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Whether you're celebrating with family and old friends, enjoying the evening with your forever date, or planning to meet someone new after a swipe right, these New Year's Eve festivities in Oak Park and the western suburbs guarantee you’ll welcome 2026 in a truly memorable way.
We’ve got live music, intimate dinners, champagne toasts, and if your idea of New Year’s Eve excitement has shifted from dance party to pajama party, activities for the whole family.
*Remember, it's always important to check the website or call before you go, as details can change!
OAK PARK
Citrine Cafe | 100 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL
Ring in 2026 at Citrine Cafe in Oak Park with an exquisite four-course New Year's Eve dinner. Priced at $95/person and available from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., it promises to be an intimate culinary journey. Choose from beef tartare, wild mushroom risotto, and other delightful starters, then move on to a second course of lobster bisque, a smoky beet salad, or a truffle Caesar salad. The main course options include steak Diane, pork tenderloin medallions with a guajillo chili reduction, scallops in harissa beurre blanc, and sweet-corn ravioli. End your meal with flourless chocolate cake, warm apple strudel topped with vanilla gelato, or a bright raspberry sorbet. Add a wine pairing for each course to complement your meal ($48/person).
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Comedy Plex | 1128 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL
Forget all about 2025 and start 2026 laughing. The show at Oak Park’s Comedy Plex comedy club, headlined by Warren B. Hall, will feature Sean Bair-Flannery and music by DJ Ramon Smith. Admission ($50/person) includes appetizers provided by Tre Sorelle and a champagne toast at midnight.
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Hemmingway’s Bistro | 211 North Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL
This Oak Park favorite always provides a sophisticated and inviting dining experience, and ringing in the New Year is the perfect occasion for anyone looking to enjoy a memorable evening of elegant dining. All guests will receive complimentary champagne for a midnight toast. The kitchen will be open until 10:30 p.m.
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The Little Gem Cafe & Encore! | 189 North Marion Street, Oak Park, IL
Kick off your New Year's Eve celebration with a four-course menu ($95/person) at The Little Gem Cafe. Choose prime rib with creamy horseradish and roasted vegetables, frutti di mare with a rich sauce served over pasta, a half-chicken with all the trimmings, or a vegetarian farro risotto for your main dish and finish with a selection of mini desserts for the table. Move the celebration next door and join the party at Encore! ($99/person) for an open bar and a variety of hors d'oeuvres, a charcuterie board, and savory bites from 10:00 p.m. until 12:30 a.m.
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BERWYN
FitzGerald’s | 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn, IL
Head to Chicago’s favorite roadhouse turned live music club for a New Year's Eve show with Alejandro Escovedo & The Electric Saints and special guest Jon Langford. General admission and standing-room tickets are $48; reserved tables are also available. Grab dinner before the show at Babygold Barbecue, attached to FitzGerald’s, or indulge in full-service dining inside the club when the doors open. Alejandro Escovedo is performing two nights, December 30 and 31, so if you don’t score tickets for New Year’s Eve or want to get a head start on your celebration, pick up tickets for the night before.
FitzGerald’s Sidebar | 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn, IL
For an unforgettable night of blues, get ready for 2026 at Blue Year’s Eve in FitzGerald’s more intimate Sidebar. Enjoy the powerful, soulful sounds of Corey Dennison and his band, with special guest Gina Barcal. The show kicks off at 9:00 p.m., with doors opening at 8:00 p.m. General admission tickets are just $15.
BROADVIEW
The View | 1701 Roosevelt Road, Broadview, IL
The View promises good music, good people, and a midnight moment worth remembering. Dress in black head to toe and wear a mask (plain or provocative) for the 2026 Masquerade. General admission ($75/person) includes a two-hour open bar, passed bites, a champagne toast, and access to The View’s late-night menu. A Gold VIP Table Package ($500/four guests) and a Platinum VIP Experience ($1,500/up to eight guests) are perfect for groups interested in upscaling the evening.
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BROOKFIELD
Irish Times Pub & Restaurant | 8869 Burlington Avenue, Brookfield, IL
Proud to boast that it’s one of the very few pubs in the world to have sold more than a million pints of Guinness, Irish Times has been recognized with multiple awards for both its food and its stunning outdoor patio. Known for its deeply rooted Irish traditions, including warm hospitality and welcoming charm, it's a great place to celebrate with friends—and make many more—on New Year's Eve. The pub will be open till 1:30 a.m. for a full day and night of shenanigans.
