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.
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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.