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Plan ahead for a fun New Year's Eve

THE HOLIDAYS are almost upon us, but there's still time to plan your party strategy for New Year's Eve. Here's a selection of Dec. 31 options. Reservations strongly suggested.

THE HOLIDAYS are almost upon us, but there's still time to plan your party strategy for New Year's Eve. Here's a selection of Dec. 31 options. Reservations strongly suggested.

Party times seven under one roof: Xfinity Live! is staging seven themed parties (western, traditional, sports fanatic and more), a five-hour open bar (9 p.m.-2 a.m.), live and DJ music, plus admission to McFadden's Ballpark across the street. Tickets are $89 to $189 or plunk down $5,000 for your party's exclusive use of the Xfinity Live! skybox. 1100 Pattison Ave., 215-922-3839, xfinitylive.com.

Party like the Englischer: From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., the Franklin Bar will offer a seven-course cocktail tasting menu "inspired by the drinks, foods and flavors of the Pennsylvania Dutch." Table seats, $125 a person; bar seats, $200 a person. 112 S. 18th St., 267-467-3277, thefranklinbar.com.

Surprise party: Well, mostly. Marigold Kitchen chef/owners Andrew Kochan and Tim Lanza typically keep their multicourse menus close to the toque, but for New Year's Eve, they reveal three of 16 planned dishes - Royal Russian Lobster (caviar, crustacean and vodka), escargot with wild mushroom and parmigiana broth, and "a playful re-imagination" of clam chowder. $100 a person, BYOB. Open seating, 5:30-8:30 p.m. 501 S. 45th St., 215-222-3699, marigoldkitchenbyob.com.

Party animals: Kensington Quarters uniquely combines a restaurant and butcher shop, and the latter will be open till 2 p.m. New Year's Eve day if you decide at the last minute to cook. If not, Chef Damon Menapace has crafted a four-course prix fixe menu, $65 a person. A glass of bubbly comes with, and you can add a $25 beer or $45 wine pairing. 1310 Frankford Ave., 267-314-5086 (restaurant), 267-314-5089 (butcher), kensingtonquarters.com.