5 Ways to Ring in the New Year on Chicago's North Shore

The new year is now just a mere days away, so why not start planning how you'll ring in 2017 on Chicago's North Shore? There are dozens of ways to celebrate the new year in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook and the surrounding areas and as your local real estate expert, I'm happy to share a few of them with you below!

It's a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play
December 30, 2016
Oil Lamp Theater, Glenview IL

This classic North Shore event is back again this year! Attend the show for complimentary cookies and hot chocolate and witness a cast of six actors reenact the popular It's a Wonderful Life story with the help of only a sound effects artist— as though it is Christmas Eve 1946 at WBFR Radio.

New Year's Eve at Pinstripes
December 31, 2016
Pinstripes, Northbrook IL

Head out to Pinstripes to watch two balloon drops, the first beginning at 8 PM (ideal for the kids!) and the second at midnight. There will be complimentary champagne, party favors and live music for all to enjoy. You can also try your hand at the pins as both the bowling lanes and bocce courts will be open!

New Year's Eve Bash
December 31, 2016
Kohl Children's Museum, Glenview IL

One entire wing of the museum will be transformed into a giant Times Square style party with a huge confetti drop to ring in the new year! The event lineup also includes a children's concert with Wendy Morgan & DB, DJ and dance party, hat making and horns, free hair styling, family photos and more! Kids under 12 months are free.

New Year's Day Skate
January 1, 2017
Winnetka Ice Arena, Winnetka IL

The holiday season may be coming to an end, but the winter fun is still alive and well in Winnetka! Celebrate the new year with an open skate around the ice arena. Admission is $2 and skate rentals are $3.50.

Wonderland Express
Through January 2, 2017
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe IL

Kick off the new year on the North Shore with this light show, greenhouse extravaganza, railroad garden and more! Here you can find the city of Chicago in miniature form, explore while it magically snows indoors and take in every holiday exhibition before it ends on January 2! This display has been called one of the Chicago area's top holiday "must-see's," so you won't want to miss it!

The new year is also an excellent time to consider moving to a new home in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook and beyond! Give me a call today for more information about available properties and next steps in the buying process.

Have a safe and happy new year!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States. 

How to Start Fresh for the New Year in Your North Shore Home

With the new year here, it's time to turn over a new leaf and start fresh in your North Shore home. If you haven't made a list of New Year's Resolutions yet, you might like to make one specifically to help you start with a clean slate at home.

As your North Shore real estate expert, I'm happy to share some suggestions with you for a happy, healthy new year!

Organize your closet
There is no better way to begin fresh for 2016 than by following the classic "out with the old, in with the new" strategy. Make it a point to clean out your closets, donating what you no longer wear or use and toss any items that may be broken. Move every item that you use on a daily basis to the front where you can quickly access them.

It pays to do this with every closet in your Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield, Winnetka, Northbrook home, not just where you store your clothes. Coat closets, pantries and storage closets all need attention too!

Brighten up your home
Do you have light bulbs in your home that seem to be dim? Not enough light for reading or working in the kitchen? It's time to upgrade your lighting! Replace light bulbs with energy-efficient alternatives and use the maximum wattage allowed. Consider adding more lighting to your living spaces— a new desk lamp, floor lamp or ceiling fixture can help your home instantly feel airier and more open!

Add colorful accessories
During the winter months, your North Shore home may tend to feel dark and dreary, so consider adding a few pops of color! Work in colorful throw pillows, blankets, exciting artwork or a new rug. If you're ready for a complete change in your home, bringing in new furniture can give your spaces a fresh feel!

Paint the front door
Just as I mentioned above, adding color to your home during the first few months of the new year can be just the update you need. Why not give the front door a fresh coat of paint? This project requires minimal work and will be one of the first things both you and your guests notice about your home. The front door also makes a statement about who you are as a North Shore homeowner, so choose something that makes you smile!

Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions about moving on to a new home for the new year, information about the real estate market or available properties in Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield, Winnetka, Northbrook and the surrounding areas!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States.