New Years events in Las Vegas

On New Year's Eve, the Las Vegas Strip will once again be transformed into a giant block party. About 300,000 people are expected.

Revelers, however, will need to be strategically positioned to see the aerial display. Instead of being shot from the rooftops of various resorts the fireworks will be launched from atop parking garages.

"These fireworks are going to be 300 feet closer to people on the Strip," says Pat Christenson, president of Las Vegas Events.

The downside is that only people in certain locations on or near Las Vegas Boulevard will have a good view. Information on those sites will be available online ( www.ap2009.com) beginning Tuesday.

Beyond the fireworks, here's a sampling of ways to ring in 2009.

-- Jay Jones

Pictured: The Winter Lights Festival at the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas.