Celebrations set for glitzy New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas

The stage is set for another New Year’s Eve celebration in Las Vegas. As usual, the festivities will be split between the America’s Party fireworks show on the Strip and live entertainment downtown at the Fremont Street Experience.

The Strip fireworks will be launched from seven rooftop locations: MGM Grand, Aria, Planet Hollywood, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, Venetian and Stratosphere. The $500,000 extravaganza will use 80,000 pyrotechnic devices during an 8-minute, 1-second show (more than 150 fireworks per second) that will be themed “Vegas Rocks” and choreographed with pop hits including “All Night Long,” “Let’s Dance” and “Let’s Go Crazy.”

The downtown party is from 5:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. and will feature local bands. Tickets cost $43.60.

Big Taco Bell: The nation’s fourth Taco Bell Cantina has opened on the Strip across from CityCenter. The two-story venue is open 24/7 and serves alcohol. It’s the 7,000th domestic Taco Bell but only the fourth Cantina. The others are in Chicago, San Francisco and Austin, Texas.

Deep dish: Pizzeria Giordano’s has opened in the Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally’s, serving classic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. It offers the same menu as its famous Chicago locations and is open until 2 a.m.

Question: How difficult is it to get on the Strip for New Year’s Eve?

Answer: Up to 340,000 visitors are expected to be in town, with many angling to party on the Strip at midnight. It’s easy if you have a room at a casino hotel — just step in and out as you like. If you don’t, you’ll have to start early to secure a parking space on or near the Strip and be prepared to wait well past midnight to leave. If heading downtown, the same advice applies. Last year there was a flat $20 fee for parking in the main Fremont Street garage, but this year’s parking prices haven’t been announced.

For information about shows, buffets, coupons, deals and discounts, go to www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.