LAS VEGAS - Las Vegas is the place to be and be seen New Year's Eve.
From dazzling fireworks displays to revelers partying in world-renowned clubs and restaurants, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority promises the most mystifying and electrifying New Year's celebration on the planet.
Learn More About Las Vegas' New Year's Eve Extravaganza
Revelers could leave a $193 million economic impact. That doesn't include money bet at the casinos. Businesses like Bonanza Gifts are ready for the rush.
"Always, always excited about New Year's. It's a good holiday for the Strip and for Las Vegas in general," said Bonanza Gifts manager Angie Hurt.
Hurt has the New Year's display up at the world's largest gift shop.
"Our 2012 glasses, we're seeing people just go out with them like crazy. The closer it gets to New Year's, more party favors will go," she said.
After 27 years of working experience in Las Vegas, Hurt has seen New Year's celebrations on the Strip get bigger each year.
"It's one of our best holiday weekends. This whole week and New Year's weekend is really good," she said.
Ninety eight percent of Las Vegas' hotel rooms are expected to be filled this weekend. Before tourists count down the seconds until 2012, they're anxiously counting down the days until New Year's Eve in a city that has New Year's entertainment down to a science.
"It's the best place ever, obviously. Look at the Strip. It's gorgeous," said visitor Steve McCarty.
Eight casinos will set off fireworks at 12 a.m. January 1. This will be one of the largest fireworks displays in the country. More people will watch our sky this year compared with last year. Visitation is up by about 5,000 people.
