Countries in the South Pacific, led by New Zealand, will be the first to enter the new year 2025.
In Auckland, thousands of people are expected to gather in the downtown area or climb ancient volcanoes to enjoy the fireworks display.
The highlight this year is a light show honoring the indigenous Maori tribes, capping off a year filled with protests for indigenous rights.
Two hours later, the Australian city of Sydney will follow suit, with more than 1 million people pouring into Sydney Harbour. The event will include a performance by pop star Robbie Williams and traditional ceremonies honouring Aboriginal people.
Asia prepares for the Year of the Snake In Japan, people are busy preparing for the biggest holiday of the year.
Temples and homes are thoroughly cleaned, including "beating" tatami mats with large sticks.
The Year of the Snake, a symbol of rebirth, is expected to bring new beginnings. Shops are filled with cute little snake statues with bright smiles.
Meanwhile, South Korea will celebrate the New Year in a low-key manner as the country mourns the Muan plane crash.
In contrast, Jakarta (Indonesia), will explode with a spectacular drone display from 800 drones and brilliant fireworks at the Hotel Indonesia roundabout.
Europe is bustling with color. In Rome (Italy), the New Year has a special meaning with the opening event of the "Holy Year" by Pope Francis.
He will hold a vigil mass at St. Peter's Basilica, calling for peace in conflict-ridden lands such as Ukraine and the Middle East.
Paris (France) closed a memorable year with the traditional fireworks display on the Champs-Elysees, after a brilliant summer with the 2024 Olympics, marking a big step forward for the city after difficult years due to terrorism.
In London, fireworks will light up the Thames River, although cold weather and snowstorms forced Edinburgh, Scotland, to cancel its famous Hogmanay festival.
South America and North America are colorful
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, once again asserts its status as the “heart of the carnival” with the largest countdown party in South America. More than 2 million people will gather on Copacabana Beach, enjoying a 12-minute fireworks display from 10 boats offshore and concerts from big stars like Anitta and Caetano Veloso.
In the US, New York prepares to welcome the new year with the traditional "crystal ball drop" in Times Square, along with performances by the Jonas Brothers and TLC.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas added a unique touch when the countdown was first shown on the giant Sphere dome, a new technology icon of the city.
The last place to welcome the new year
As New Zealand welcomes the New Year, people in American Samoa still have a full day to live in the old year, highlighting the interesting journey of Earth’s time. It all adds up to a colorful global picture, where each country has its own way of saying goodbye to 2024 and welcoming 2025 with hope and aspiration for renewal.
