The Animal Medical Center honors Gloria Gilbert Stoga and Puppies Behind Bars at its black-tie Top Dog Gala, featuring cocktails, dinner, and dancing to support this institute of veterinary education and research. 7 p.m. Cipriani 42nd Street. Call: 212-329-8668.

The Food Allergy Initiative honors Heather Bresch and chef and restaurateur Ming Tsai at its 2012 Ball, chaired by David and Julia Koch, Sharyn Mann, and Todd Slotkin. 7 p.m. The Waldorf. Call: 212-867-1117.

Alec Baldwin emcees the star-studded RFK Center’s Ripple of Hope Gala, honoring Taylor Swift. 6 p.m. Marriott Marquis. Call: 212-249-6188.

Business tycoons Donald Trump and Rick and Kathy Hilton are honored at the European School of Economics Gala, benefiting the school’s scholarship programs. 6:30 p.m. Cipriani 42nd Street. Call: 212-672-0509.

The Police Academy League honors Liz Smith at its 24th annual Women of the Year Luncheon, emceed by Mark Simone. Other honorees include Dr. Deepak Chopra, Patricia Altschul, Francine LeFrak, Laura Desmond, and Siobhan Schroth. 11:30 a.m. The Pierre. Call: 212-477-9450.

Al Roker hosts the Child Mind Institute’s third annual Child Advocacy Award Dinner, honoring Michael Fascitelli and Nora Volkow. 6 p.m. Cipriani 42nd Street. Call: 212-646-4276.

Cicely Tyson and Citibank are honored at the black-tie New York City Mission Society Bicentennial Gala, featuring a special performance by American Idol music director Ray Chew. 6 p.m. The Pierre. Call: 973-507-9303.

Dress in your winter whites and best black-tie attire for the New York Botanical Garden’s Winter Wonderland Ball, sponsored by Fabergé. 7:30 p.m. Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Call: 718-817-8657.

Colbie Caillat and Cathy Kangas are honored at the Humane Society’s To the Rescue! New York benefit, chaired by Amanda Hearst, Georgina Bloomberg, Rose McGowan, and Kristin Chenoweth. 6 p.m. Cipriani 42nd Street. Call: 301-548-7710.

The Winter Antiques Show hosts its Opening Night Party to celebrate 59 years as America’s most distinguished antiques show. The 2013 Exhibition, running until February 4, celebrates the Preservation Society of Newport County, showcasing items from historic Newport mansions. 5 p.m. Park Avenue Armory. Call: 718-292-7392.

The New York Public Library opens its doors and its pages for the annual Family Benefit, titled “Quest for Adventure.” The library’s Astor Hall will be transformed in a wonderland for knights, princesses, wizards, and other medieval denizens. 10 a.m. Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, New York Public Library. Call: 212-930-0019.

The 58th Viennese Opera Ball, held under the auspices of the U.S.-Australian Chamber of Commerce, features music by Peter Duchin and his Orchestra at a white-tie event synonymous with international glamor, romantic elegance, and prestige. 8 p.m. The Waldorf. Call: 212-207-6769.

Celebs and ambassadors from all over the world congregate at the International Red Cross Ball, the highlight of the Palm Beach season, chaired by Ambassador Mary M. Ourisman. 7 p.m. The Breakers. Call: 561-650-9105.

The Cleveland Clinic Florida’s annual black-tie ball, Dare to Dazzle, pays tribute to Patrick Park in what promises to be a sparkling evening of elegance and entertainment. 7 p.m. Mar-a-Lago Club. Call: 561-804-0264.

Treat your kids to food, magic shows, animals, and a horse jumping competition at Caron and Hanley Treatment Centers’ Family Picnic. The event celebrates hope through recovery, and proceeds go toward the centers’ prevention and education programs for substance abuse. 12 p.m. Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Call: 561-841-1048.

Tony Award winner Audra McDonald is honored at the Drama League’s 29th Musical Celebration of Broadway. The black-tie gala will feature songs from McDonald’s many Broadway hits, including Ragtime, Carousel, and The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. 7 p.m. The Pierre. Call: 212-244-9494 ext. 27.

Join Donald and Melania Trump at the Discovery Celebration’s Phantom of the Opera Gala, benefitting the Dana-Faber Cancer Institute. 7 p.m. Mar-a-Lago Club. Call: 561-833-2080.

The New York Botanical Garden hosts its opulent Orchid Dinner. Enjoy a night of dinner, dancing—and, yes, orchids—to benefit the Garden orchid collection and research program. 7 p.m. Mandarin Oriental. Call: 718-817-8657.

The School of American Ballet’s winter ball is a glamorous black-tie dinner dance featuring a performance by the school’s students, choreographed specifically for the event. 7 p.m. David H. Koch Theatre, Lincoln Center. Call: 212-769-6610.