Last-minute SF preparations for NYE fireworks show

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Hundreds of thousands of people will line the street on Wednesday night in San Francisco to welcome in the New Year.

It is already 2015 in other parts of the world. One of the first places in the world to celebrate is New Zealand.

Down under in Australia, people were looking up to the sky above the Sydney Harbor and world famous Opera House.

Seven tons of fireworks were used for the celebration.

PHOTOS: New Year celebrations around the world

Here in San Francisco, out with the old garbage cans, in with the new.

Preparations are being made for the 15-minute-long fireworks display over the Bay.

Barricades and Porta-Potties are going up, while temperatures are going down.

Cars are not welcome along the Embarcadero. Starting at 4 p.m. there will be no parking.

The good news is that BART runs until 3 a.m. and Muni and Caltrain are free.

Police say to plan ahead. "We want to avoid any tragedy, so take public transportation, hire a car service, take taxis, ferries, whatever it may be. But just don't drink and drive," SFPD spokesperson Ofc. Albie Esparza said.

The most famous New Year's Eve celebration is facing some frigid temperatures. But that won't keep more than 1 million people from huddling together in Times Square, where the final preparations are underway.

The lights are being tweaked and the confetti tested before the big ball drop at midnight.

The New York Police Force is also preparing itself for the crowds.

"Our NYPD helicopters will patrol the air. We have observation posts in the area. Chemical and radiological detectors will be deployed," NYPD's James O'Neill said.

If you're looking for something to do on New Year's Eve, check out our list of fireworks shows and events around the Bay Area.

For ideas on what to do for New Year's Eve, click here.