Best bets: Hockey tournament at Sears Centre
="briefHead">Collegiate goals
Boston University, Minnesota State University #8212; Mankato, Brown University and Notre Dame University are the four schools set for the college hockey games in the third annual Notre Dame Shillelagh Hockey Tournament this weekend at the Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. $15-$40. (888) 732-7784 or searscentre.com. 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 1; 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 2
="briefHead">So long, #8216;Shrine'
The Comedy Shrine is moving out of its overdecorated Naperville digs. But you can have a fond and funny goodbye by attending one of four New Year's Eve Improv Bash shows tonight at 22 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. $13-$18 family-friendly shows; $28-$36 adults only shows. (630) 355-2844 or comedyshrine.com. Family-friendly shows 5 and 6:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31; Adults-only shows 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31
="briefHead">Hart-full ha-ha
Comedian Kevin Hart promises a riotously funny New Year's Eve celebration tonight at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Hart's special guests include: Na'im Lynn, Will Spank Horton and Corey Holocomb. $49.50-$95.50. (312) 263-1138 or thechicagotheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31
="briefHead">Neverly New Year
Rock out the old year with the acclaimed 1950s and '60s rock tribute band The Neverly Brothers which covers hits by Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry and The Beatles tonight for a New Year's Eve party at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. $105. (815) 356-9212 or rauecenter.org. 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31
="briefHead">New Year sparks
Sure, it's bound to be cold and full of jostling crowds, but if you want to see New Year's Eve Fireworks, go to Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Where else can you get a grand pyrotechnical display locally for free? (312) 595-7437 or navypier.com. 8:15 p.m. and midnight Friday, Dec. 31
="briefHead">Skyscraper skate
Chicago's John Hancock Building boasts the #8220;World's Highest Skating Rink#8221; this winter at the Hancock Observatory, 875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. $5 per 25-minute session (on top of regular admission charge of $21; $16 ages 3 to 11). $1 skate rental. (888) 875-8439 or www.hancock-observatory.com. 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily from Saturday, Jan. 1, through the end of March
="briefHead">#8216;Salute to Vienna'
Welcome the New Year the traditionally European way with the symphonic dance concert #8220;Salute to Vienna.#8221; On the Sunday bill are the Strauss Symphony of America and Austrian dancers from Ballet St. Pölten. Waltz on at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. $27-$98. (312) 294-3000 or cso.org. 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 2
="briefHead">Meow mixed-media
Help support the no-kill animal shelter Cat Guardians by bidding on kitty artwork by local artists at the 2011 Annual Hope Art Auction next week at the Naperville Art League, 508 N. Center St., Naperville. Free admission. (630) 355-2530. Noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, Jan. 4-7; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. silent auction Saturday, Jan. 8
="briefHead">Inquisition opera
Catch an encore of the Metropolitan Opera's critically acclaimed new coproduction of Verdi's tragic historical opera #8220;Don Carlo#8221; on Wednesday at area movie theaters via high definition screenings. Sung in Italian with English subtitles. $12.50-$18. Visit fathomevents.com for participating theaters. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5