Our annual New Year's Eve guide includes plenty of swanky to-dos--a cool grand buys a VIP table at the Palmer House and Alinea is offering a 12- to 13-course menu that will include foie gras if it's still legal by then. But we also have lots of suggestions if your idea of ringing in 2006 doesn't involve black tie and a balloon drop. Comedy troupes like the Neo-Futurists and I.O. are presenting special performances, clubs are hosting top-notch local and national acts, the Lincoln Park and Brookfield zoos are planning light shows and animal serenades, the Heartland is hosting a run for world peace--and if it's just inner peace you're after in the new year, well, we know of at least one yoga workshop.

This guide will be updated regularly throughout December as we get more info, so check back often.

Illustration by Paul Hornschemeier