Harmonious New Year's Eve Celebration
You'll feel better in the morning after attending this alcohol- and substance-free New Year's Eve party. The Harmonious New Year’s Eve Celebration, a fundraiser for iwomp.com, is a participatory event that dishes up the best for the body…and mind and spirit. The six-hour event, held at the Zen-like Holmes Place Health Club (355 E. Grand), features a choice of introductory explorations of Breema, yoga, kirtan singing, Osho dance, Tai Chi and talks on Astrology and Healing.
Sample a bit of luxury via the chlorine-free pool, hot tub and co-ed sauna and steam room, available for play, rest, rejuvenation, and socializing. Massage and bodywork will be freely available, and you'll get your fill of excellent vegetarian eats. Trade that champagne toast for an inspired celebratory dance at midnight. Information and tickets sales at iwomp.com.
Navy Pier Ferris Wheel Countdown and Fireworks
In an effort to prove that Chicago does not have ball-envy, the City has its own way of counting down the last few seconds of 2004; the ten rings of beaming light on the Navy Pier Ferris wheel will be disappearing one-by-one during the final ten seconds of the year. The disappearance of the inner ring will mark the arrival of the 2005 and set off Navy Pier's elaborate fireworks display and Ferris wheel light spectacular, set to a New Year's-themed soundtrack. If Navy Pier isn't your thing, head on over to Grant Park, which also provides a freezingly fabulous view of the fireworks spectacular.
First Night Evanston 200
While you can probably snag yourself a drink at one of the neighboring restaurants or pubs, First Night Evanston is an all-ages celebration where libations come in the form of music and fun. A solid line-up of performers (including The Chicago Brass Quintet, Piven Theatre Workshop and Las Guitarras Espana) take the stage at 17 warm indoor venues across downtown. Gather around the Midnight Celebration Stage to ring in the New Year with fireworks. Tickets at www.firstnightevanston.org.
Bikram Yoga Chicago
Sweat your way into 2005 courtesy of Bikram Yoga. The 90-minute class, held in a room heated to 105-degrees and humidified to 50 percent, will be held from 10:30 p.m.-midnight. The class is offered at Bikram Yoga Chicago studios in both Wicker Park (1344 N. Milwaukee) and Lincoln Park (2736-A N. Clark). Start your New Year's Resolution early...no experience necessary. The cost is $15; bring a mat, towel and water bottle, or rent/buy each for $1. Questions and pre-registration at (773) 395-9150 or email guru@bycic.com.
Last Race of the Year
"Competitive at the front of the pack, relaxed and joyous at the back," this race starts at 8 p.m. at the Heartland Cafe, moves east on Lunt through Loyola Park along Lake Michigan, and then loops back to Red Line Tap (making the latter part alcohol-optional) for food, awards, gifts and camaraderie. Cost: $25, which includes a shirt or hat and admission to those venues, plus No Exit Cafe. Visit Heartland Cafe's Web site for more info.
Pre-New Year's Eve Dance Party
Take note: this toe-tapping event kicks off a weekend of fun on Thursday. On Dec. 30, the Irving Park YMCA (4251 W. Irving Park) holds a dance fundraising event to kick off the New Year. Singles, couples and families (even with young kids) are invited. Participants will enjoy a light buffet dinner; non-alcoholic drinks; mini party line dance lessons and mini partner lessons. Donation is $5 for present YMCA members at any location, $5 for present DanceMates enrollees (June 2004 thru December 2004 enrollees, please bring proof of enrollment or invitation at the door), $5 for seniors age 67 years and over, $5 for teens and kids 19 years old and under, and $10 for all others. From 7-10 p.m.
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