Ring in 2024 with these six fun New Year's Eve celebrations in Springfield

Patrick M. Keck, Springfield State Journal- Register
Updated ·2 min read
Fireworks explode over the Illinois State Capitol as Patrick Gillespie gets a kiss from his girlfriend, Kaitlin Kasper as she wears a candy ring that was used by Gillespie's son, Owen, to help him propose to her as the fireworks went off during the Springfield Area Arts Council's 33rd annual First Night Springfield New Year's Eve Celebration on Dec. 31, 2019, in Springfield. [Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register]

Downtown Springfield will be the place to be on New Year's Eve. Before the ball drops, it's party-galore in the city. Here are some fun events to help you usher in the new year.

A countdown for all ages

On Saturday, the Illinois State Museum will have a New Year's countdown celebration open to all ages.

Located at 502 S. Spring St., guests will make headbands and be able to send postcards between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Admission is free.

More: Illinois DMV Santa adds 304 custom license plates to naughty list: 'DZNUTZ,' 'IOWASUX'

Noon Year's Eve

Morning people, rejoice! You can celebrate the New Year early with the seventh annual J.P. Kelly's Pub Noon Year's Eve party.

Doors open at 9 a.m. at 300 E Adams St. before a champagne toast and countdown at noon.

First Night Springfield

The Springfield Area Arts Council and the Hoogland Center for the Arts are joining forces for the 36th annual First Night Springfield New Year's celebration.

Free events include ice skating at Union Square Park at noon and interactive children's events at the Hoogland, 420 S. 6th St., from 1 to 2:45 p.m.

Members of the Springfield Dance Theatre perform at the Hoogland for First Night Springfield Saturday Dec. 31, 2022.
Members of the Springfield Dance Theatre perform at the Hoogland for First Night Springfield Saturday Dec. 31, 2022.

Tickets will be required for performances from Capital Big Band, Capital City Improv Springfield International Folk Dancers, Springfield Theater Center, and more taking to the Hoogland stage at 6 p.m. A full schedule is here.

A fireworks show begins at 10 p.m. with viewing at the intersection of Fourth Street and Capitol Avenue.

Roarin' New Years

Ad Astra Wine Bar and Market, 308 E Adams St., is marking the start of 2024 by taking the celebration back to the 1920s.

This year's theme is based on the 1925 novel, "The Great Gatsby." Guests are encouraged to dress the part. Doors open at 7 p.m.

General admission includes complimentary tapas and hors' devours, a New Year's toast, drinks, and a special gift bag. Limited VIP attendees receive two drink tickets and New Year's toasts in addition to a free tarot reading.

Tickets are available online.

Pajama Jammie Jam

Want a more casual New Year's celebration? The Pasfield House might be the spot.

Wear your pajamas and take in the games, karaoke, food, and a champagne toast at 525 S. Pasfield St. The event, starting at 9 p.m., is intended for those 21 and older.

Tickets can be purchased online.

Satori Walker, 2, of London, England, plays with a game at the Kidzeum Friday, Dec. 22, 2023. Walker was with his mom, who grew up in Springfield, visiting family for the holidays.
Satori Walker, 2, of London, England, plays with a game at the Kidzeum Friday, Dec. 22, 2023. Walker was with his mom, who grew up in Springfield, visiting family for the holidays.

Countdown at Kidzeum

Visitors to the Kidzeum of Health and Science, 412 E. Adams St., also will be ringing in the New Year at noon.

The tradition was started at Kidzeum in 2020 as a way of including children in the festivity of ringing in the New Year.

The museum will be open from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. New Year's Eve.

Contact Patrick M. Keck: 312-549-9340, pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Here are six fun things to do to ring in the new year in Springfield