Sure the fireworks on the Embarcadero shimmer over The Bay and the atmosphere at some of San Francisco’s legendary nightclubs can’t be replicated.

But why travel two hours with hundreds of thousands of others to ring in the New Year when there are plenty of places right here at home that don’t require hours of standing around and trying to find your way back?

Several local nightspots and restaurants are making plans to usher in the New Year without the hassle of heading out of town – offering up everything from tri-tip dinners and balloon drops to live bands and DJs.

And as a courtesy to drivers and to show their commitment to making roadways safer for everybody, AAA will be offering it’s Tipsy-Tow service on New Year’s Eve for all Northern California residents free of charge – regardless of whether they’re a member of the program or not. From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., drivers that have been drinking can call 1-800-222-4357 and get a ride and a tow of your vehicle home free – as long as it’s within a 10-mile radius. This will be the 10th time this year that AAA has offered the service.

Chuck’s Place at 188 Oak Street will be holding their first New Year’s Eve bash after changing ownership earlier this year – with a DJ providing music starting at 8 p.m. and drink specials running throughout the night. Those that come and celebrate will also be given complimentary party favors to keep the atmosphere festive.

Manteca Bowl and Family Fun Center will be offering two distinct events on Saturday night – a cosmic bowling night in the alley and a Rookie’s party complete with free snacks and live music. The bowling event – which runs $25 a person and includes three hours of bowling from 9 p.m. to midnight, a pizza, chicken strip and soda buffet and a champagne or cider toast – is something that General Manager Rick O’Neill thought would be perfect for families. Those wishing to take part in the family celebration without bowling will be charged $15.

Adults looking for a night out on the town without the kids, he said, will be welcome at Rookies’ Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party where Tommy and the Edsels will be performing at 8:30 p.m. Complimentary snacks will be included in the $10 cover charge, and a full menu complete with dinner selections and appetizers will be available to order from.

Chez Shari at the Manteca Park Golf Course will be closed due to a private wedding reception, but Rooster Juice – located at 1325 W. Yosemite Ave. adjacent to the Marketplace 10 Cinemas – will be hosting their first New Year’s Eve dinner and celebration. A $25 ticket purchased in advance – $35 at the door – will include an all-you-can-eat buffet, two vouchers good for either beer or wine, a glass of champagne for a midnight toast and party favors. Karaoke will be a big part of the evening’s festivities – which begin at 7:30 p.m. and will go beyond 1 a.m.

Finley’s Bar and Grill – located at 10477 S. Airport Way near the intersection with Fisk Road – will be ringing in the New Year with a party beginning at 7 p.m. A $5 cover charge includes a live DJ and access to a small appetizer buffet, and a menu will be available as well. The festivities will carry on until midnight.

Kelley Brothers will also be hosting a party beginning at 7 p.m. A $20 cover charge includes access to a tri-tip buffet, live music from Threshold and a balloon drop. Admission without the buffet will be $10.

Lathrop residents will be able to stay in town if they’re looking to partake in the festivities at the tx Nightclub located at 16925 S. Harlan Road. Additional details about the event, the cost and whether pre-listing was available was not provided.

The CK Grill and Bar at 14725 S. Harlan Road will be open on Saturday until 11 p.m., as will Texas Buffalo Wings – located at 16925 S. Harlan Road.