New Year's Eve preparations around the Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - Preparations are underway around the Bay Area for New Year's Eve celebrations.

A major annual attraction is the fireworks show at San Francisco's Embarcadero.

At One Market Restaurant, there's a special New Year's Eve offering--a four course prix fixe menu. But perhaps, what's just as enticing as the food, is the waterfront view it offers diners. 

"It's one of our biggest nights. It's just a big party. Everybody's here to have a good time," says Mark Dommen, One Market's executive chef. 

A reservation for the late seating which starts at 8:30 p.m. will enable you to stay after dinner and watch the fireworks from inside the restaurant. 

It's expected to sell out. 

"You have all the activity outside. It's like your little oasis in here from the outside," says Dommen. 

Across the bay in Alameda, workers are setting up for parties on five Commodore yachts. The cruises are available from Alameda and San Francisco. Passengers will watch the fireworks while sailing on the bay. 

It takes months of planning and now, it's almost party time. 

"Today was like ground zero. We're at it every single day: Saturday, Sunday and Monday," says Toby Proescher, CEO of San Francisco Night Life which produces large events. 

He says the cruise parties are close to being sold out as of Friday night. 

"The booze will be chilled. The fireworks will be set. We're just looking for another great safe year," says Proescher. 

In San Francisco's Dogpatch neighborhood, a LED ball that will be dropped at midnight on New Year's, is being installed at The Midway, a multi-use gallery space. 

Video walls, lights and lasers are used to create a festive mood.

"It's definitely a multi-arts, music, culinary experience," says Chris Kite, venue manager at The Midway. 

Kite says there will be a live band and five rooms offering primarily electronic dance music.

"We encourage people to dress to impress and just have a classier feel to it," says Kite. 

He says he expects about 5,000 people. 

With no rain in the forecast, a large turnout is expected for the big fireworks show at San Francisco's waterfront. 
Party planners are also anticipating a great turnout for their events.

Remember: buying tickets at the door of most events will cost you more.