NEW YORK (AP) — From Sydney to Paris to New York City, crowds rang in the new year with exuberant celebrations filled with thunderous fireworks and light shows, while others took a more subdued approach.

As the clock struck midnight in Japan, temple bells rang and some climbed mountains to see the year’s first sunrise, while a light show featuring somersaulting jet skis twinkled in Dubai. The countdown to 2026 was projected onto the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, while in Moscow, people celebrated in the snow.

In New York City’s Times Square, revelers braved frigid temperatures to partake in the famed New Year’s Eve ball drop.

In Rio de Janeiro, over 4 kilometers of the city’s Copacabana Beach filled with revelers for concerts and a stunning 12-minute fireworks show, despite high tides posing safety concerns.

Others opted for quieter events, as seen in Hong Kong where celebrations were limited in the wake of a recent fire tragedy, and in Australia, where the community faced its worst mass shooting in decades.

Ball drop in New York City

Crowds bundled against the chilly temperatures cheered and embraced as the New Year’s Eve ball, adorned with more than 5,000 crystals, descended. The festivities included performances like Tones and I singing John Lennon’s “Imagine.”

Visitors from Florida, Mexico, and South Korea shared their wishes for the New Year during the live broadcast.

Following the iconic drop, the ball ascended again, sparkling in red, white, and blue, celebrating the country’s upcoming 250th birthday.

More security in Sydney

In Sydney, a heavy police presence, including officers carrying rapid-fire rifles, monitored the fireworks crowd, a first for the event after a recent tragic incident.

Residents honored victims of violence with a moment of silence just before midnight, showcasing solidarity with the local Jewish community.

Shadows of war and disasters

Indonesia reduced celebrations in solidarity with flooding victims from recent natural disasters, opting for traditional performances instead of fireworks. Hong Kong marked the new year without fireworks, transforming landmarks into countdown displays.

Palestinians in Gaza expressed hopes for peace as they welcomed 2026, voicing that the ongoing war had left them humiliated.

Around Europe

In Rome, fireworks illuminated landmarks as Pope Leo XIV advocated for compassion toward the vulnerable. Crowds gathered on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, with visitors like Taissiya Girda wishing for global peace.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney reminded citizens to practice kindness as they celebrated Hogmanay.

In Greece and Cyprus, quieter fireworks options were chosen to create a family-friendly atmosphere.

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Golden reported from Seattle; Associated Press writers contributed to this report.