As 2023 comes to an end, it’s time to dig up your champagne flutes, find a local firework show and get ready to count down the last few minutes of the year. 

But amid the hustle and bustle of last-minute gift shopping, hosting out-of-towners, and prepping for the holidays, you may forget to make plans for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. We’ve got you covered. 

Whether you’re looking for a family friendly daytime activity before the clock strikes midnight, or a long night out, here’s a list of free and affordable things to do in Brookfield and Riverside on Dec. 31, 2023 and Jan. 1, 2024. 

Find some holiday magic at the Brookfield Zoo

The popular Brookfield Zoo is currently running its 42nd annual holiday magic event — Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival, according to the zoo. While Dec. 31 is the last day to see the displays of a reindeer, giraffe, and more created by 2 million LED lights, you can still sneak in this family-friendly event until 9 p.m.

If you’re busy on New Year’s Eve, bring your crew to the zoo for New Year’s Day. On Jan. 1, the Zoo will be open during normal business hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Grab a drink at a local bar 

What better way to ring in the new year than while supporting one of your local bars? Some of your favorite spots are getting ready to host you. 

The Cordial Inn Bar will be open during regular hours on New Year’s Eve, but New Year’s Day is when they really expect things to pick up for football games — and a big crowd to support University of Michigan’s quarterback J.J. McCarthy, a local from nearby La Grange Park. The bar opens at 7 a.m. on New Year’s Day with a $15 special on buckets of domestic beers.

Local favorite Irish Times Pub and Restaurant could also be your New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day spot. It will be open from 11 a.m. on Dec. 31 to 1:30 am Jan 1. 

Enjoy a special New Year’s Eve menu 

While many of the local restaurants will be open for dinner on New Year’s Eve, some will be open until midnight for celebrating with a special menu. 

Try some Balkan cuisine at Serbian restaurant Skadarliya. While the ticket for the evening is a bit pricey at $185 per person, you’ll get appetizers, three dishes (including meat and fish), unlimited drinks, and champagne at midnight. The event runs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and there will be a live Serbian band. You can visit Skadarliya or call to reserve your spot. 

The Chew Chew, a neighborhood restaurant established in 1996, is also doing a special menu for New Year’s Eve. You can book a spot or get pick up from the full menu or the special menu — which includes tuna tartare, Maine lobster bisque, butternut squash ravioli, a jumbo five-layer chocolate and more — between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.  

Another local favorite, La Barra, is also a good option for a New Year’s Eve dinner. The kitchen closes at 9 p.m. but they stay open into the new year with drinks.

Catch some live music 

If you’re looking to sit back and enjoy some tunes, head to Pub 78. The bar is hosting a New Year’s Eve party with live music from The Redmonds from 9 p.m. until midnight. Door opens at 7:30 and be sure to reserve your spot. You’ll get unlimited drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast for $60. 

Chef Shangri-La, a Riverside staple, will also be closing out 2023 with some live music. Rick “Elvis” Cada will play from 6 p.m. to 7 :30 p.m. on the 31st, and the Rod Stewart Experience with Cliff Tartaglia will take over at 8 p.m. 

Play at the arcade 

Brookfield’s well-known Galloping Ghost Arcade will be open during its usual hours (until midnight) on New Year’s Eve and Day — and could a good option if you’re looking for a place to casually celebrate with friends. The arcade has nearly 1,000 games from familiar titles like Donkey Kong and Pac-Man to rare titles you likely haven’t yet encountered. You can play all day for just $25. 

Sing carols 

In the mood to sing yourself instead? Riverside Presbyterian Church is hosting a “carols and cocoa” service on Dec. 31 at 10 a.m. Feel free to come by, call out some carols for the minister of music Sally Sloane to play along to, and enjoy some hot cocoa. This is a free event. 

Get outside 

If you’re hoping for a quieter, more relaxed holiday, take advantage of some of the beautiful nature the local area has to offer. Take the family on a hike or bike ride along the Salt Creek Trail. 

There’s an adventure for people of all levels. If you are new to the trail, the Forest Preserves of Cook County recommends starting at the Bemis Woods for a hike around 1.7 miles. Those who are more familiar with the trail can opt for a six-to-eight-mile hike starting and ending at Brezina Woods, or a 14-plus-mile challenge starting and ending at Brookfield Woods. 

You can also join the Compassion United Methodist Church for its 9th annual “Resolution Walk” in which people come together to step into the New Year on the right foot. The three-mile route starts at The Compassion Factory at 9210 Broadway in Brookfield at 10 a.m. on New Year’s Day. There will be snacks afterward, and no registration is required.