The Countdown is On: “Noon Year’s Eve” and Other Local NYE Events for Kids Sell Out Quick!

The countdown is on for 2024! Celebrate at these kids’ New Year’s festivities with bubbles, music, bounce houses, and countless other ways to enjoy some family-friendly fun to close out the winter holiday season. “Noon Year’s Eve” is a popular way to let kids count down to 12 o’clock without having to stay up way past their bedtime (and, perhaps, yours).

Many of these events ask for advance registration, so we recommend making your plans early, before registration fills up. We’ll be updating this list as it gets closer to the new year. Check back for more events!

This article is sponsored by DuPage Children’s Museum. You are going to love Bubble Bash! Don’t wait to get tickets though; this one sells out.

Bubble Bash: A Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve

Bubble Bash at DuPage Children’s Museum
Sunday, December 31, 2023 | 9:00am – 1:00pm

Spend time together creating lasting memories, enjoying special activities, grooving to good music, exploring the Museum’s hands-on exhibits, and counting down to Noon at DuPage Children’s Museum! This annual year-end celebration, now in its 21st year, has become a holiday tradition. Join them Sunday, December 31, 9am – 1pm. Learn more and get your tickets! dupagechildrens.org/bubble-bash

Noon Year’s Eve and New Year’s Eve Events to Ring in 2024 with Kids

Celebrations in the Western Suburbs

End of the Year Glow Out Dance Party (Wheaton)
December 28, 2023 | 11:00am – 11:45am
Dance 2023 away with the Wheaton Public Library

Noon Year’s Eve Party (Berwyn)
December 28, 2023 | 11:30am – 12:30pm
Visit the Berywn Public Library for extra fun.

Teenie Weenie New Years Eve Ball (Carol Stream)
December 29, 2023 | 10:30am – 12:30pm
Kids 8 and under can party hearty with a DJ, bounce house and more, including a balloon drop at noon. Registration closes on December 22nd.

Noon Years Eve (La Grange Park)
December 29, 2023 | 11:30am – 12:15pm
Register in advance for fun with the La Grange Park Public Library.

Noon Year’s Eve Party (IPPL, Darien)
December 29, 2023 | 11:30am – 12:15pm
Come celebrate at the Indian Prairie Public Library. For children of all ages with adult. Celebrate the new year with music, snacks, and games. Note: this event is for IPPL cardholders only.

Noon Year’s Eve Party (Wood Dale)
December 29, 2023 | 11:30am – 12:15pm
Make a craft and listen to stories with the Wood Dale Public Library.

Ring in the New Year (Geneva)
December 29, 2023 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Join the Geneva Public Library for storytime and a balloon drop.

Noon Years Eve (Little Fox Clubhouse, Yorkville)
December 30 and 31, 2023 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Includes open play, crafts, snacks, and a balloon drop. Purchase tickets in advance.

Countdown to Noon Year: Noon Year’s Eve Party (Naperville)
December 30, 2023 | 11:15am – 12:15pm
Say goodbye to 2023 at Nichols Library and the 95th Street Library.

Noon Year’s Eve Party (Aurora)
December 30, 2023 | 11:30am – 12:00pm
Visit the Santori Library for storytime and a balloon drop.

Noon Years Eve (Lemont)
December 30, 2023 | 11:30am – 12:30pm
Register in advance to celebrate with games, music and more at the Lemont Public Library.

New Year’s Beach Ball Drop Pool Party (Aurora)
December 30, 2023 | 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Make a splash at the Vaughn Athletic Center’s indoor pool to ring in the new year.

Bubble Bash: A Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve at the DuPage Children’s Musuem (Naperville) – SOLD OUT
December 31, 2023 | 9:00am – 1:00pm
Enjoy all that the museum has to offer in this annual Bubble Bash NYE party. Activities include bubble science displays, musical performances, making wearable art, and two countdowns. Tickets required.

