So, you say you're tired of the same old crowded, overpriced clubs and cabbie snubs in Chicago on New Year's Eve? Well, this year you don't have to deal with the usual nonsense that comes with what most people call "the biggest amateur night of the year," thanks to a handful of unique NYE celebrations in Chicago that promise to show you a better way to ring in 2012. First up is a NYE celebration for families that doesn't involve inebriated crowds or cheap champagne countdowns.
Families can celebrate early by heading over to Revolution Brewing Company at 2323 N. Milwaukee Ave. According to the official Revolution Brewing website:
"This year the adults will be partying downstairs and the kids will be supervised and entertained upstairs in the brewer's lounge. It's $65 for adults and $20 for kids. Adults will experience the full NYE package downstairs; full buffet, open bar of Revolution Beer, wine and call liquor, plus the first release of Hugene Anti-Imperial Porter and music coming from our own DJ JilloBiafra. Kids over 3 years old get their own little package; kid's friendly buffet from 5 p.m.-7 p.m., kids sundae bar from 7-8 p.m., arts & crafts, magician Steve Belliveau who will entertain and make balloon animals, plus a countdown to the New Year's end."
For additional information, email info@revbrew.com. To buy tickets, visit http://revbrew.com or call 773-227-BREW.
Next up is the Prohibition Dinner at In Fine Spirits. The Prohibition Era-inspired four-course dinner starts at 6 p.m., and the cost is $70 and up for dinner or $25 and up for the cocktail party. If you stick around for the cocktail party, you can enter your name in a raffle to win a prize. In Fine Sprits is located on the far North Side at 5418-5420 N. Clark, Chicago. Call 773-334-9463 or visit http://www.infinespirits.com/events.asp .
The last place you want to be on a frigid December/January night is Lake Michigan. Fortunately, this next NYE celebration takes place on a very heated and very large cruise ship. Climb aboard the Spirit of Chicago to enjoy an elaborate dinner buffet, premium bar, champagne toast at midnight, entertainment, and, yes, you guessed it - midnight fireworks. Guests will also enjoy a DJ, dancing, and breathtaking views of the city's spectacular skyline. Here's how Spirit's NYE cruise works:
Board: 8:30 p.m.
Cruise: 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Dockside party: Until 1 a.m.
Price: Starting at $159.90 per adult.
Although the minimum age requirement is 21, this NYE celebration usually attracts a crowd that's more interested in cruising Lake Michigan and taking in the gorgeous city views at night than drinking the night away. To purchase tickets, call 866-273-2469 or click here to book online. Spirit of Chicago is located at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago.
