Santa Claus has been and gone and it's time to start preparing for the big countdown to 2015.

And according to local authorities, as many as 45,000 will descend on Mount Maunganui tonight as the clock strikes midnight.

Around 45,000 people are expected at the Mount this evening.

Revellers will be able to see in the New Year with a celebratory line-up of local talent, including Mount Maunganui College's Joe's Van, New Reptiles, Daughters of Ally and Spank the Funky.

The line-up also includes sounds from DJ Candy and Hipstamatics.

Tauranga City Council event manager Jo Bond says: 'We're constructing a stage on the Mount toilet block (iHeart Beach Stage) and another one by the tennis court on Marine Parade (The Hits Street Stage).”

Jo is expecting a bumper crowd at the Mount, and is reminding people to take note of the liquor-free zones and to take full advantage of the free Park ‘n' Ride system.

'We try to provide a safe family environment,” adds Joe.

'We have a big security contingent and we want to make it an event that's safe for everybody to come to.”

The Mr and Miss Mount Maunganui competition will be taking place on the iHeart Beach Stage from 3pm today.

Entertainment begins 8pm, with music taking party-goers into the New Year until 1.30am.

Astrolabe Brew Bar on Maunganui Road is also joining in the festivities, with free entertainment on the night.

Papamoa is also celebrating with an exclusive event at Papamoa Tavern.

Plus, the Papamoa Beach New Year's Eve 2014 event promises to be a great way to bring in 2015.

The line-up features Jetski Safari, ZM's Ministry of Sound Radio DJ General Lee, Official Edge Radio Station DJ D-Rail, NZ DMC 2014 Champion DJ Spell as well as Ric Rush and Kellyn.

Whatever your plans are for the New Year, the SunLive team hopes it's a good one and a safe one.