For Europhiles and their refined palates: Aquavit
65 E. 55th St., nr. Park Ave.; 212-957-9045
Marcus Samuelsson’s new Scandinavian Modern space isn’t open yet, but it’s available for private parties through the January reopening. Formal dinners from $90 per head.
For hipsters with corporate-Christmas conspiracy theories: Arlene’s Grocery/Butcher Bar
95 Stanton St., nr. Ludlow St.; 212-358-1633
The live-music room comes with drums, guitar amps, a video projector, and a screen. An in-house karaoke band is available on call ($600, three hours). It’s $10 per person per hour for open bar.
For jocks who prefer beer to eggnog: ESPN Zone
1472 Broadway, at 42nd St.; 212-921-3776
This sports mecca has the Studio Grill, good for hundreds; the Bristol Suite, with panoramic views and fifteen TVs; and Skybox lounges, which accommodate 80. Average buffet: $35 per person (excludes rental fee).
For stiff-drinkers in ascots: New York Palace Hotel
455 Madison Ave., nr. 50th St.; 212-888-7000
The Villard Bar, once a townhouse, has four private rooms (cocktail parties from $75 per guest). Posh penthouse triplex suites host up to 125 (from $10,000, not including food).
For the glitterati and their stylish posses: Sky Studios
704A Broadway, nr. 4th St.; 212-533-3030
The penthouse duplex holds 300 people, and the upper apartment has an outdoor terrace and a twenty-foot heated swimming pool. Each level for ten hours, $10,000.
For midtown suits: Le Bernardin
155 W. 51st St., nr. Seventh Ave.; 212-489-1515
Les Salons Bernardin are dining rooms with private coat checks and bars for parties of 10 to 90 people. Chef Eric Ripert’s dinner menu is $135 per person (drinks not included).
For jet-setters on the Cape Town bandwagon: Cain
544 W. 27th St., nr. Eleventh Ave.; 212-947-8000
South African décor, orange banquettes, and pillars draped with African beads. This new space holds up to 480 people, has six bathrooms, and features a D.J. booth housed in a huge blue stone. From $35 per person.
For obscurantists who love a good guac: El Parador
325 E. 34th St., nr. Second Ave.; 212-679-6812
One of New York’s first Mexican restaurants has a subterranean lounge with red stucco walls, rustic lanterns, and superlative margaritas. Up to 50 people; appetizers with three hours of open bar starts at $51 per person.