



And while everyone and their grandma would like to celebrate the end of the longest year in history, there aren’t a lot of options this year.
Families won’t be popping champagne and singing “Auld Lang Syne” arm in arm together. Fireworks won’t light up the skies in many towns. Some of the usual establishments won’t be opening their doors this year.
You’re going to have to get a little creative when thinking of ways to send 2020 off into the sunset. Here are five ideas to help you get started.
Festival of Holiday Lights at Washington Park
This event is touted as the largest free drive-thru light exhibit in the Midwest, boasting more than 5 million individual lights, nearly 30 acres of decorations, 40 displays and 2 miles of extension cords.
The display is up through Jan. 3.
New Year’s Eve dinner and concert at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts
Enjoy a New Year’s Eve dinner and concert when crooner Jim Bulanda presents “A Sinatra Celebration.” Early and later dinner and show options are available.
The ballroom doors open for the first show at 4 p.m. with dinner from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Doors open for the second show at 8:30 p.m. with dinner from 9 to 10:30 p.m. and the concert at 10:30 p.m. A countdown to midnight will follow.
Bulanda not only performs the song favorites of Sinatra but also pays tribute to other members of the Rat Pack.
The meal with include roasted tomato bisque soup, Caesar salad, 6-ounce filet with skewered grilled shrimp, Duchess mashed potatoes, asparagus, mini croissants with whipped butter and pecan praline crepe with Bananas Foster.
Guests must wear a mask when walking around during the course of the evening but may remove coverings once seated at their table.
The Crawpuppies at Four Winds Casino
The Crawpuppies, hailing from Northwest Indiana and together since 1995, perform classic and original rock songs.
Whiting
Pierogi Drop
The famous Whiting Pierogi Drop will be happening at midnight Dec. 31 this year at the corner of Atchison and 119th streets, although without the traditional after-party at the Knights of Columbus. There will be fireworks afterward.
Winter Lights drive-thru
New Year’s Eve is the last night for the 2020 Winter Lights drive-thru display. The display is set to music. As soon as you pull into the park, keep right to take the longer paved loop around the park. The loop takes you past festive holiday trees before you exit the park.