SAN DIEGO -- One of San Diego's biggest New Year's Eve bashes will include fireworks being launched from barges around San Diego Bay at midnight.

Pyrotechnics will be launched from near the North Embarcadero, Embarcadero Marina Park and Seaport Village.

Prime spot for watching will be at Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Spanish Landing, Tuna Harbor and Embarcadero Marina Park North, according to the San Diego Port Tenants Association, which took over the event from the city in 2005.

Earlier in the day, Legoland California will hold a New Year's Eve party geared toward kids. The event will include a countdown with a Lego "ball drop," fireworks display and performances by kids pop singer Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players. It runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Legoland California, One Legoland Drive, in Carlsbad.

In Escondido, an alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration will be held at Grape Day Park, Escondido City Hall and the California Center for the Arts Escondido.

The "First Night Escondido" party will include live music, dancing, a Chinese dragon parade and fireworks.

Revelers were urged to use free public transportation on New Year's Eve.

The Metropolitan Transit Service will continue its holiday tradition of providing free rides on all San Diego buses and trolleys beginning at 6 p.m. MTS bus routes 901, 7, 11 and the San Diego Trolley will also offer late-night service.