The final preparations are underway as Long Islanders get ready to ring in 2026.

Some of our busiest downtowns, such as Huntington, Patchogue, Lindenhurst and Farmingdale, are expected to see large crowds Wednesday night as people pack the streets and their favorite bars and restaurants.

Huntington village is preparing something special: Its first Spectacular New Year's Eve drone show.

The party kicks off with a live DJ before a midnight ball drop in the sky above Wall Street.

Other communities are doing family-friendly events earlier in the evening as well.

Law enforcement will have extra patrols and security measures out across the Island, including additional DWI checkpoints.

Suffolk County police said 22 people have been arrested for drunken driving since Christmas Eve, and Nassau County police said they charged 20 others for the same thing.

AAA's Robert Sinclair said safety has to be the priority on New Year's Eve.

"Even if they're planning on having one drink, you need to have arrangements in place so that you do not have to drive," he said.