New Year’s Eve 2012: Where to See Fireworks in New York City

New Year's Eve celebrations will be underway in just a few short hours. People in the U.S. will wave goodbye to 2011 and greet 2012.

One of the most popular New Year's Eve spots is New York City. The ball drop in Times Square attracts thousands each year. Crowds could swell to almost one million in 2012.

If you are celebrating in New York City but do not feel like venturing to Times Square, there are other options around the island as well - ones that include fireworks.

The Gothamist marked three spots to check out for a magical sky show on Saturday.

Central Park will feature fireworks for the New York Road Runners' Club, Emerald Nuts Midnight Run, near the Hecksher Ballfields. At 10:00 pm there will be a DJ and dancing. At 11:00 pm there will be a costume parade and contest. And, finally, at midnight fireworks will explode as runners start the 4M race.

At New York Harbor near Liberty Island, see fireworks over the Hudson. These fireworks can be seen from Brooklyn, lower Manhattan and parts of New Jersey. You can also see them from the water if you are spending New Year's Eve on a dinner cruise.

Finally, check out Prospect Part in Brooklyn for a fireworks show. The Prospect Park Alliance offers details: Start the celebrations off around 11 p.m. with entertainment and hot refreshments at Grand Army Plaza. We can't help you keep your resolutions, but we can get you off to a dazzling start! Best locations for viewing the fireworks include: anywhere in Grand Army Plaza, inside the Park on the West Drive, and along Prospect Park West between grand Army Plaza and 9th Street.

On New Year's Eve, the weather in New York City will be mostly clear - perfect for watching fireworks. There will be a low of 30 degrees with a 10 percent chance of precipitation. Winds will stay at a low five to 10 mph.