The stage is set for another New Year’s Eve extravaganza 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.

As in recent years, 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 several pop hits, including “All Night Long,” “Let’s Dance” and “Let’s Go Crazy.”

The downtown party will run from 5:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. and feature several local bands.

Tickets for the downtown bash are $43.60.

Big taco: 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, with the others located in Chicago, San Francisco and Austin.

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 till 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 be partying on the Strip at midnight. It’s easy if you have a room at a casino — 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 more information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and good deals, go to LasVegasAdvisor.com.