Australia, New Zealand, and surrounding Pacific Island Nations were among the first countries to ring in 2019 with fireworks and other celebrations.
Ringing in 2019

1
New Year's Eve fireworks erupt over Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House in Australia, during the fireworks show, Jan. 1, 2019.

2
Fireworks explode over the Marina Bay ahead of the New Year's Eve festivities in Singapore, Dec. 31, 2018.

3
People attend a ceremony to celebrate the new year in Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 1, 2019.

4
Fireworks explode over the Victoria Harbor during New Year's Eve to celebrate the start of year 2019 in Hong Kong, Jan. 1, 2019.

5
Fireworks explode near Petronas Twin Towers during New Year celebrations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Jan. 1, 2019.

6
An artist performs at a shopping center during the New Year festival in Bangkok, Thailand, Dec. 31, 2018.

7
A make-up artist decorates the hair of a woman in the shape of Santa Claus during the New Year preparations in Ahmedabad, India, Dec. 31, 2018.

8
A Pakistani rides a camel on a beach during the last sunset of 2018, in Karachi, Dec. 31, 2018.

9
The numbers "2019" are written in the air with a sparkler near a tourist camp outside Krasnoyarsk, Russia, Dec. 31, 2018.