Countdown to New Year's Eve

Chicago

Back to the future

Of course, we're all looking forward to 2011 on New Year's Eve, but we don't warble “Auld Lang Syne” for nothing. Look back at the best of the past with an evening of golden age glamour when swing reigned supreme as Kimpton's Hotel Palomar Chicago and Sable Kitchen & Bar present “Zoot! New Years 2011.” The evening will feature the nine-piece swing band The Pin-ups, Sable's Bottomless Champagne Bar, unlimited small plates from 8 to 11 p.m., unlimited dessert from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., favors, balloon drop and midnight toast, and a cash bar of handcrafted cocktails, beer and wine. The hotel offers a Chicago's Zoot package or the NYE hotel package that includes the party and deluxe accommodations for two.

8 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday, Dec. 31, to Saturday, Jan. 1, at Hotel Palomar, 505 N. State St., Chicago. Cost is $125 (includes tax and gratuity). New Year's Eve Hotel Package is $419 for two people for one-night stay. Call (312) 755-9703 or visit hotelpalomar-chicago.com.

Find your sea legs

Champagne and fireworks will be a-popping when you opt for a New Year's Eve cruise aboard the Odyssey, Spirit of Chicago or Mystic Blue ship. Enjoy festive cuisine, premium open bar, entertainment, front-row seats to Navy Pier's firework display and more. The Odyssey's dinner cruise features hors d'oeuvres, filet mignon, lobster and a chocolate fountain. Spirit of Chicago's celebration offers a dinner buffet and DJ, while Mystic Blue will feature a DJ and a dockside party.

8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Dec. 31. Odyssey's NYE Fireworks Dinner Cruise starts at $219.90. Call (866) 305-2469 or visit odysseycruises.com/Chicago/new-years-eve-fireworks-dinner-chicago. For Spirit of Chicago's celebration, from $159.90, call (866) 273-2469 or visit http://spiritofchicago.com/Chicago/newyears-fireworks-dinner-chicago. Mystic Blue New Year's Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise starts at $147.90. Call (877) 299-7783 or visit mysticbluecruises.com/Chicago/new-years-eve-chicago-dinner.

Final fantasy 2010

Ring in 2011 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare with live music from popular bands the Modern Day Romeos and Jaktripper, entry to the Dance Club featuring DJ-Spin and access to Red Bar. Count on a champagne toast, festive party favors and a fantasy casino. Overnight packages at Hyatt Regency O'Hare are also available and include overnight accommodations, two party tickets and the option of a prime rib dinner buffet at O'H American Grill.

8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Dec. 31, at Hyatt Regency O'Hare, 9300 Bryn Mawr Ave., in Rosemont. Tickets are $59 per person. Hotel package, which includes accommodations for up to two adults, including early check-in and late checkout, is $219. Add a dinner buffet for $40 per person or $80 per couple to any ticket purchase or package. Call (800) 233-1234 or visit hyattregencyohare.com.

Midwest

Up the junction

Give into the cold side with heart-pumping outdoor events like ice-skating, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, bonfire, music and fireworks at Boulder Junction's Winter Celebration. Festivities begin with a brief instruction and guided cross-country ski. Bring your skis along or if you don't have equipment, some will be available to borrow. Open skating and sledding with live music followed by a fireworks display. Complimentary chili and hot cocoa will be served.

4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, at Boulder Junction's Winter Park, located east of downtown Boulder Junction, Wis., on Old Highway K. Call (715) 385-2400.

Just call me angel of the morning

On New Year's Day, make history in Ludington, Mich., by joining a Guinness Book of World Record Challenge for the most snow angels done simultaneously. The goal is 10,000. Dust yourself off and head to the downtown area for a New Year, New You Shopping Extravaganza, when merchants will be running special promotions and sales.

Noon on Saturday, Jan. 1, in Oriole Field and Stearns Park in Ludington. Registration is free. Shopping Extravaganza will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Call (877) 420-6618 or visit ludingtonarea.com.

Cheesy rider

Think you're the “big cheese?” See the real thing at the 4th annual Cheese Drop and New Year's Party at Wisconsin's Plymouth Arts Center. An 80-pound wedge of cheese is dropped 100 feet at the stroke of midnight with free hot cocoa for all. You may also attend a Build Your Own New Year's Eve Party with live music and prizes.

New Year's Eve Party from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Dec. 31, at the Plymouth Arts Center, 520 E Mill St. Tickets $25 to $35 per table. Big Cheese Drop at midnight is free. Call (920) 892-8409 or visit elkhartlake.com.

Worth the trip

After the party hats and noisemakers are in the trash, take advantage of Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., to keep spirits up and extra rolls around the midsection down. Wilderness Wildlife Week offers eight days of programs and activities focused on Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offered by more than 200 experts. Of the 235 programs, 128 are new including nature photography, bears, butterflies, elk, camping skills, outdoor safety and scores of other topics. Almost two dozen are devoted to youngsters. There are 48 hikes and excursions into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including a llama trek. Don't miss AppalachiaFest, a musical celebration of mountain music and dancing.

Saturday, Jan. 8, to Saturday, Jan. 5. Admission free. Call (800) 251-9100 or visit mypigeonforge.com.