New Year's Eve Extravaganza, Arden's Auction, Improv Comedy And More

Check out one of these options throughout the area for fun this weekend: 

A Christmas Carol

• When: Thursday, Dec. 29, 8 - 10 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 30, 8 - 10 p.m.
• Where: 300 S Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest 
• Why Go: Citadel Theatre proudly presents Charles Dickens’ classic tale, A Christmas Carol, adapted by Peter DeLaurier and starring Frank Farrell as Scrooge. Faithful to Dickens' beautiful language, this flexible adaptation of the beloved Christmas classic tells the heartwarming story of miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge who is always cold-hearted, and Christmas is no exception -- that is, until the ghost of his deceased business partner, Jacob Marley, comes to warn him about the consequences of living a life of greed and materialism. Over the next three nights, Scrooge is visited by three other spirits who try to convince him that his selfishness will be his downfall. Is this enough to make the selfish old miser change his ways? Directed by Pat Murphy.
• Fee: $37.50
• Info: www.citadeltheatre.org or 847-735-8554

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament New Year’s Eve Extravaganza

• When: Saturday, Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
• Where: 2001 N. Roselle Road, Schaumburg
• Why go: Ring out the old at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament and bring in the new with their New Year’s Eve Extravaganza! Make reservations for the 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31 performance and enjoy a unique & exciting family friendly New Year’s Eve evening filled with Knights displaying extraordinary horsemanship, exciting jousting and expert swordsmanship all played out in 11th century fashion in a compelling, yet touching storyline set in Spain. After the show, guests will enjoy dancing to a DJ, a midnight toast and breakfast until the party ends at approximately 1:30 a.m. The Medieval Times New Year’s Event Extravaganza includes:
  • Pre-Show Hors D’oeuvres
  • Admission to the Museum of Torture
  • Two-Hour Live Tournament
  • Four-Course Medieval Feast
  • Party Favors
  • DJ & Dancing after the Show
  • Champagne Toast at Midnight (non-alcoholic drink will be served to guests under 21)
  • Midnight Countdown with Balloon Drop
  • Continental Breakfast
• Fee: Tickets are $69.95 for adults and $35.95 for children ages 12 and under.
• Info: www.MedievalTimes.com/Chicago or 888-We-Joust (888-935-6878).

Public Auction - Furniture - Art - Design Accessories

• When:  Saturday, Dec. 31, 9 a.m. - New Year's Eve - Doors open at 8 a.m. auction day
• Where:  , 416 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville (downtown Libertyville – next door to Mickey Finn’s restaurant)
• Why Go:  NEW YEARS EVE - PUBLIC AUCTION: Two Rings Going All Day - Bring A Bidding Partner. Everything sold to the bare walls! 3,000+ items.  INSPECTION: Buyers can inspect items daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. up until auction day.
• AUCTIONEERS NOTE: Arden’s Fine Furniture has been in business since 1958 and is closing their doors. This is a rare opportunity for you to take advantage of great buys of designer high end: furniture, art, lamps, collectibles, realistic silk plants, antiques and accessories at this auction.
• INVENTORY: Subject to change by auction day.
• DELIVERIES: Arden's Furniture will be available for deliveries, for a fee. Advanced Auction will not be responsible for deliveries or fees that are charged.
• Fee: Free
• Info: 847-367-1122

Improv Playhouse Comedy Troupe "Lost Not Stolen" Show

• When: Saturday, December 31, 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Where: 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville
• Why Go: This is a family friendly sketch and games based show in the style of "Whose Line..." and Chicago Improv featuring the hilarious Improv Comedy Troupe "Lost Not Stolen."
• Fee: $7 for general admission at the door; $5 for Improv Playhouse students.
• Info: http://­www.­impro­vplayhouse.­com or (847) 968-4529.

American English with Hot Rocks NYE Bash

• When: Saturday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
• Where: 275 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire - Viper Alley
• Why Go: Free champagne toast midnight and limited party favors throughout the evening! American English is simply the best Beatles tribute story of our time. At the inception of the band, they were voted “number one” by thousands of Beatle fans as winners of sound a like contests at Beatlefest® for three consecutive years. American English is the closest you will ever get to reliving The Beatles. Whether you grew up with the Fab Four or not, this show will be your window to the past. Witness “The Complete Beatles Tribute” with American English! Premium raised dinner seating package includes: salad served family style, choice of one of three dinner courses (grilled brick chicken, skirt steak or shrimp risotto), desserts one per person (molten chocolate cake or warm apple crostata). Includes tax, tip and one soft drink.
• Fee: $25
• Info: http://­www.­viper-­alley.­com or (847) 499-5000.

Fitness Takes No New Year’s Holiday at Vernon Hills Y

• When: Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Where: 700 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills
• Why Go: Lake County Family YMCA’s Vernon Hills branch will be open New Year’s Day to accommodate those wanting to get started right away on keeping their New Year’s resolutions to lose weight and/or get in shape. The swimming pool will be closed but some fitness classes will be offered free of charge New Year’s Day: Kickboxing from 9 to 10 a.m., Zumba from 10 to 10:45 a.m., Yoga from 11 to 11:30 a.m. and Muscle Works from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Become a member of the Central Lake Y during the month of January and the joiner’s fee will be waived. In addition to this, those who sign up on Jan. 1 are eligible for one-month’s free membership – in April – plus a chance to win one of four new bicycles for kids ages 7 to 10. As always, all the benefits of Lake County Family YMCA membership such as indoor swimming pools and exercise equipment, free fitness classes and free babysitting are available with no contract to sign. All Lake County Family YMCA programs are designed to encourage the four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. 
• Fee: Free.
• Info: www.ymcalakecounty.org or (847) 367-6797.