Sun. Dec. 31

On New Year's Eves past, we've gone upscale, we've gone downscale. That would include slamming (not slummin!) to the Cramps at the old Channel and funking it up with Crown Electric Co. at Green Street. It would include raucous private parties, with a contigent of employees from the Paradise who arrived after they'd already shepherded their patrons through the Eve.  It would include an elegant-ish media etc. party thrown by video producer Richard Tilkin, with an extended appearance by his good pal, comic Steven Wright. (Not only a great droll comic, but a wonderful listener.) Here's an upscale choice for this year: Upstairs at the Square in Harvard Square is hosting its fifth annual bash and has two seatings in its two dining rooms. In the Monday Club Bar/Zebra Room, they'll have a 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. seating ($75 for a four-course meal). The later seating begins at 8:30 and also has that same four-course meal (choices of duck, steak, bass, lamb entrees) and a $125 price tag. You'll also get a high-energy band playing Motown, swing and golden oldies. In the Soiree Room, there's a 5:30 p.m. seating for $85 (choices of lobster, beef, bass, duck entrees) and an 8 p.m. seating for $150 that has the same five-course meal and entertainment by Catharine & the Greats. We're assuming this does not mean co-owner Mary-Catharine Deibel at the mic, but you never know. (That's a joke; it's a real band.) Book ahead. Obviously.

91 Winthrop St., Cambridge, 617-864-1933 upstairsonthesquare.com