Hello 2026: A Guide to Lake County New Year's Celebrations

By: Sam Ornig 12/19/2025

Goodbye 2025, hello 2026! Join Lake County, Illinois, in celebrating the new year with tons of exciting events, from family-friendly parties and roller skating to live musical performances, a night at the casino, delicious food and so much more. Whether you're partying with friends or the family, Lake County promises to help you ring in the new year with festive fun for everyone. 

Here's your guide to all of Lake County's New Year's celebrations!

December 30

Radiance NYE at Lake County Fairgrounds and Events Center
Grab your friends, make your resolutions and celebrate the end of 2025 with ground-shaking music from Rezz, Peekaboo, Kill Safari and more! Dance to the bass as Lake County Fairgrounds and Events Center is radiated with lights, music and good vibes.

December 31

• Noon Year's Eve at Deerfield Park District INFO»
• New Year's Eve Family Party in Vernon Hills INFO»
• New Year's Rockabilly Eve at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire INFO»
• New Year's Eve at the Lehmann Mansion in Lake Villa INFO»
• Countdown to Noon: Family New Year's Eve Celebration at Station 51 in Antioch INFO»
• Family Friendly New Year's Eve at Dave & Busters in Vernon Hills INFO»
• Late Night New Year's Eve at Dave & Busters in Vernon Hills INFO»
• Kids' NYE Balloon Drop at Timothy O'Toole's Pub GURNEE | LIBERTYVILLE | LAKE VILLA
• Winterhaus: Family NYE Countdown at Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich INFO»
• The Vine's NYE Dinner and Party INFO»
• North Pole Distillery Holiday Pop-Up at North Shore Distillery in Green Oaks INFO»
• New Year's Eve Farm Dinner at Elawa Farm INFO»
• NYE Late Night Buffet at The Lighthouse at American Place Casino in Waukegan INFO»
• NYE The Way of Wealth at American Place Casino INFO»
• New Year's Eve at Top Shelf Ice Arena in Gurnee INFO»
• Three Brothers Theatre Hosts New Year's Eve Pajama Party in Waukegan INFO»
• Boozy New Year's Eve Dessert Class at The Joyful Gourmet in Libertyville INFO»
• New Year's Eve at Copper Fiddle Distillery in Lake Zurich INFO»
• Celebrate New Year's Eve with Perry's Steakhouse and Grille in Vernon Hills INFO»
• New Year's Eve at Singh's Kitchen in Libertyville INFO»
• New Years Eve Family Skate Party in Mundelein INFO»
• New Year Wild Ride Party at 28 Mile in Highwood INFO»
• Dancing Through the Decades NYE Party in The Parlor Speakeasy at Primo in Gurnee INFO»
• New Year’s Eve Dinner at Dover Straits in Mundelein INFO»
• New Year's Eve Dinner To-Go at The Shanty in Wadsworth INFO»
• New Year's Eve Sale at Lynfred Winery INFO»
• New Year's Eve Complimentary Champagne Toast at Oaken Bistro and Bar INFO»
• New Year's Eve Country Dance Party at Sundance Saloon in Mundelein INFO»
• New Year's Eve Party at The Parched Pug in Libertyville INFO»

January 1

• First Day Hike at The Preserve of Highland Park INFO»
• 27th Annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge INFO»

Find more holiday events happening throughout Lake County!