In Kiama, fireworks organisers are promising a surprise ending, while Wollongong and Ulladulla spectators can expect to see innovative new designs from overseas.

About 15,000 people are expected to gather on the foreshore around Flagstaff Point in Wollongong for the 9.30pm fireworks show.

Organisers say punters needn't travel to Sydney for dazzling fireworks because Wollongong's New Year's fEVEr promises to be a big, flashyy display.

Expect rotating chrysanthemums, brocade crowns with multiple coloured tips, beating hearts and the lyrically named waterfall in the sky.

Wollongong City Council events organiser Lee Cramer said the council had worked with police, entertainers and the bus service, which would provide free shuttles from JJ Kelly Park, to ensure a family-friendly event.

"We are expecting about 15,000 at the peak time when the fireworks go off," she said.

"They will be able to be seen all the way down the coast and from Bald Hill because they are high up on Flagstaff Hill and it's quite a focal point that can be seen up and down the coast.

"When the fireworks come on at 9.30pm, everybody comes out to celebrate New Year."

Kiama restaurants along Manning and Terralong streets will be allowed to extend their footpath seating on New Year's Eve, ensuring dress circle seating for everyone.

President of the Kiama Chamber of Commerce Warwick Colbron said the fireworks would begin at 9pm and there would be a surprise ending.

"We have got a spectacular fireworks display that is family-friendly and we are expecting quite a large crowd to come around Hindmarsh Park and Black Beach," Mr Colbron said.

"The fireworks will go for 12 minutes and they have a particular surprise ending that is under wraps at the moment."

Kiama's fireworks display will be complemented by The Lights of Kiama - $70,000 worth of permanent lighting that was strung in five Norfolk Pines along the foreshore shortly before Christmas.

The Ulladulla fireworks show at 9pm will be preceded by a harbourside festival with food, rides and entertainment.

"We have got a whole lot of new fireworks that we have imported from China and some of them are world class," said Eric Croker, director of the Ulladulla fireworks display.

"We had some of the crackers custom-made and they are the same ones used by Spanish and Italian companies, which are known as the best."