Ringing in the New Year in Chicagoby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 31 Dec 2007 07:50 AM I may have never experienced New Year's Eve in Times Square, but I have spent many wonderful December 31st's in the Windy City. Whether you are visiting Chicago with your children or are enjoying a romantic holiday with your sweetie, my favorite Midwest metropolis has multiple New Year's Eve events just ripe for the picking. Take a look: Family Fun at Navy Pier. If you have young children this is the place to be on New Year's Eve. During the day Navy Pier hosts a variety of family-friendly activities including arts-and-crafts, live music and dancing contests. What I love about Navy Pier is that they set off fireworks at 7 p.m. so children (like my 3-yeasr-old daughter) can join in the festivities and still get to bed at a reasonable hour. If you have older children Navy Pier and the City of Chicago set off another round of fireworks at midnight. The festive 18-minute display, set to music, lights up the sky over Lake Michigan and is a great way to ring in the New Year. New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball Opera. The annual event gets underway at 5:30 p.m. at 1301 South Wabash Avenue in downtown Chicago. The staff dresses in masquerade-style costumes and so can you. Then get set to dine on chef Paul Wildermuth special holiday menu. The ball also includes festive party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Eighth Annual New Year's Eve Gala at the Drake Hotel. The ultra-luxe Drake Hotel is once again throwing its annual New Year's Eve bash. This year more than 2,500 people are expected to attend the lavish affair. I have never been able to get tickets to this soiree, but perhaps you'll have better luck. The fun gets underway at 9 p.m. and includes an optional dinner package (6:30-9 p.m.). Otherwise, guests are treated to an open bar, appetizers, live music and DJs, and at midnight, a balloon drop, champagne toast, dessert and coffee. Brazilian New Year's Eve Party Gingarte Capoeira. If you are looking for a unique way to bid farewell to 2007 head over to 2909 North Milwaukee Avenue from 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. That's where you'll be able to participate in a Brazilian-themed party, which includes music by Chicago Samba, dancers in Carnaval costumes, dance lessons by Edilson Lima, soda, and a champagne toast. New Year's Eve at Carnivale Carnivale. This festive ethnic event is filled with live music and some of the best dancers in the city. Carnivale Carnivale is located at 702 West Fulton St. and the party takes place from 5 p.m. - 1 a.m. This year the Warehouse District restaurant is saluting mambo king Tito Puente with a variety of entertainment throughout the night. A la carte Caribbean specials will be offered in addition to the regular Nuevo Latino menu. Related Articles: Where Are You Ringing in 2008? Look What's New for New York's New Year's Eve Ball Drop Ringing in the New Year at a Hotel Chicago's Must-See Attractions Five Reasons You Should Visit Chicago Five More Reasons You Should Visit Chicago Visiting Chicago's Sears Tower Visiting Chicago's "Concrete Beach" Grilling Up A Mother's Day Treat "Taste of Chicago"-The Ultimate Food Festival Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanttravel tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags chicago, Illinois, new year's eve, seasonal travel Discuss this article
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