New Year's Eve Planner

NYE Philly throws its glitzy annual black-tie optional, all-inclusive Glitter City Gala for 2000 young professionals. And planners even throw in an after-party. ($135-$175, www.NYEPhilly.com)

NYE Philly provides a second all-inclusive alternative for young professionals who wish to dress up and shake it down to live music at 12Midnight, with an after-party to follow. Also, event goers can partake in the silent auction benefitting Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. ($125-$175, www.NYEPhilly.com)

Meet Market Adventures throws a slightly more casual singles-only party. ($29.99-$75, www.meetmarketadventures.com)

A la carte or chef's tasting menu? Choose either one and sample Spanish tapas and a glass of bubbly at midnight. ($55, $75, $95)

Four Spanish tapas courses, dessert and wine pairings, plus a complimentary flute of cava makes for an Ano Nuevo magnifico. ($55, $75 or $95)

This West Philly Mexican cantina looks and feels like a party on a regular night, so on NYE it will explode in a rainbow of red, white and green (Mexican flag colors) plus pink (restaurant colors) as diners say arriba to tasting menus and a glass of champagne at midnight. ($45, $65)

The hungrier you are, the later you should dine. Prix fixe menus get more elaborate as the night goes on: three courses 5 p.m. ($40), four courses from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ($60) or five courses at 9 p.m. ($90). Al Aguilera's Salsa Band rocks the first floor beginning at 8 p.m.

For one night, laugh at this country's economic mess at ?THE CRASH at Continental Mid-town? bash, where New York DJ Duane Harriott and one-night-only drinks will mock the stock market with names like Nasdaqtini, Green with Envy, and Dow-Jones Margarita.

The first happy hour of 2009 will entice those who can?t quite make light of the recession with reduced-price margaritas, draft beers and snacks, served from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.

For those who haven't been affected by the real estate or credit crises, Chef Morimoto will be serving an Omakase menu and a specialty ruffle tasting menu. ($100, $150)

At 9 p.m., a prix fixe menu matches the sounds of DJ Monk One spinning while belly dancers sway to the beat. ($125)

Chef Erin O'Shea will create a six-course menu of Southern delights. ($65)

Chef Dionicio Jimenez is simmering a four-course Mexican menu that can be paired with four different types of tequilas. ($50, $70)

Chef Michael Solmonov oversees the creation of the Israeli "Mesibah Gedolah Menu," or "Big Party" menu, which is served in addition to the a la carte menu. ($65)

A four-course continental meal will be presented along with the a la carte menu, a bar snack list and kids' options. Guests wash down a glass of champagne on the house while they digest the scene of the Times Square ball dropping on live TV.

Choices abound in the various rooms that comprise elegant XIX, as the Cafe presents three courses and a glass of champagne ($68), and the Restaurant serves four courses (including a veggie-friendly option) and a glass of bubbly ($98). Diners are invited to join revelers at the Rose Garden Dance Party, which rings in the New Year with a DJ spinning hits from the 80s to today ($30).

The experience of dining on one of two different three-course menus will be immortalized with a complimentary professional photograph taken by owner and camera pro Weaver Lilley. ($55, $65)