Ed Fuentes

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Like many other years have done in the past, Downtown's 2009 will end with prix fixe menus, DJ's spinning techno and electronica and Rose Bowl pilgrims awaiting their shuttle to Pasadena, but today's revitalized neighborhood offers quite a bit more for those looking for ways to ring in 2010.

The most formal gathering seems to be at the Biltmore, which offers the high style , a four-course meal in the Rendezvous Court ($99) or Sai Sai ($89) that includes tickets to the gala in the Crystal Ballroom.

On the other end of the spectrum is the . Bring some punk swagger to the small club and party like it's 1979 with live music by The Dogs and The ZEROS.

offers dips and DJ Darren Revell at Cole's, food and music at Casey's, or a local-themed night at Tony's all with no cover. Broadway Bar is $5 after 10pm, with free hats and noisemakers while supplies last, and Seven Grand is $20 after 9:30pm. VIP treatment and prices at The Varnish and members-only Doheny.

Fleming's, Rosa Mexicano, Katsuya and Trader Vics offer prix fixe menu packages and table parties, many surrounding the L.A. Kings Holiday Ice, where you can skate until 11pm on Nokia Plaza. The Clippers will host the Philadelphia 76ers at Staples Center (Tip-off is 6:30pm), while Club Nokia will have Chromeo with Peanut Butter Wolf at 9pm, and the Conga Room has New Year's Eve with Sheila E. and the E Family at 8pm. (800 W. Olympic Blvd.)

There are plenty of other dining options across Downtown, and several are listed in .

has two shows with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, one at 7pm, and then 10:30pm.

A little south at the Sports Arena, will bring 10,000 ravers to the dance floor and will feature DJ's bringing in the new year with a firework show at midnight.

GIANT Hotel @ The Bonaventure Hotel is the latest incarnation of the event that has moved from the street to a parking lot and now to the Bonaventure's poolside deck and California Ballroom. The event still gets grumbles for leaving revelers in the lurch a few years ago.

The Standard Hotel / Downtown L.A.: It's the rooftop that's the big sell, but to be part of it all you need to have booked a minimum two nights, then pay the $150 fee to the party. It's about the "free" drinks and the view.

takes place at L.A. Center Studios as Pandora Night Life teams with Dolce Group and convert an 18,000-square-foot soundstage for an event featuring indie electronica band Shiny Toy Guns.

As always, lineups and ticket prices are subject to change and availability.

The night means more people on the streets, and safe to say, more drivers. It's worth noting that . And with Metro's special holiday fare program allowing riders to travel free on bus and rail lines on New Year's Eve at 9pm, Thursday, until 2am, Friday, foot traffic may be higher as people wander from venue to public transportation.

Or, just call a cab: Bell Cab Company / Beverly Hills Cab Company / Checker Cab / City Cab / Independent Taxi / United Cab / Yellow Cab