Check out our guide of suggestions for spending New Year’s Eve in the Region
The New Year’s Eve fireworks show in Highland has happened in freezing cold, unseasonable warmth and rain and snow.
Each year at the stroke of midnight, fireworks light up the night sky to usher in a brand new year.
People begin gathering in Main Square Park around 11:30 p.m., said John Breslin, president of the Highland Council of Community Events, which sponsors the show.
“It depends on the weather. If it’s really cold, then 11:45-ish,” he said. “There is hot chocolate available beginning around 11:30.”
Despite the outdoors and the lateness of the hour, the event is usually well-attended, he said.
“People come wrapped in blankets, and some people come that have warmed themselves from the inside, because, well, it is New Year’s Eve,” he said.
People stand in the parking lot on the north side of the gazebo in the grass, he said, but the fireworks area is roped off.
“There’s not too many places that do professional fireworks for New Year’s Eve,” he said. “People enjoy it. It’s a family thing. They bring the kids out if they’re not asleep already.”
The show, put on by Mad Bomber, lasts about 10-15 minutes.
“We have the countdown clock that sometimes works. A couple of years it was so cold it wouldn’t work,” he said. “As soon as we hit midnight, they start firing them off. We’re out there with our long underwear and heavy wool socks and fur mittens and whatever else we can put on. It’s like our last thing and first thing of the year.”
From Highland’s free fireworks show to Whiting’s Pierogi Drop, there are plenty of options to send 2018 out in style.
Here are a few ideas.
Crown Point
The ice rink is open for skating from 5-10 p.m. with a DJ, concessions and an 8 p.m. countdown with sparkling juice. Tickets are $5; skate rentals are $5-$6.
The theme is “Rockin’ into the ’50s On New Year’s Eve” from 7 p.m.-1 a.m. There will be a pizza buffet, DJ, beer, wine, sangria, party favors, snacks, dessert table, reverse drawing raffle and champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $50.
Enjoy a family-friendly evening of cosmic bowling from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets are $22 adults; $17 kids 10 and under. Ticket price includes shoe rental and party favors.
Gary
Live music from Soul Street Collective from 9 p.m-1 a.m. Free party favors, champagne toast and balloon drop. Admission is free.
The Smokefellas of Chicago and Dark Nite Entertainment present the New Year’s Eve Masquerade Cigar Party. DJ Malik Shabazz teams with DJ Dark Nite to play the best in house, hip-hop, soul and throwbacks from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. There will be door prizes, drink specials, a champagne toast, party hats and favors. You can purchase cigars and masks on site or bring your own. Tickets, $53.34-$79.22.
Griffith
The ’90s grunge/alt-rock band Dirt Born rings in the New Year at 9:30 p.m. There will be food, party favors, drink specials and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $15.
Highland
Sponsored by the Highland Council of Community Events, the fireworks show begins at midnight.
Lake Station
From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., little ones can get glittery and make some noise. There will be a balloon drop at 2 p.m. Tickets are $4.95-$9.95, infants under 1 year free.
Michigan City
The party begins at 10 p.m. with the band Smash Kings. There will be party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $20.
Schererville
From 6 p.m.-2 a.m., guests can enjoy a buffet dinner followed by a comedy show with three comedians: host Nick Gaza, Bill Gorgo and Jimmy McHugh. Afterward there will be a DJ, dancing, a champagne toast and free rides homes.
Valparaiso
New Year’s Eve open stage hosted by Mami Matsuda is from 8 p.m.-midnight. Guests are encouraged to come in their pajamas. Sign-ups begin at 7:30 p.m. Drink non-alcoholic champagne at midnight. Tickets are $4 per performer, $5 per listener.
Includes a five-course meal, popping of the grapes, queimada, chocolate con churros, champagne at midnight, party favors and live entertainment by the AcoustiCats Trio. Reservations required. Tickets are $75.
Whiting
The Whiting Knights of Columbus present the third annual Pierogi Drop from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. It will be televised live by ABC-7 on “Countdown Chicago 2019.” The evening includes fireworks, music, food and an indoor/outdoor beer garden. At the stroke of midnight, a 10-foot illuminated pierogi will drop 90 feet. Live entertainment from Mr. Pierogi and Underground Prophets. Tickets are $5 and free for children under 17.
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