The countdown is on for 2025! 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 New Year’s Eve
Bubble Bash at DuPage Children’s Museum
Sunday, December 31, 2024 | 9:00am β 1:00pm
Noon Year’s Eve and Other NYE 2025 Events for Kids
NYE Celebrations in the Western Suburbs
Teenie Weenie New Years Eve Ball (Carol Stream)
December 27, 2024 | 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 26th.
Noon Yearβs Eve Eve Party (Wood Dale)
December 29, 2024 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
Dance, make crafts, and finish with a balloon drop. Register in advance.
New Year Storytime and Craft (Westmont)
December 30, 2024 | 10:00amΒ –Β 10:45am
Visit the Westmont Public Library for New Years Eve festivities.
New Yearβs Eve Baby Bash (Willowbrook)
December 30, 2024 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Register in advance for a spot at this NYE celebration for your littles.
Noon Year’s Eve Party (Wood Dale)
December 30, 2024 | 11:30am – 12:15pm
Make a craft and listen to stories with the Wood Dale Public Library. Register in advance.
Noon Yearβs Eve Party (Aurora)
December 30, 2024 | 11:30am – 12:30pm
Visit the Santori Library for storytime and a balloon drop.
New Yearβs Beach Ball Drop Pool Party (Aurora)
December 30, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Make a splash at the Vaughn Athletic Center’s indoor pool to ring in the new year. Register in advance for a discounted rate or the day of.
Bubble Bash: A Kid-Friendly New Yearβs Eve at the DuPage Children’s Musuem (Naperville)
December 31, 2024 | 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.
Happy Noon Year (Montgomery)
December 31, 2024 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Run, jump, climb, and celebrate 2025 at Oswegoland Park District’s celebration. Register in advance.
New Yearβs Eve Countdown to Noon (Downers Grove)
December 31, 2024 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Dance, snack and enjoy the balloon drop. Register in advance.
NYE Pajama Party (Naperville Yard)
December 31, 2024 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Inflatables and games, with a noon countdown. Purchase tickets in advance for discounted admission.
Family New Year’s Eve (Warrenville)
December 31, 2024 | 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.
Children’s New Year Celebration (Orland Park)
December 31, 2024 | 10:30am – 12:30pm
Register in advance for giveaways, dancing, and more.
Noon Yearβs Eve (Lemont)
December 31, 2024 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Register in advance for a morning of fun with the Lemont Park District.
Noon Yearβs Eve Party (St. Charles)
December 31, 2024 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Celebrate the end of 2024 with the St. Charles Public Library.
Noon Year’s Eve Party (Wheaton)
December 31, 2024 | 11:00am – 12:30pm
Dance 2024 away with the Wheaton Public Library
Noon Yearβs Eve Skate (Oak Park)
December 31, 2024 | 11:00amΒ –Β 1:00pm
Skating activities and games, with a noon countdown.
Family New Yearβs Eve Bash (Aurora)
December 31, 2024 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Dance, jump, make crafts, and enjoy the balloon drop at noon. Must register in advance.
Noon Yearβs Eve (Geneva)
December 31, 2024 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Join the Geneva Public Library for storytime and a balloon drop.
Countdown to Noon Year: Noon Yearβs Eve Party (Naperville)
December 31, 2024 | 11:15am – 12:15pm
Say goodbye to 2024 at the libraries.
Noon Yearβs Eve (Downers Grove Public Library)
December 31, 2024 | 11:30amΒ –Β 12:00pm
Celebrate with a dance party
Noon Years Eve (Clarendon Hills)
December 31, 2024 | 11:30am – 12:30pm
Register in advance for pizza, BINGO, and prizes.
New Yearβs Eve Fireworks (Navy Pier, Chicago)
December 31, 2024 | 11:50pm – 12:00am
See Navy Pier’s annual fireworks display live in person.
NYE Celebrations in the Northwest Suburbs
Noon Yearβs Eve Celebration (Schiller Park)
December 30, 2024 | 11:30am – 12:00pm
Register for fun with the Schiller Park Public Library.
Noon Years Eve (Franklin Park Public Library)
December 30, 2024 | 11:30amΒ –Β 12:30pm
Celebrate with hats, balloons and plenty of noisemakers.
