2015 is here!
Millions of people around the world have welcomed the new year with festivities and revelry. But the celebrations were also marked by some tragic events.
'The Land of the Rising Sun'
Japan, one of the first countries to welcome the sun's rays every day, was also one of the first to celebrate the new year. Japanese partiers released balloons into the sky, while the Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo stocked up on lucky charms for worshippers who came during the night.
Sydney's skyline dazzles
More than 1 million visitors thronged to Sydney Harbor to welcome 2015 with a beautiful display of fireworks that lit up the famed Opera House and the city's iconic bridge.
Party in Pyongyang
Though it usually remains closed off to the outside world, North Korea joined in the celebration to welcome the new year as fireworks lit up the skyline in the capital.
Tragedy in Shanghai
Tragedy marked China's start to 2015 as a stampede in its commercial hub, Shanghai, killed 35 people and injured many more shortly before midnight. Revelers had gathered to celebrate the new year at the city's historic waterfront, the Bund.
Remembering AirAsia
In a candlelight vigil before midnight, hundreds in Indonesia remembered those who lost their lives in the AirAsia crash on Sunday. "Let us pray for the grieving families of those on board the plane. Let us pray this will be the last tragedy for Surabaya," Surabaya's Mayor Tri Rismaharini told the crowd.
Selfie in Seoul
South Koreans celebrated 2015 in the capital, Seoul. This couple chose to remember the moment with a selfie at the Bongeun Buddhist temple.
The magic of light and sound
Dubai marked the end of 2014 with a light and sound extravaganza at the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. Party organizers used some 70,000 LED panels to illuminate the 828-meter (2,716-foot) tower with a display of lights and project images of the country's leaders, aiming to break a world record.
Sub-zero festivities
Moscow was the first European city to celebrate the start of 2015. Thousands gathered to watch the red and green fireworks that lit up the sky above St. Basil's Cathedral on Red Sqaure.
'Baywatch' in Berlin
Thousands welcomed the new year in the German capital, Berlin. Joining them was former "Baywatch" star David Hasselhoff, who took to the stage at the Brandenburg Gate, the same place where he performed 25 years ago after the fall of the Berlin Wall.