2023 New Year’s Eve at Wonder Works Children’s Museum (Oak Park)
December 31, 2023 | 9:00am – 2:00pm
Ticketed timeslots will include a balloon drop, photo booth, and much more. Purchase in advance to ensure participation.

Happy Noon Year (Montgomery)
December 31, 2023 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Run, jump, climb, and celebrate 2024 at Oswegoland Park District’s celebration. Register in advance.

New Year’s Eve Countdown to Noon (Downers Grove)
December 31, 2023 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Dance, snack and enjoy the balloon drop. Register in advance.

NYE Pajama Party (Naperville Yard) – REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
December 31, 2023 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Inflatables and games, with a noon countdown. Purchase tickets in advance for discounted admission.

Noon Year’s Eve Party (Playroom Cafe and Playroom Cafe Two)
December 31, 2023 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Balloon drop and photo opportunities offered during open play hours at both locations in Naperville and Mount Prospect.

Family New Year’s Eve (Warrenville) – FULL
December 31, 2023 | 10:30am – 12:30pm
The whole family is invited to celebrate the New Year in style at this event, featuring party favors, snacks, music, and more.

Noon Years Eve Bash (Elmhurst Fire Department Station #2) – FULL
December 31, 2023 | 10:30am – 12:30pm
Register in advance for fun with the Elmhurst Fire Department including live DJ, snacks, and more.

Noon Year’s Eve (Get Air)
December 31, 2023 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Visit local Get Air locations for extra fun and a balloon drop at noon.

Noon Year’s Eve (Lemont)
December 31, 2023 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Register in advance for a morning of fun with the Lemont Park District.

Family New Year’s Eve Bash (Aurora)
December 31, 2023 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Dance, jump, make crafts, and enjoy the balloon drop at noon. Must register in advance.

Children’s New Year Celebration (Orland Park) – FULL
December 31, 2023 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Register in advance for skating, giveaways and more.

Kids New Years Eve Party (JoJo’s Shake Bar, Naperville)
December 31, 2023 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Enjoy group dining and special activities, including specialty shakes. Reservations recommended as it will fill up.

Donut Kill My Vibe Noon Years Celebration (Go Brewing, Naperville)
December 31, 2023 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Donuts, special activities and more at Go Brewing.

New Year’s Eve Party (St. Charles)
December 31, 2023 | 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Celebrate the end of 2023 with the St. Charles Public Library.

Anita Dee New Year’s Eve Family-Friendly Afternoon Cruise (Chicago)
December 31, 2023 |  1:00pm departure
All-ages afternoon cruise with live DJs and skyline views, full bar. No food will be served. $20-35/ticket.

New Year’s Eve Party (Woodridge Public Library)
December 31, 2023 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Register in advance for this celebration which includes a balloon drop.

New Year’s Eve at Fox Bowl (Wheaton)
December 31, 2023 | 3:00pm, 6:00pm, or 9:30pm start
Advance reservations required to save your lane, including shoes, pizza, and more. 6:00pm session already sold out as of December 30, 2023.

ZooLights: Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve (Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago)
December 31, 2023 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Enjoy hourly countdowns along with ZooLights festivities.

New Year’s Eve Family Party at Enchanted Castle (Lombard)
December 31, 2023 | 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Advance reservations required for unlimited activities and buffet.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks (Navy Pier, Chicago)
December 31, 2023 | 11:50pm – 12:00am
See Navy Pier’s annual fireworks display live in person.

Noon Year’s Celebration (La Grange) – FULL
January 2, 2024 | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Register in advance to celebrate with the La Grange Public Library.

Celebrations in the Northwest Suburbs

New Year’s Eve Around the World (Park Ridge)
December 28, 2023 | 10:00am – 11:30am
Travel around the world to foods and traditions to ring in the new year. Register in advance.

Almost New Year’s Disco (Arlington Heights)
December 28, 2023 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Arts and crafts, dancing and more at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library.

Family Maker Workshop: Goodbye, 2023! (Mount Prospect)
December 28, 2023 | 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Visit the Mount Prospect Public Library for activities to revisit all the fun you had in 2023.

