Take a peek at happenings in different countries hours before the world welcomes the New Year.

AUSTRALIA

A sign reading "Bag Checks Ahead" is displayed near a security checkpoint at the Sydney Opera House ahead of New Year's Eve fireworks in Sydney, Australia, December 31, 2025. REUTERS/Hollie Adams

People gather at Circular Quay near the Sydney Opera House ahead of New Year's Eve fireworks, in Sydney, Australia, December 31, 2025. REUTERS/Hollie Adams

TURKEY

Children pose with men dressed as Santa Claus under New Year lights in Ankara, Turkey, December 30, 2025. REUTERS/Efekan Akyuz

A woman poses near New Year decorations in Istanbul, Turkey, December 30, 2025. REUTERS/Kemal Aslan

UNITED STATES

The ball for the upcoming New Year's Eve celebration undergoes a drop test in Times Square, New York, U.S., December 30, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

A worker inflates balloons that will be distributed to crowds during New Year’s Eve celebrations at Times Square in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., December 30, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

RUSSIA

People take photos near a New Year decoration depicting the planet Earth and a Christmas tree in central Saint Petersburg, Russia December 29, 2025. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov

People walk near a Christmas tree decorated with illumination depicting the Russian national flag in central Saint Petersburg, Russia December 29, 2025. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov

UKRAINE

Cars drive past a shopping mall decorated for Christmas and New Year, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine December 29, 2025. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich

A salesperson waits for customers in a jewelry store without power decorated for Christmas and New Year during a power blackout after critical civil infrastructure was hit by recent Russian missile and drone attacks, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, December 29, 2025. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich

KAZAKHSTAN

CHINA

HONG KONG

LONDON

Compiled by Veronica Pulumbarit/Paraluman News