Choose your favorite gown or tuxedo for this strictly black tie affair.   Known as one of the most glamorous parties in town to welcome the New Year.  It’s a madly mysterious, stylishly sensational party that includes a concert with the San Francisco Symphony, some bubbly, and perhaps some dancing on the stage.  The Symphony supplies the masks.   The party starts at 8pm with live music by the Martini Brothers in the lobby.   After the concert enjoy complimentary  Prosecco and desserts, dance to "Tainted Love" on the First Tier, or to the Peter Mintun Orchestra on the stage of Davies Symphony hall.  Tickets range from$85-$195

For details on special pre-concert dinner packages that are going to be held in the grand lobby of the War Memorial opera House, please call Patron Services at (415)864-6000.  New This Season: Savor an elegant pre-concert dinner in the grand and gorgeous lobby of the War Memorial Opera House.

For those seeking a posh party without the dangers of interacting with inebriated city dwellers, head up to Napa for Etoile's Old Hollywood themed party.  Start the night with a five-course tasting menu at étoile which comes paired with a delightful selection of sparkling and still wines before working off the Valrhona Chocolate Pate by dancing the night away to a live band in the Tasting Lounge.  Then ring in 2012 with a sparkling toast at midnight.  A formal portrait, party favors and a midnight toast are included.   Tickets are $300.

Perhaps more BCBG and Herve than Alaia, the crowd is mostly pretty young things clad in sequined contemporary lines.  Sometimes, you want to, as Lady GaGa so eloquently put it, just dance.  While Black-tie is encouraged, it's almost impossible get properly sloshed in a tux or gown.  Nonetheless, if you are feeling frisky and don't mind perhaps a  drink or two being splashed on you, this would be your choice destination for some really active partying and dancing since DJ David Carvalho is spinning a mix of house and hiphop and it's an open bar.  Tickets range from $175 for individual admission to $800 for a table.

For a more low-key but still sexy, sophisticated crowd, 25 Lusk is hosting a loungey party and fantastic 4 or 5 course dinner with two seatings.   The signature fireplaced lounge requires no cover fees and will be tastefully decorated with balloons and other expected party favors.  As always, their menu offers inventive and delicious items like a poached maine lobster tail with caviar or a California squab with black pepper reduction.  The earlier, 4 course dinner seating is from 5:30-7:45 and is priced at $95.  The second later seating of 5 courses is from 8:00-10:00 and is priced at $110.  Both have optional wine pairings.

With pristine views into the Bay, this place is traditionally the premier choice for viewing the fireworks that happen at midnight.  The crowd is generally older and retired but nonetheless very distinguished.  The well composed, formal affair will start at 6:30PM with a Cocktail Reception and the four course dinner that includes classics like Filet et Lobster (Surf and Turf) and Baked Alaska will begin at 8:00.  From 9:00 through midnight there will be dancing with live music from the Megatones Band with a champagne toast at midnight.  Reservations are $345 per person and $395 for premium window seating.