Things to do this weekend December 30-January 2

By: Jonathan Jones 12/30/2016

Here are Lake County's top things to do this weekend December 30-January 2.

1. 18th Annual Polar Bear Plunge in Waukegan

‘Tis the season to be freezin.’ Already Lake County has been hit with a lot of snow and low mercury temps. Kick 2017 off by chilling in the 18th Annual Polar Bear Plunge in Waukegan. This Waukegan Municipal Beach event awards a polar plunge shirt to the first 500 brave souls that take a dip in the drink. Water shoes or other footwear are required. Food, hot chocolate and polar bear hats will be sold on site. If you’re not enticed by a frigid hug with Lake Michigan, cheer your friends and family from slightly warmer shores.

Sunday, January 1; Preregistration at 9 a.m., Plunge 10-11 a.m. Admission: $20, $15 in advance. Waukegan Municipal Beach, 201 Sea Horse Dr., Waukegan.

[caption id="attachment_6703" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Photo Credit: Chicago Sun-Times[/caption]

2. Singin' in the Rain

It is the closing weekend you can feast your eyes on the classic flick that originally starred Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor. It’s curtains for Singin’ in the Rain at Marriott Theatre, after this weekend. Singin’ in the Rain follows three silent film stars trying to make the transition from the ‘talkies,’ to the big screen. The movie itself is ranked in the top 10 on pretty much every major film category and is preserved in the U.S. Library of Congress in the National Film Registry. Marriott Theatre always knows how to pay tribute to classic and there is no doubt they will deliver again. It’s also a perfect night to stay the night at Marriott Lincolnshire Resort for New Year’s Eve.

Friday-Sunday, December 30-31; Fri 7 p.m., Sat 1 p.m. & 8 p.m. Tickets vary. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire.

3. Wet v. Dry Prohibition in Waukegan Exhibit

Everyone likes to wet their whistle with a mug of frothy suds. Visit the Waukegan History Museum at Bowen Park before you grab any spirits for New Year’s Eve to see the last weekend of the Wet v. Dry Prohibition Exhibit. This exhibit commemorates the 100th anniversary of Waukegan’s Prohibition. Local prohibition had begun in 1916 – four years before the 18th Amendment was enforced nationally. This exhibit also features the Temperance Movement, the impact of Woman’s Suffrage on Prohibition and so much more. The exhibit also contains the last beer brewed by the Waukegan Brewing Company, formerly known as Besley’s in 1916.

Saturday, December 31; 1-4 p.m. Waukegan History Museum at Bowen Park, 1918 N. Sheridan Rd., Waukegan.

4. Wonderland Express

All Aboard! Chicago Botanic Garden has the little engines that can, as this weekend marks the finale of the Wonderland Express. The celebrated train set resides inside the Regenstein Center. The set designed by Paul Busse spans 10,000 square-feet and is equipped with miniature trains, bridges, trestles, waterfalls and 80 mini-replicas of Chicago’s favorite landmarks. This event also features ice carvings, wonderful music from carolers and for the kiddies, Thomas the Tank Engine.

Friday-Sunday, December 31, 2016-January 1, 2017; Admission ranges between $8-$12. Children under two are free. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.

5. 4th Annual Dodgeball Tournament

If you can dodge a wrench you can dodge a ball. This Jump America event won’t be as intense as the 2004 movie, “Dodgeball: A True Underground Story,” but it will be close. The Fourth Annual Dodgeball Tournament is a single elimination competition and the winning team is awarded a free year of jumping at the Gurnee facility. Preregistration is required. Before you step out on the court, ‘Remember the five D’s of Dodgeball: Dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge.’

Saturday, December 31; Check-in 10 a.m. Fifth Grade and younger 11 a.m., sixth-eighth grade 1 p.m., High School level 3 p.m., 18 and older 5 p.m. Jump America, 880 Lakeside Dr., Gurnee.

For more weekend events, continue here. Click here for our New Year's State of Mind in Lake County blog.