Cities around the world are preparing to enter 2025in style.
Auckland is the first major city to ring in 2025, with thousands returning to countdown the new year and enjoy colourful fireworks and city lights fromNew Zealand's tallest building, the Sky Tower.
The first country to ring in the new year was a SouthPacific nation; New Zealand struck midnight 18 hours before the ball dropped in New York's Times square.
Fireworks are being set off over the SydneyHarbour Bridge and across the ocean to welcome the New Year in Australia. More than a million people have gathered on Sydney Harbour for the ceremony hosted by British pop star Robbie Williams, who sang along with the crowd.
In the Asian zodiac, the next year of the snake is known as the year of rebirth, referring to thereptile's skin shedding. Japan begins its zodiac celebrations on January 1, and local stores sell pictures of smiling snakes and other snake-themed merchandise. The rest of Asia will begin celebrating the Year of the Snake with the Lunar New Year.
Jakarta's New Year celebrations will include spectacular fireworks displays, including aerial displays from 800 drones, followed by a midnight countdown at Hotel Circle Indonesia.
