Philadelphians know how to burn the midnight oil, and especially important skill when it comes to next weekend’s New Year’s Eve festivities. And while there are amazing galas and open-bar events from river to river (and don’t worry, we’ll be covering them in the coming days, too), some prefer something a little more low-key. Or, perhaps, just something where there is food involved so they have a chance of being vertical when the ball drops. Restaurants are taking notice, and a number will be offering fun, themed dinner menus for the big night. Perfect for a pre-game before a party yet fabulous enough to be the main event, you’ll eat these dinners up.

“It’s the holiday season, so whoop dee doo” may just be my favorite line from the hundreds of Christmas carols and songs out there in rotation. As a kid, I always imagined some Scrooge- or Grinch-like character, shouting the line at happy carolers with a sarcastic tone. Then again, I was also convinced there was a bathroom on the right and that Elton John had a thing for Tony Danza. In reality, the song and its famous line are about celebrating with cheers, something I think is most properly done with a drink in hand. Thankfully, the creative bar masters, under the guidance of owner and head mixologist Adam Kanter, of Rum Bar agree, and in honor of the season have released a new menu of holiday-inspired cocktails. From time-honored classics (grog goes back to the 15th century, so I think that makes it the king of holiday beverages) to clever blends of more modern mixes, stop in and warm up with one of the limited-time pours.

Many would offer Benjamin Franklin as Philadelphia’s most famous son, but technically he was born in Boston, and he never won an Emmy. Thankfully, the city and its surrounding ‘burbs have brought forth a rather impressive list of actors and musicians in more recent years, many of whom are happy to plug (and make fun of) their Philadelphia roots in their work. Here are five that we are proud to call neighbors.

The Big Apple has the classic “I Heart NY” logo Ts, Orlando has a bevy of cartoon characters grinning back at you from every imprintable item imaginable. But when you want to give the gift that says “Philly,” what do you reach for? Banish your worried visions of plastic Liberty Bells and three-cornered hats. Philly is proud and fashionable, and has the self-promoting goods to prove it. If you have someone on your list who needs to be rocking a little city love, check out these Philly-themed finds, all available locally.

Philadelphia restaurateurs love a reason for a special menu. Be it a collaboration with another area chef, the celebration of a favorite ingredient or, as the case is this time of year, a culinary expression of a holiday, they are on their game. With Christmas Eve just around the bend, many a chef is thinking seafood, a nod to the traditional Italian vigil meal: the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Often including more than seven and much more than just simple fillets, this over-the-top indulgence is full of fun, cheer and, of course, food. If you are a regular in search of a new menu or a novice trying to upgrade from the usual pizza and It’s a Wonderful Life, check out one of these area eateries hosting their own holiday happenings.

Guzzling a venti latte you purchased through a drive-through window is about as far from civilized caffeine consumption as you can get. Slow down for a bit and instead, get your mid-day fix with the tradition and treats associated with afternoon tea. From the city to the burbs, tea houses are keeping this practice alive with well brewed pots served up alongside tired trays of decadent little distractions that will help you remember that a little formality can be plenty of fun.

As the winter winds rolled in to the city and many of us enjoyed a day of post-Thanksgiving relaxation or shopping, a number of the area’s young men and women and their families kicked off the gala season with the 2010 Philadelphia Charity Ball at the Union League of Philadelphia.

Sure, we have the market cornered on cheesesteaks, but Philly sandwich love doesn’t stop there. The traditional deli is a beloved institution around here; a place where you can order two pounds of meat squished between two slices of bread and not worry about snide glances. The next time the salty Siren call of pickles and corned beef start calling, head to one of these top delis.

It happens nearly every time I sit down to watch Iron Chef America on Food Network. I get all excited over the secret ingredient. I am wowed by the amazing ways the chefs transform it into their dishes. And then I piss and moan that I am not cool enough to be a judge (Although, seriously, enough with the food-clueless rappers. Call me!) and will never get to taste these culinary creations. Iron Chef and Philadelphia-based Jose Garces has taken pity on me and the thousands of other local fans, though, and is letting us get a taste of Kitchen Stadium as he offers one of his battle-winning menus at JG Domestic this month.