listings below of New Year’s celebrations and events for 2017 in and near Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills if you’re one to want to go out, plus a look at what television programming may make you want to stay in.

We’ll be adding new events to this post as they pop up, so be sure to check back as the big day nears!

Find out what's happening in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hillsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Timeless At Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort

  • This event features The Rat Pack is Back, a ground of Rat Pack impersonators and a 15-piece Big Band. There is a large dance floor, open bar, chocolate fountain, food, and a balloon drop at midnight with a champagne toast. Tickets can be purchased here.

Zoo Year's Eve

Find out what's happening in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hillsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Brookfield Zoo will host its "Zoo Year 2018" with an early countdown at 8 p.m. The event takes place at the Hamill Family Play Zoo. The whole family can come out for games, a DJ, party favors and prizes.

Navy Pier Fireworks

  • If you'd like to head out to the city for New Year's Eve, then the Navy Pier Fireworks is a popular choice. It's held at Navy Pier, and you can bring in the new year with fireworks along the lakefront.

If you'd like an event to be added, email andrea.earnest@patch.com.

If you want to stay in...
If your idea of the perfect New Year’s Eve is curling up on the couch with a hot toddy and watching the countdown in your pajamas, you’re in luck. These are the top two live TV specials people are already talking about. Here’s a peek so you can you can plan accordingly:

“New Year’s Eve Live” With Anderson Cooper And Andy Cohen
Where to catch it: CNN
Why you should watch: For the first time ever, Anderson Cooper will host CNN’s annual New Year’s Eve Live special with none other than “Watch What Happens Live” host Andy Cohen. As these two are best friends in real life, you can expect tons witty banter and hilarious moments from the pair. The Bravo mogul will replace Cooper’s former co-host Kathy Griffin, whom CNN fired after her controversial Donald Trump photoshoot.

“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2018” Hosted by Ryan Seacrest
Where to catch it: ABC
Why you should watch: Remember last year’s infamous Mariah Carey mic incident? Yes, it happened on Seacrest’s watch. So if that’s any indication, this could be a good one to tune-in to. And even if there aren’t any crazy celebrity snafus, you can count on crazy views of Time Square packed with people, as well as awesome musical performances.


Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images.

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