ELMWOOD PARK
Donny G’s Ristorante & Bar | 7308 West North Avenue, Elmwood Park, IL
Ring in the new year with great food and drinks at Donny G’s first-ever Black & White Time Traveler’s Ball, where timeless music will be provided by D.J. Tony “O” and D.J. Paulie, a refined à la carte menu will be offered, and everyone will join in a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Embrace the sophisticated black-and-white dress code to add to the ambience of this special occasion.
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FOREST PARK
Elba’s Golden Steer | 7635 West Roosevelt Road, Forest Park, IL
For a memorable New Year's Eve celebration in a welcoming atmosphere, look no further than the Golden Steer in Forest Park. With entrées that will delight your palate, including prime beef and seafood, impeccable service, and a festive atmosphere, your New Year's Eve will be truly memorable.
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Robert’s Westside | 7321 Madison Street, Forest Park, IL
Don’t miss out on a night of music, dancing, and celebration at Robert's Westside this New Year’s Eve. The Electric Cars, famous for their electrifying blend of new wave, rock, and pop music, will take the stage at 9:00 p.m.; doors open at 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets ($25) include a champagne toast. Reserved seating is also available for an additional cost.
LA GRANGE
Barrel House Social | 100 West Burlington Avenue, La Grange, IL
This New Year’s Eve, Barrel House Social offers its American comfort dishes, extensive selection of craft beer and whiskey, and inventive cocktail menu, along with a special party for friends, neighbors, and early birds. Join the fun from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for deals on domestic bucket and classic martinis and kick off 2026 with a bang.
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MELROSE PARK
Tom's Steak House | 1901 West North Avenue, Melrose Park, IL
There are few places better for New Year’s Eve than a classic American steakhouse. Enjoy an evening of fine dining, impeccable service, and an elegant atmosphere at Tom's Steak House in Melrose Park. The kitchen will be open until 10:00 p.m. for late reservations, and the bar will stay open past midnight so everyone can bid farewell to the old year and ring in 2026 together.
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North Riverside
Chef Shangri-La | 7930 West 26th Street, North Riverside, IL
Chef Shangri-La is ringing out 2025 with two exciting shows. Charismatic entertainer Denny Diamond will perform as Neil Diamond from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., followed by local favorite Logan Ramey Young as the immortal Elvis. Enjoy a fantastic show, unique cuisine, and out-of-this-world tropical cocktails when you welcome the new year at Chef Shangri-La.
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FOR THE LITTLE ONES: NOON YEAR’S EVE
If you’ve got young kids, "Noon" Year's Eve celebrations are the best way for everyone to join in the festivities and excitement of the new year—and no one has to stay up past their bedtime.
Take your pick of these great options:
Kidcreate Studio Peppermint Slime Workshop (4- to 9-year-olds)
Kids will whip up festive slime that smells like peppermint and swirl it into jars of holiday magic during this hands-on experience packed with creativity, fun, and a hint of peppermint cheer on Wednesday, December 31, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Kidcreate Studio (200 Harrison Street, Oak Park, IL).
Noon Year’s Eve Skate
Celebrate the new year with bright decorations, festive giveaways, and a noon-sharp balloon drop at RCRC Ice Rink (415 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL) on Wednesday, December 31, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Perfect for families that want to get the party started (and end it well before bedtime), this annual event is packed with music, skating, and fun for all ages.
Wonder Works Noon Year’s Eve 2026
Celebrate the new year in style—kid’s style—at Wonder Works Children's Museum (6445 West North Avenue, Oak Park, IL), with full museum access, a New Year’s art project, encounters with costumed characters, goodies to take home, a fun photo booth to capture the special day as a family, and two thrilling balloon drops at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., well before bedtime. Staggered entry times let families choose the slot that suits their schedule and accommodates nap times.
MEET US FOR NEW YEAR’S (OR NOON YEAR’S) EVE CELEBRATIONS
Everyone at Explore Oak Park & Beyond extends warm wishes for a happy and healthy 2026 to all. Whether you're ringing in the new year at midnight or celebrating a family Noon Year's Eve, we hope you enjoy the incredible events in the western suburbs.
Don't forget to share your experiences and memories by tagging us—we'd love to be part of your celebrations! Here's to a joyful and prosperous new year ahead!