New Yearβs Eve Scavenger Hunt and Craft (Palatine)
December 31, 2024 | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Drop-in programming at the Palatine Public Library.
Noon Years Eve Party (Palatine)
December 31, 2024 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
Save on admission by registering early for this fun-filled party with the Salt Creek Rural Park District.
Noon Yearβs Eve Ball (Barrington)
December 31, 2024 | 10:30am – 12:30pm
Register for dancing, games, music, and a noon year’s toast.
Noon Yearβs Eve Celebration (Schaumburg Township Library)
December 31, 2024 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
Play games and enjoy a balloon drop at noon.
Happy Noon Year (Wheeling)
December 31, 2024 | 11:00am – 12:15pm
Enjoy sparkling juice, glow sticks, games, and a giant balloon drop. Register in advance.
Noon Year’s Eve (Rolling Meadows)
December 31, 2024 | 11:00am – 12:30pm
Register in advance for games and activities to ring in the noon year.
Family New Yearβs Eve Party (Des Plaines)
December 31, 2024 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Enjoy games, music, inflatables, and more. Register in advance to reserve spots.
Family New Year’s Bash (Elk Grove Village)
December 31, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Register for ice cream, dancing, a balloon drop and so much more.
Ice Skating and Fireworks at Rosemontβs Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District (Rosemont)
December 31, 2024 | 11:00am – 1:00am
Enjoy fireworks display at midnight, with late hours for skating.
New Years Eve Events Hosted in 2023
These organizations hosted events in 2023, but have not announced their 2024 plans as of October 14. Check their website for the most up-to-date information.
- Noon Yearβs Eve Party (Berwyn Public Library) – December 28, 2023
- New Year’s Eve Around the World (Park Ridge) – December 28, 2023
- Almost New Yearβs Disco (Arlington Heights Memorial Library) – December 28, 2023
- Family Maker Workshop: Goodbye, 2023! (Mount Prospect) – December 28, 2023
- Noon Years Eve (La Grange Park Public Library) – December 29, 2023
- New Yearβs Eve-Eve (Downtown Mount Prospect) – December 30, 2023
- Noon Years Eve (Little Fox Clubhouse, Yorkville) – December 30 and 31, 2023
- Noon Yearβs Eve Party (Park Ridge Public Library) – December 30, 2023
- 2023 New Year’s Eve at Wonder Works Children’s Museum (Oak Park) – December 31, 2023
- Noon Yearβs Eve Party (Playroom Cafe and Playroom Cafe Two) – December 31, 2023
- Noon Years Eve Bash (Elmhurst Fire Department Station #2) – December 31, 2023
- Noon Yearβs Eve (Get Air) – December 31, 2023
- Kids New Years Eve Party (JoJo’s Shake Bar, Naperville) – December 31, 2023
- Donut Kill My Vibe Noon Years Celebration (Go Brewing, Naperville) – December 31, 2023
- Anita Dee New Yearβs Eve Family-Friendly Afternoon Cruise (Chicago) – December 31, 2023
- New Yearβs Eve Party (Woodridge Public Library) – December 31, 2023
- New Yearβs Eve at Fox Bowl (Wheaton) – December 31, 2023
- ZooLights: Family-Friendly New Yearβs Eve (Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago) – December 31, 2023
- New Yearβs Eve Family Party at Enchanted Castle (Lombard) – December 31, 2023
- Noon Yearβs Celebration (La Grange Public Library) – January 2, 2024
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 β 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 β 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).
Taking the holidays one day or week at a time? No need to stress β our west suburban kid-friendly events calendar is updated all the time and ready to help! Or, check out our 2024 Kidlist Winter Holiday Guide.
5 Comments. Leave new
Annie…thanks for the wonderful website. We all appreciate the hard work you do to help make our families memories too!
Great website. Super helpful
Thanks Holly! Iβm glad you find the site helpful.
Thanks a lot for sharing all this information. Iβm finding fun events for our little one from here. Happy New Year ????.
Youβre welcome! Happy New Year to you too. Iβm glad you find the site so helpful. :)