Alhambra Palace » 9 p.m.-1 a.m.; $75-$200

Feel like going big this year? It doesn't get much bigger than this two-floor, five-room venue with 30-foot-high ceilings. And the partying is no small potatoes, either, with four hours of top-shelf open bar, a heavy appetizer buffet, live performances from DJs Ryan Pollano, Shawn Edwards, Tony Tone and more. Find out more at thepalace4nye.com.

Congress Theater » 9:30 p.m.; $35

Mashup master Girl Talk will put on a party for the ages at the Congress Theater - while it'll be a bit less intimate than his last Chicago NYE show at the Empty Bottle, it'll be just as sweaty.

DANK Haus » 9 p.m.; $10

The Polkaholics preside over this low-budget, cash-bar party at the German-American Cultural Center.

Empty Bottle » 9:30 p.m.; $30

Swedish pop sensation (not in the ABBA sense) brings his charming ditties to the Empty Bottle for what should be a fun and funny New Year's Eve performance. Let's hope he brings the brass, too.

House of Blues » 9:30 p.m.; $58

The HOB brings it back to the old school with a performance from '90s rockers Big Head Todd & the Monsters.

Kinetic Playground » 9 p.m.; $25

Eclectic electronica group Future Rock leads a New Year's Eve concert that also includes Dark Party (Eliot Lipp & Leo123) and DJ Thibault.

LaSalle Power Co. » 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.; $85-$110

You'll find three floors of entertainment at this huge speakeasy-themed bash, including four and a half hours of open bar, a full catered buffet, bands, DJs and more. The pricier VIP tickets pretty much mean better food and access to a special area on the third floor. Check out chitownnye.com.

Metro » 10 p.m.; $50

If you saw The Jesus Lizard at the Pitchfork Music Festival over the summer, you know the alt-rockers know how to throw a party. At Metro, David Yow and company will get a dedicated crowd already looking to get crazy (instead of many indifferent Built to Spill fans), so watch out.

Pops for Champagne » This bubbly-filled bar seems like an obvious place to celebrate a holiday where champagne is the drink of choice. You have a few options for partying - head there early (3-8:30 p.m.) to enjoy the full beverage and food menus (no reservations necessary). Or head to the main champagne bar from 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. for a bash including premium open bar (with champagne, of course), heavy hors d'oeuvres, dessert and party favors; $130 (with bar seating), $150 for a table or booth, reservations required. Those who want some musical entertainment can buy a $60 ticket to see the Ava Logan Quartet perform in the Jazz Club from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. (club hours are 8 p.m.-2 a.m.). Reservations recommended.

Reggie's Rock Club » 8 p.m.; $30

Irish rockers The Tossers headline an eclectic night of upbeat music which also includes Yakuza (avant-garde metal), Teen Idols (punk) and Scott Lucas (of Local H) and the Married Men.

Riviera Theatre » 10 p.m.; $49

Two guys, one huge blues revival sound. The Black Keys are a force of nature, and they're bringing their energy to the Riv for New Year's Eve. Prepare to have your ears ringing well into 2010.