Ring in the New Year at the Naperville Millennium Carillon

Dolly McCarthy to host 6:00 p.m. countdown; Spencer Huard to host midnight countdown

Who:                    
Naperville Park District invites the community to the annual Countdown at the Carillon. The Early Family Countdown will be led by Dolly McCarthy, host and executive producer of The Dolly McCarthy Show and award-winning journalist and former news anchor for NCTV-17’s Naperville News 17. City Carillonneur Tim Sleep will play music of the season and entertainment will be provided by Magic of Scott Piner. Tim Sleep and Carillonneur Sue Bergren will play for the Traditional Midnight Countdown, which will be led by Naperville Park District’s Creative Services Manager Spencer Huard.

What/When:    
Two countdowns will take place: the Early Family Countdown at 6:00 p.m. and the Traditional Countdown at 12:00 midnight. Festivities for the Early Countdown will begin at 5:30 p.m. with complementary hot cocoa provided by My Chef and entertainment provided by Magic of Scott Piner. Glow sticks, bells and cocoa will be available outside the Carillon Visitor Center until 6:15 p.m., while supplies last.  For the Traditional Countdown, music will begin at 11:15 p.m.

Where:               
Both countdowns will take place at the Naperville Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower at Rotary Hill,  443 Aurora Ave. Limited parking is available at the top of Rotary Hill or in the Park District Administration Building parking lot. Additional parking is located at Centennial Beach or at the Municipal Center at 400 S. Eagle St. Please note that the entire event is outdoors; participants are encouraged to dress for the weather.

Why:                    
"I can’t think of a better way to ring in the New Year than with my children, family and friends in downtown Naperville,” said Dolly McCarthy. “This annual early countdown at the Carillon has been an amazing tradition that grows every year come snow, freezing rain or high winds. The spirit of Naperville and its families shines on this night. If this has been your tradition with us for the past 6 years or if you are looking to start a new one, this is the place to be for a happy, fun, festive time for the whole family! Don’t forget to share your New Year’s resolutions with us!”