Fun Ways to Ring in the New Year

Instead of hiring a babysitter and fighting late night traffic to and from a New Year's Eve party in Milwaukee or Chicago during uncertain winter weather, there are local alternatives that include kids, parents, grandparents and close friends.

Open 364 days a year, the Racine Zoo is host to lively animals romping through the winter snow along the banks of Lake Michigan. While the zoo isn't hosting a New Year's celebration, the animals are always excited for a visit from their human counterparts. Admission is just $4.00 for adults, $3.00 Seniors 62 and up, $2.00 for Children 3-15, free for Children 2 and under and always free for members.

Winter hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
2131 N. Main Street
Racine, Wisconsin 53402
(262) 636-9189 or www.racinezoo.org

After strolling through the 32-acre recreational and conservational wonderland, tuck the kids under warm blankets in the car, and take a drive through Yogi Bear Jellystone Park Camp-resort in Caledonia, to see the annual Christmas Carnival of Lights.

Here is your chance to view over one million lights. These lights are primarily displayed with the park owner's hand made creative skills and abilities to give the most unique and entertaining experience, unlike any other.  Open now until January 2, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the spectacular show is just $13 per carload of up to eight people, $18 for larger vehicles and mini-buses.

The park is located at 8425 Hwy. 38, Caledonia, WI 53108. For more information, call, 262-835-2565.

Once the kids are tucked in bed, adults can venture close to home with events such as, The Racine Theatre Guild's special New Year's Eve. "June's Got the Cash," a musical-comedy tribute to June Carter and Johnny Cash. The event begins at 8 p.m. and is followed by a hearty country-western buffet and party that   includes champagne and dancing on stage, all for $40.

The Racine Theatre Guild is located at 2519 Northwestern Avenue, Racine.

Ticket information can be found at www.racinetheatre.org or by calling 633-4218.

The more adventurous might want to step out to Cabbage Heads Tavern and Grill for a New Year's Duck dinner, followed by Champagne. The Tavern, located at 3311 County Road H, Franksville, will be open until 1-2 a.m. For more information, call (262) 321-0622.

Don's Market, 3120 Robert's Street, Franksville, will be hosting a New Year's Eve Party. A fee of $50 includes free drinks, buffet, D.J. as well as free drinks for the Rose Bowl and Packer game that weekend. The celebration begins at 9 p.m. and continues through to 5 or 6 a.m. For reservations, call 886-5775.

Oh Dennis Saloon & Charcoal, 4301 Douglas Avenue, Racine is hosting a New Year's Dinner with party favors and choice of Bone-in Filet or Lobster. For reservations, call 681-1715.

Sebastian's 6025 Douglas Avenue, Caledonia, will be offering a four course meal with entree choices at each course. Last seating will be at 9 p.m. Dinners will be $49 per person plus tax. Reservations a must! Call 681-5465. 

Clear your head and start the New Year right by joining the Kenosha Racine Bicycle Club for a crisp morning ride along Lighthouse Drive in Racine. According to club president, Cathy Hicks, the club will ride on New Year's Day from Monument Square to the Lighthouse, and on to the lakefront to watch the annual Polar Bear Plunge.

"We usually start at 10:30 at the square," said Hicks. "Then after the ride, we go to Wilson's for coffee."

Wilson's is located at 3306 Washington Avenue, Racine.

More information can be found on calendar page of the group's website, www.krbikeclub.com . For additional information, contact Hicks at 262-939-1577.