Smile Politely

Guide to New Year’s Eve: 2021-2022

Here we are at the end of another year, another year that’s come with its share of difficulties. We are still facing uncertainty in this ongoing pandemic, yet we have hope that 2022 will bring about change for the better. We certainly aren’t back to “normal”, whatever that was, so take careful consideration when you celebrate this year. If you are vaccinated and boosted, heading out on the town, or gathering with friends, is less risky than if you aren’t. It’s still a good idea to do a rapid COVID test before your event. 

We’ve gathered some options if you’re planning to venture out. There’s also nothing wrong with celebrating at home, in your PJs, with some takeout. Just be sure to check your favorite spots to make sure they’re open!

Please party safely, and Happy New Year!

– Julie McClure, Culture Editor

A beer glass and champagne flute are sitting on a bar. In the background are people sitting along the bar, and a bartender is behind the bar. Photo by Alyssa Buckley.

Photo by Alyssa Buckley.

Ease into NYE at your leisure, The Literary, 9 a.m. to 12 a.m., no cover

The new bookstore/coffee shop/bar s hosting a Civilized New Year’s Eve. Listen to music, pick out some new reads for the year, sip some coffee, wine or beer, or a mocktail — depending on the time of day. The kitchen will be open until 10 p.m., and the bar will be open until midnight. (JM)

A beer garden with a greenhouse and four clear domes. There are string lights across the top of the space. Photo from Big Thorn Farm Facebook page.

Photo from Big Thorn Farm Facebook page.

Celebrate an outdoor NYE (early), Big Thorn Farm, 3 to 9 p.m., no cover

Big Thorn is throwing an Early Bird party for all those who yawn way before midnight. There will be a toast at midnight South Georgia time (8 p.m. Central), and a special celebratory beer for the evening called 2022 Cider Pils (5%) in addition to a new sandwich menu from The Truck. You can reserve an igloo for the event. (AB)

A champagne flute with bubbling champagne and a brown sugar cube in the bottom is sitting on a white marble bar. Photo from Hamilton Walker's.

Photo from Hamilton Walker’s.

Get your lobster fix, Hamilton Walker’s, 4 to 9 p.m.

Experience some fine dining at Hamilton Walker’s. They are featuring lobster specials for the evening. Lobster with their amazing spinach salad and some bacon wrapped date sounds delightful. Top it off with a champagne cocktail and you’re set. Be sure to make a reservation. (JM)

A close up of a drum set with a man standing in the background. There are bright lights blurring the image. Photo from Rose Bowl Tavern Facebook page.

Photo from Rose Bowl Tavern Facebook page.

Enjoy a stacked lineup of music, Rose Bowl Tavern, 5 p.m. – ?, $10 

Rose Bowl Tavern in Urbana has an impressive lineup of musicians. Starting at 5 p.m., check out The Turino Family Band, Paul Kotheimer, Clayton Burke Band, Big Daddy Pride and the East Side Five, and Belle Isle. There will be a champagne toast at midnight. (SW)

There are four men on a stage playing tenor sax, bass guitar, drums, and electric guitar. There are silhouettes of audience member in the foreground, and a blue curtain behind the band. Photo from Kilborn Alley Facebook page.

Photo from Kilborn Alley Blues Facebook page.

Take in some swing jazz and blues, Esquire Lounge, 5 p.m., no cover

Esquire Lounge will be hosting two groups on New Years Eve this year. The Vine Street Syncopators will be bringing some swinging jazz from 5-8 p.m, and Kilborn Alley Blues will provide the blues until 1 a.m. (SW)

A semi-circle mirror framed by ornate wood carved arch. There are hanging lights reflected in the mirror. Photo from Seven Saints Facebook page.

Photo from Seven Saints Facebook page.

Get spiffed up for a speakeasy, Seven Saints, 6:30 p.m. to 12 a.m., $50

Seven Saints is bringing back their annual speakeasy. Did you know that the block that Seven Saints sits on used to be filled with speakeasies, brothels, and gambling halls during Prohibition? Don your finest and dine on prime rib or salmon and enjoy cocktail specials while you’re soothed by the sounds of Leon Lewis-Nicol and the Chip McNeill Jazz Quartet. Purchase your tickets ahead of time. (JM)

A plate of fried chicken pieces and two dinner rolls. Photo from Neil Street Blues Facebook page.

Photo from Neil Street Blues Facebook page.

Head out for comedy, music, and food, Neil St. Blues, 8 p.m. to 1 p.m., $40

Neil St. Blues will have two DJs, two comedians, and an all-you-can-eat buffet. Their food is so delicious, and the buffet will be available from 8 to 10 p.m. There will be a champagne toast at midnight for party guests. Purchase your tickets here. (AB)

View from a stage behind band members. There is a crowd on the floor and in the balcony, with Happy New Year signs hanging from the balcony. Photo from The City Center Facebook page.

Photo from The City Center Facebook page.

Canceled: Have a hillbilly holiday, The City Center, 8 p.m., $30-50

Note: The City Center announced on December 27th that this event is canceled due to challenges brought on by COVID-19.

The Feudin’ Hillbillies is headlining a night of music at The City Center. They’ll be joined by Ethan Scott off at 8 p.m., as well as Ancient Ways at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $30 for general admission, but you can also get VIP mezzanine tickets for $50 which include a private entry door, as well as appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. Get your tickets here. (SW)

Two wooden slabs hang on a wall. They have targets with black concentric circles and say The Axe Bar in red at the top and Champaign, IL in black at the bottom. Photo by Alyssa Buckley.

Photo by Alyssa Buckley.

Throw axes and ring in the new year, The Axe Bar, 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., $20

The Axe Bar in Downtown Champaign is having a party with the band XKrush. There will be live music, axe throwing, a photobooth, and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets can only be purchased at the door the night of the event. (AB)

A rocks glass with a creamy liquid, frothed at the top, with a skinny black straw. Photo by Jessica Hammie.

Photo by Jessica Hammie.

Hang out with all your vaxxed friends, Bentley’s Pub, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., no cover

We can’t deny that COVID continues to throw a wrench of uncertainty into our holiday plans. The crew at Bentley’s is making the wise decision to require proof of vaccination for their festivities. Bring your ID, proof of vax (card, photo of card, or MyChart app), as well as a mask. DJ Nico will be playing “all-wax rock & roll” while you enjoy their one of a kind cocktails. (JM)

Alyssa Buckley, Julie McClure, and Sean Wilkinson contributed to this article.

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