Countdown to 2019: New Year celebrations around the world

World
Europe

In hours, people around the world will ring in the New Year with celebrations. From Oceania to North America, we take a look at some of the annual New Year traditions around the world.

Oceania

Fireworks explode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House during the New Year's Eve in Sydney, Australia, December 31, 2018. /VCG Photo

In Sydney, Australia's largest city, the biggest-ever fireworks display was put on to welcome the New Year. A record number of pyrotechnics and new fireworks effects and colors lit up the harbor city's skyline for 12 minutes and dazzled more than 1.5 million spectators.

Europe

London will embrace the New Year with its traditional fireworks display at the London Eye. There will be 12,000 fireworks, 2,000 lighting cues and 30 tons of equipment on three barges, according to the London City Hall. Ticket holders will be able to watch it from the points close to the London Eye and Big Ben, with food and drink stalls close by.

The transport system in London will offer extended services during the night, in order to guarantee New Year's Eve celebrators get home safely.

File of fireworks exploding over Big Ben and London Eye in London, England, January 1, 2018. /VCG Photo

In Paris, a fireworks display as well as a sound and light show will shine on the Champs-Elysées. At around 11:30 p.m. local time, the show will be performed by light projections on the Arc de Triomphe, and the theme for this year is “Brotherhood,” said the Paris City Hall.

In other European cities, Moscow has prepared concerts and light shows across the city's parks and over 1,000 ice rinks have been opened for merrymakers. In Berlin, music lovers can celebrate the arrival of 2019 at a concert at the Brandenburg Gate, but fireworks were banned in some cities over safety concerns.

File of French citizens celebrating the New Year at the Champs-Elysées in Paris, France. /VCG Photo

North America

On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, the ball drop in Times Square is probably the most renowned celebration in New York City. The event has been held since 1907, and has already become a New Year's Eve tradition. Hundreds of thousands of people will brace the freezing weather to gather at Times Square, to watch a huge crystal ball descend down a flagpole. Seven thousand police officers are on duty for the event.

According to the weather report, this year the temperature will be warmer than last year, but there is a chance of rain which may soak the revelers. But a little bit rain will likely not stop them from counting down and celebrating the New Year as usual.

File of new year ahead of new year celebrations at Times Square in Manhattan borough of New York City, United States, December 31, 2017. /VCG Photo

Asia

For many Asian countries such as China, South Korea and Japan, however, celebrating the New Year is more of a family event rather than being surrounded by thousands of people.

In Japan, many people prefer to celebrate the New Year in a quiet and traditional style. For instance, many people flock to temples, to pray for good luck in the new year, and opt for auspicious decorations. Staying with friends and families for a grand dinner of traditional food, such as toshikoshi soba, mocha and dashi, is also a good choice for many.

File of people releasing balloons to celebrate the New Year during an annual countdown ceremony in Tokyo, Japan. /VCG Photo

Nowadays, however, many young people prefer to attend countdown events at landmarks in Tokyo as well. Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo's most renowned commercial and business center, has become a popular site for crowds on New Year's Eve.

In China, New Year's celebration could also mean outdoor parties and family reunions. During the three-day holiday covering December 31 and the first day of the New Year known as “Yuan Dan,” many people decide to travel with their families.

In Hong Kong, as usual, glittering fireworks will be sent skyward from five barges floating in Victoria Harbor during a 10-minute display. At least 300,000 people are expected to watch on the shore.

File of fireworks exploding over the Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong, China. /VCG Photo

In the Chinese mainland, for those who prefer to stay at home rather than journeying out, nearly all the satellite TV stations have arranged a New Year Gala show for the celebration. With pop stars gathering, it could also be a fierce competition for audiences' attention.

No matter how you choose to celebrate your New Year's Eve, we wish you a Happy New Year as 2019 approaches.

(With inputs from Xinhua, AFP)