Noon Year’s Eve Celebration (Schaumburg Township Library)
December 29, 2023 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
Play games and enjoy a balloon drop at noon.

Noon Year’s Eve Celebration (Schiller Park)
December 29, 2023 | 11:30am – 12:00pm
Register for fun with the Schiller Park Public Library.

Noon Years Eve Party (Palatine)
December 29, 2023 | 11:30am – 12:15pm
Register in advance for a photo booth and juice toast with the Palatine Public Library.

Family New Year’s Bash (Elk Grove Village)
December 29, 2023 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Register for ice cream, dancing, a balloon drop and so much more.

New Year’s Eve-Eve (Downtown Mount Prospect)
December 30, 2023 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Register in advance for fun at Station 34 Pizza Pub.

Noon Year’s Eve Party (Park Ridge Public Library)
December 30, 2023 | 10:00am – 12:15pm
Entrance tickets will be distributed before the program.

Noon Years Eve Party (Palatine)
December 31, 2023 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
Advance reservations are required for this fun-filled party with the Salt Creek Rural Park District.

Noon Year’s Eve Ball (Barrington) – SOLD OUT
December 31, 2023 | 10:30am – 12:30pm
Register for dancing, games, music, and a noon year’s toast.

Happy Noon Year (Wheeling)
December 31, 2023 | 11:00am – 12:15pm
Enjoy sparkling juice, glow sticks, games, and a giant balloon drop. Register in advance.

Noon Year’s Eve (Rolling Meadows) – FULL
December 31, 2023 | 11:00am – 12:30pm
Register in advance for games and activities to ring in the noon year.

Ice Skating and Fireworks at Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District (Rosemont)
December 31, 2023 | 11:00am – 1:00am
Enjoy fireworks display at midnight, with late hours for skating.

Family New Year’s Eve Party (Des Plaines)
December 31, 2023 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Enjoy games, music, inflatables, and more. Register in advance to reserve spots.

ZooLights: Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve (Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago)
December 31, 2023 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Enjoy hourly countdowns along with ZooLights festivities.

New Years Eve Events Hosted in 2022

These organizations hosted events in 2022, but have not announced their 2023 plans as of October 11. Check their website for the most up-to-date information.

Noon Year’s Eve (Bolingbrook)
December 31, 2022

Blue Man Group (Chicago)
December 31, 2022

Ideas for Celebrating New Year’s at Home

Whether you want to be super safe or simply party in your pajamas, here are some ideas for celebrating at home this year.

• Take a “trip” to another country and celebrate their midnight! Adjust a clock to that time zone, and do some research about that country’s particular NYE tradition (if they have one). Bonus points if you have a native dish prepared!
• Look backward before you move forwards: celebrate special moments and memorable achievements from 2023. Think about what 2023 brought to your family’s life and look at throwback pictures. You could even make a time capsule for a year to come!
• A few years ago, we created activity bags with mini countdowns because we knew we wouldn’t make it to midnight. Fill them with silly string, bubbles, minute-to-win-it type games. The kids couldn’t contain their excitement to open each bag.

• Game night is always a winner. A few years ago, Jamie’s family did a New Year’s Board Game Tournament; everyone goes into the new year feeling like a champion. Decorate silly trophies or medals, award one another with prizes — or just pick each person’s favorite game and play it. Don’t forget to toast the winner with a favorite bubbly beverage!
• Elementary-aged kids and older might enjoy creating a “bucket list” of things to do in the new year. It’s always nice to have exciting ideas and activities to look forward to — especially when everyone gets to contribute.
• Get outside for some fresh air. Check out our favorite outdoor spaces (you may want to double-check holiday hours).
• Park Ridge Park District is offering New Years Eve in a Box kits for 2023. They require advance registration, so call today!

Taking the holidays one day or week at a time? No need to stress — our west suburban kid-friendly events calendar is updated all the time and ready to help! Or, check out our 2023 Kidlist Winter Holiday Guide.