Ring in 2025 at Grand Bear, Starved Rock Lodge New Year’s events

Looking to ring in the new year with a bang in the Illinois Valley area? Check out these festive events for the whole family at Starved Rock Lodge and Grand Bear Resort.

Starved Rock Lodge will host a New Year’s Eve prime rib buffet from 5-8 p.m., as well as regular dinner menu offerings from 5-9 p.m. in the Main Dining Room. Enjoy music from the Steve Sharp band in the Back Door Lounge from 9 p.m. to midnight. The next morning, have a New Year’s Day brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Main Dining Room. Visit Starved Rock Lodge’s website to learn more about these events or to make reservations.

Grand Bear Lodge is hosting the Ultimate NYE Rave into the New Year party from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dress in glow-in-the-dark clothing, and bring the kids for family-friendly entertainment, including a magic show extravaganza, face painting, juggling show, balloon artists and more. Dance the night away with a live DJ, enjoy a balloon drop and midnight toast. Buffet dinner stations include taco & nacho bar, pasta bar, build a burger, pizza and salad bar. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit grandbearresort.com.

If you’re looking for a getaway within a few hours’ drive, check out Eagle Ridge Resort near Galena in northwest Illinois. The resort has special New Year’s Eve packages, which includes a night in the hotel and admission to the New Year’s Eve party, which includes food, beverages, taxes and gratuity. The New Year’s Eve party in the Eagle Ballroom features a buffet dinner, premium bar, live DJ, champagne toast and late night pizza. Tickets are $125 per person. The buffet includes salad, roasted prime rib, roasted turkey breast, garlice mashed potatoes, vegetable medley and a dessert table. To make a reservation, visit the Eagle Ridge Resort’s website.