Naperville New Year’s Eve Events: 2018 Guide

NAPERVILLE, 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 Naperville if you’re one to want to go out, plus a look at what television programming may make you want to stay in.

If you want to go out...

Ring in the New Year at the Naperville Millennium Carillon

Dolly McCarthy and Councilwoman Judith Brodhead will co-host the early countdown at 6 p.m. (festivities begin at 5:30) for the early folks and families. Complimentary hot cocoa and street magic will be on hand to entertain the kids. Of course, there will be a traditional countdown at midnight. Both events are free at the Millennium Carillon, 443 Aurora Ave. Tim Sleep, the City Carillonneur, and Sue Bergren will play music from "The Nutcracker Suite" at 11:15, followed by other classical selections, including "Auld Lang Syne." This is the third carillon NYE celebration hosted by the Naperville Park District since 2008.

UPDATE: A representative from the Naperville Park District confirmed Friday afternoon that there are no plans to cancel the event, even though temperatures will get down to -7 degrees.

Brew Year's Eve
The Old Town Pour House at 1703 Freedom Drive is hosting a prix fixe menu with beer pairings New Year's Eve. There's a Champagne toast at midnight at a live video DJ playing party music. Cost: $60/person with the beer pairings.

If you can't make it that night, the Pour House is hosting a New Year's Day recovery brunch with bloody marys and a full special brunch menu.

Quigley's Irish New Year
Want to celebrate a little early this year? Bring the family to Quigley's Irish Pub at 43 E. Jefferson Ave. At 3 p.m., Cirrus Falcon will take the stage, then a countdown and toast to Dublin's new year at 6 p.m.

TopGolf All Gold Everything Party
It's like bowling... for golf. To try a little something different this New Year's, TopGolf has a variety of packages, all of which include: unlimited game play from 9 p.m. to close, a variety of entertainment, a midnight celebration and party favors. Bays are going fast, so make your reservation today.

Pirate Radio at Empire
Reserve a 4-person table for $200 at 48 W Chicago Ave, or, for $20 at the door, snag a spot for yourself that includes a midnight Champagne toast.

Kiss Off 2017 NYE Party at Bar Louie
Tell 2017 to “kiss off” and make a clean break with a dirty martini with New Year’s Eve at Bar Louie, 22 E. Chicago Ave. The music will be pumping, bottles will be popping, taps will be flowing and the scratch kitchen will be jamming until last call. So you don’t have to end your night until they do. Limited tickets are available. For questions, call 630-983-1600. $20/person.

Pete Miller's Steakhouse & Seafood
If reservations aren't full already, they soon will be. Return to Soul will be providing a funk/jazz soundtrack with dancing and Champagne. The $50 NYE plate comes with a pound and a half Maine lobster served whole with a salad and your choice of potatoes or broccoli. 3032 English Rows Avenue. Call 630-428-4242 or go to OpenTable.

Catch 35
New Year's Eve menu runs Dec. 29 - Dec. 31. One option for a starter is the lobster bisque with sherry whipped cream for $6 a bowl. The beef short rib and diver scallop entree with truffle polenta cake, spinach, garlic chive aioli is $45.

For the Kids at DuPage Children's Museum, Bubble Bash 2017: Walk On The Wild Side
Don a pith hat and make a vest to decorate with stickers as you travel through each station, through No passports are needed for this exotic expedition! There will be a quiet countdown and quiet jungle room for more sensitive visitors to enjoy. Tickets available online, members are $20/person, non-members at $25/person.

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

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 from Britney Spears, Nick Jonas and Sugarland. Lucy Hale will be hosting the central time zone countdown from New Orleans with performances from Imagine Dragons and Walk the Moon. The best part? Mariah is coming back!

Click here for more Naperville holiday events!

Main Image: Patch