Turkey-induced haze after Thanksgiving stalled things.
Then there was the fury of gift purchasing, which, for some readers, is still going on.
Unless it hasn’t started.
C’mon, procrastinators–you know who you are–you promised things would run smoothly this year. Get it in gear because right after Dec. 25, we’re looking at New Year’s Eve!
Yes, we’re having one. Again. Don’t be surprised.
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To help tardy planners out, here are a few places that people could still get into on New Year’s Eve. You’ll want to hurry up and confirm your plans, because time is running out.
7TH ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S EVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL BALL: Features live music by the B-52s, Poi Dog Pondering and Janah, dancing in the Tom Tom Lounge with DJ Roland, champagne and martini bars, a midnight countdown, fireworks display and more. Navy Pier Grand Ballroom, 600 E. Grand Ave. $98-$138. Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com; 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31. 312-559-1212, 312-836-4299.
ALLGAUERS GRILL/HILTON LISLE: Gala 2003 featuring a four-course dinner, six-hour open bar, a live band, a deejay and overnight accommodations at the hotel. Allgauers Grill/Hilton Lisle, 3003 Corporate W. Drive, Lisle. $299 per couple; includes tax and gratuity; 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31. 630-505-0900.
BISTROT MARGOT: A 1920s Paris theme-party includes French cuisine, dancing to a live big band, midnight champagne toast and gift bags. Bistro Margot, 1437 N. Wells St. $85. Reservations required; 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31. 312-587-3660.
SAM BURCKHARDT QUINTET: Champagne and balloon drop at midnight. Andy’s Jazz Club, 11 E. Hubbard St. $25; 9:30 p.m. Dec. 31. 312-642-6805.
BURTON PLACE: Includes all-you-can-drink premium cocktails, beer, wine and soda, party favors and a midnight champagne toast. Burton Place, 1447 N. Wells St. $65. Advance ticket purchase required; 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31. 312-859-3500.
FIRST NIGHT EVANSTON: Toast the New Year with a glass of sparkling apple cider and a midnight fireworks show at the annual celebration, where 250 performers entertain in 17 indoor venues. Highlights include the Banjo Buddies Dixieland Band, Dave Herzog’s Marionettes, ComedySportz and Las Guitarras de Espana. Davis Street and Orrington Avenue, Evanston. $8-$12; free for kids ages 5 and under. Complete schedule: www.firstnightevanston.org. 6 p.m. Dec. 31. 847-289-4248.
HARRY CARAY’S: A four-course dinner with optional wine pairings. Includes party favors and a midnight champagne toast. Harry Caray’s, 33 W. Kinzie St. $60-$85. Reservations recommended; 5-10:30 p.m. Dec. 31. 312-828-0966.
HARRY CARAY’S ROSEMONT: A four-course dinner with optional wine pairings. Includes party favors and a midnight champagne toast. Harry Caray’s, 10233 W. Higgins Rd., Rosemont. $50-$65. Reservations recommended; 5-10:30 p.m. Dec. 31. 847-699-1200.
HYATT ROCK ‘N’ JAZZ PARTY: Featuring live jazz and rock music, deejays, appetizers, an open bar and desserts. Champagne toast at midnight. Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, 2233 S. Martin Luther King Drive. $99-$119; 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31. 312-528-4137.
JAKE MELNICK’S: Includes a live deejay, open bar, buffet and a champagne toast. Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap, 41 E. Superior St. $65-$70; 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31. 312-266-0400.
LAMORA: This multicourse meal includes champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, tiramisu and choice of filet, mahi mahi or ravioli, plus an appetizer and salad. LaMora, 2132 W. Roscoe St. $40-$50. Reservations recommended; 5 p.m. Dec. 31. 773-404-4555.
LE PASSAGE: Includes a cocktail reception from 8 p.m.-midnight, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight. Black tie optional. Deejay Martin “Boogieman” Luna spins. Le Passage, 937 N. Rush St. $30-$125. Tickets: www.tickets.com; 8 p.m.-4 a.m. Dec. 31. 800-511-1552, 312-255-0022.
NOMI: Includes a three-course prix-fixe menu first seating. Second seating is sold out. A midnight champagne toast, deejay and dancing conclude the evening. NoMi, 800 N. Michigan Ave. $100. Reservations recommended; 5:30 p.m. (first seating) Dec. 31. 312-239-4030.
RESOLUTION RUN: This New Year’s Eve 5K run is followed by a smoke-free New Year’s Eve party and awards ceremony for race participants at Goose Island Wrigleyville. Lincoln Park Running Path, Cannon Drive between Diversey and Fullerton (just North of Lincoln Park Zoo). $30 race registration fee; $100 for party and race; 6 p.m. Dec. 31. 773-868-0893.
THE SIGNATURE LOUNGE: Ring in the New Year with live vintage rock and disco by The Generations. Cover charge includes one cocktail. Signature Lounge, 875 N. Michigan Ave., 96th floor. $30; 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31. 312-787-7230.
THE SIGNATURE ROOM AT THE 95TH: Four- and five-course menus and a glass of champagne, plus live jazz (first seating) and live swing and Motown by The After 5 Orchestra (second seating). Party favors and a midnight balloon drop included. Signature Room at the 95th, 875 N. Michigan Ave. $95-$195. Includes tax and tip. Reservations required; 5-7 p.m. (first seating), 8:30-10 p.m. (second seating) Dec. 31. 312-787-9596.
SMOKE-FREE NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY: Live music by Underwater People, plus a dinner buffet, Goose Island beer, cocktails, wine and a champagne toast. An awards ceremony for participants in the Resolution Run (a 5K race sponsored by Universal Sole) begins at 8 p.m. Goose Island Wrigleyville, 3535 N. Clark St. $100; 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31. 773-832-9040 x245.
THYME: Includes a three-course dinner and glass of champagne during the first seating. A second seating (close to being sold out at press time) features a four-course dinner, “bottomless” glass of champagne and live jazz with Hinda Hoffman and Friends. Thyme, 464 N. Halsted St. $50-$125. Reservations recommended; 5:30-6:30 p.m. (first seating), 9-9:30 p.m. (second seating) Dec. 31. 312-226-4300.
TRANSIT: New Year’s Eve Extravaganza IV features deejays, a champagne toast at midnight and more. Transit, 1431 W. Lake St. $30 women, $50 men, $110 VIP package (includes premium bar 8 p.m.-midnight); 8 p.m.-4 a.m. Dec. 31. 312-491-8600 (ask for Lisa Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.).
THE WORLD FAMOUS COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA: Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. $48-$112; 10 p.m. Dec. 31. 312-294-3000.
ZOOLIGHTS FESTIVAL: Annual festival of holiday lights features a laser-light show, light “animals,” an animal maze, carousel, crafts, ice-carving demonstrations and more. Additional hours on New Year’s Eve from 5-9 p.m., with a special countdown to ring in the “zoo” year at 8:30 p.m. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive. Free admission. 312-742-2000.
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