From the big downtown party, to a smaller gathering for a good cause, there is something for everyone. Friday was all about the set-up.
The Palmer House Hilton Hotel is preparing for a big party (www.chicagonye.com), a three-day New Year's Eve event gets under way Friday night.
"I describe this event as one of the most luxurious New Year's Eve events that you'll get," said Kunal Shaw, PCP Chicago. "You'll get so much variety of entertainment that you don't get anywhere else, you get the lounge and nightlife ambience, you get the luxury hotel ambience, and you get another nightclub ambience along with discounted hotel rooms."
Shaw says it's one of the Palmer House's biggest social events, with 3,000 people expected to attend, and with some tickets still available, it's easy to see why early preparations are a must.
But if ringing in the new year with thousands of people isn't your thing, maybe raising money while raising your champagne glass is? That's where Victory Ball 2012 comes in (www.victoryball2012.com).
"It's been 10 years since I lost my father ,and I really want to do something special this year, and I wanted to be able to give back," said Melissa Cherbeck, Victory Ball 2012.
Cherbeck's father, Victor, died of a sudden cardiac arrest the day before his 60th birthday. She wanted to help raise heart disease awareness and honor her father at the same time. So she partnered with the American Heart Association and is holding a New Year's Eve party and fundraiser at Venue One downtown. The proceeds go to the AHA.
"Here in the city there are so many hotel parties and things like that, we were looking for something fun to do, but nothing that's going to be crazy," Cherbeck said. "It's not going to be amateur night and we're going to party for a cause."
With generous donations, Cherbeck will also have a silent auction, music, and even a VIP section at the party, a party with a big heart. There are still tickets available.
Staying true to their Hyde Park community, Park 52 restaurant is throwing a party that won't leave you with a hole in your wallet.
"It's just after Christmas, just before the new year, we're respectful that people maybe low on funds but really want to have an upscale, good time ," said special events manager Dawn Milhouse.
It's their 4th annual New Year's Eve party, with live jazz, a live DJ, hors d'oeuvres, champagne, all for 20 bucks, giving you an alternative to the big party downtown.
Park 52 Restaurant
Hyde Park
773-241-5200
E-mail lounge52nye@gmail.com for tickets
