In New Zealand, a giant clock on Auckland's landmark Sky Tower structure counted down the minutes until the New Year, with a huge fireworks display launching from the tower at midnight. (Photo: ANI Twitter)
Fireworks erupt after midnight in Times Square during the New Year's Eve celebration. Thousands braved the cold to watch the annual ball drop and ring in the new year.
A wave crashes on two girls hugging as they usher in the new year, while fireworks explode over Copacabana beach, during New Year celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Fireworks explode over the clock known as 'Big Ben' housed in Elizabeth Tower, to celebrate the New Year in London, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015. (Photo: AP)
Fireworks light the sky above the medieval Mariendom (Cathedral of Mary), left, and the St. Severi's Church, right, shortly after midnight during New Year's Eve celebrations in Erfurt, central Germany
Revelers photograph fireworks over the Arc de Triomphe as they celebrate the New Year's Eve on the Champs Elysees avenue in Paris, France, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015 (Photo: AP)
Pope Francis celebrates a new year's eve vespers Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014. The traditional Mass on Dec. 31 contains the thanksgiving hymn ''Te Deum' for the ending year and is the last public appearance
Fireworks explode over the Archaeological Museum building in Skopje, Macedonia, during the New Year celebrations.
Fireworks explode over the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis hill for the the New Year's Eve celebrations during a rainfall in Athens, on Thursday, Jan.1, 2015 (Photo: AP)
A man holds a heart-shaped hot-air balloon during the New Year's celebrations in downtown Beirut, Lebanon.
Lebanese watch a firework display during the New Year's celebrations at midnight in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015 (Photo: AP)
People photograph fireworks as they celebrate the New Year in Red Square in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015 (Photo: AP)
Fireworks explode over the Victoria Harbor as celebrating the 2015 new year in Hong Kong, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015 (Photo: Associated Press)
Fireworks explode over Malaysia's landmark Petronas Twin Towers during New Year celebrations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Photo: Associated Press)
North Koreans watch as fireworks explode over the Tower of the Juche Idea to usher in the new year (Photo: Associated Press)
A Filipino watches a fireworks display at the Quezon Memorial Circle in suburban Quezon city, north of Manila, Philippines.
People are gathered as fireworks explode over the Yokohama port during new year celebrations in Yokohama, near Tokyo (Photo: Associated Press)
Fireworks explode over the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge during New Years Eve celebrations in Sydney, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015 (Photo: Associated Press)