Dozens of Morton Grove kiddos helped to ring in the New Year about 12 hours before the calendar change, blowing noisemakers and squealing with excitement as balloons were released to celebrate the move into 2026.

The annual “Noon Year” New Year’s Eve event at the Prairie View Community Center is so popular, according to organizers, it is restricted to residents only. Children as young as 2 years old joined in the festivities, which included music, entertainment, refreshments, party hats, noise makers and the balloon drop.

Families filled the Prairie View Community Center in Morton Grove on New Year’s Eve for a noon-time celebration to ring in 2026. (Talia Sprague/for Pioneer Press)

Morton Grove Park District Superintendent of Recreation Sue Braubach told Pioneer Press the daytime celebration is intended to allow families with young children ring in the new year together, especially since the youngsters would likely be asleep at the stroke of midnight. Also, she said, most adults are off from work that day, making the event’s timing even more optimal.

This past Dec. 31 was the Park District’s third year offering the two-hour celebration.

“It’s so popular right now that we sell out every year,” Braubach said.

She said the event is a hit among young kids and their families.

“Families enjoy coming to an earlier version of celebrating the New Year,” said Braubach.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/06/morton-grove-youth-new-years-eve-event/