Sydney, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand were among the first major cities to mark the new year with grand firework displays.

In New York City, the NYPD had heightened security for the famed Times Square ball drop in response to the Hamas' attack on Israel, CBS New York reported. Despite added safety measures, the FBI said there was no credible threat to New York City, and New Year's Day arrived to cheers from tens of thousands of beaming people in Times Square who were showered with confetti and hugs and kisses after watching the descent of the colorful, iconic ball.

People celebrating New Year at Times Square. Photo: Sky News

Sydney (Australia) is one of the first major cities to ring in the new year 2024. This was once considered the "New Year's Eve capital of the world".

In China, a Peking Opera was held at the National Center for Cultural and Arts Performance. The performance program includes excerpts from modern operas and traditional operas. Attending this year's event were Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior leaders.

Fireworks at Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong. Photo: Sky News

The Easternmost tip of Oceania is the first area to celebrate New Year in the world. The transition period between 2023 and 2024 first took place in three small island countries including Tonga, Kiribati, and Samoa.

Kiritimati Island in the Republic of Kiribati, also known as Christmas Island, is the first place to welcome the New Year 2024 as it is located in the furthest time zone in the world.

At 5:00 p.m. on December 31, the bells to welcome the New Year rang out on the island of Tonga, Christmas Island of the Republic of Kiribati, and Western Samoa.

An hour later, New Zealand also officially entered the new year 2024 with a brilliant fireworks display at the Sky Tower.

In Australia, eastern cities including Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra are the first places to welcome the year 2024 in the country.

In Sydney, which is known as the "New Year's Eve capital of the world", it is estimated that more than 1 million people are present at Circular Quay to admire the New Year's Eve fireworks, regardless of the cold weather.

An estimated 8 tons of fireworks lit up the city sky on New Year's Eve (local time).

In London, despite the weather, a large number of people gathered to watch New Year's Eve fireworks.

Firework display in London. Photo: AP

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin and more than 800,000 people came to the Champs Elysees Avenue to welcome the new year, at a big party in Paris with the theme of the Olympics. The outdoor acrobatic performance under the bright lights impressed a lot of people watching.

Festivities took place in cities around India including New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

Thousands of people from the financial hub of Mumbai flocked to a bustling promenade to watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea.

People in India welcome the New Year together. Photo: Sky News

In less romantic scenes, fireworks in New Delhi raised concerns that the capital - which is already infamous for its poor air quality - would be blanketed by a toxic haze on the first morning of the new year.

Crowds packed the Brazilian city's famous Copacabana beach for a colorful display launched from platforms in the sea.

Most of Brazil and much of South America welcomed the New Year at 3 am UK time.

However, countries such as Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru are a few hours behind.

The Quadriga sculpture on Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany. Photo: Sky News

In Greece, a dazzling show took place over the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis in Athens.

Meanwhile, in India, fireworks were launched into the sky in Cape Town with the iconic Table Mountain lit up below.

Parthenon temple on the Acropolis Hill in Athens, Greece. Photo: Sky News

Crowds gathered in Berlin to celebrate New Year's Eve at the Brandenburg Gate, while in Rome, fireworks illuminated the city sky.

UN Declares Lunar New Year A Recognized Holiday The United Nations (UN) General Assembly, in a resolution, acknowledges the significance of the Lunar New Year, which is observed in many UN member states.

Travel & Leisure Asia Votes Vietnam As The Best Destination For New Year According to Travel & Leisure Asia magazine, Vietnam is one of the best last-minute destinations to experience the New Year's Eve countdown to 2024.

Localities offer visitors exciting travel experiences during the 2024 New Year holiday The New Year holiday is a time for people to spend with their loved ones and participate in entertainment activities. This is also a busy ...