People around the world are eagerly awaiting the New Year 2018 despite unfavorable weather and tight security in many places.
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| 1.5 million people gathered at Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia to watch the fireworks display on New Year's Eve 2018. Sydney will welcome 2018 with a rainbow-themed fireworks display, marking the recognition of same-sex marriage rights in this country. |
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| Police officers direct visitors ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations in Sydney's central business district. Australia is one of the first countries in the world to welcome 2018. |
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| A girl wearing a crown with the words Happy New Year 2018 printed on it prepares to attend a New Year's Eve celebration in Sydney. |
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| Iraqis choose ducks, an animal believed to bring good luck for the new year, at Al-Ghazel market in Baghdad. They will also buy many items and food, and gifts for relatives during the new year. |
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| The stage and Brandenburg Gate, the symbol of Berlin, Germany, are illuminated while the main stage for the New Year's Eve celebration is being prepared. |
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| “Courage” and other words were projected onto the ground in front of Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, western Germany, on December 30. It was part of a light show by artist Ingo Dietzel. He collected Germans’ wishes for the new year, incorporated them into his work and projected them during New Year’s celebrations at the region’s most famous cathedral. |
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| Indian police check security on Brigade Road in Bangalore, where thousands of people are expected to gather to celebrate the New Year tonight. |
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| The whole street is brightly lit with decorative lights. |
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| Italian soldiers patrol crowded areas ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations in Rome. Security is tight in many countries during New Year's celebrations due to concerns about the risk of terrorist attacks. |
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| Iron barriers were erected across the British capital London ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations to ensure security and order. |
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| A giant wooden tower is being erected in Scheveningen, Netherlands. The tower will be burned on New Year's Eve. |
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| Security is tight in Times Square in New York, where nearly two million people are expected to attend the ball drop and other celebrations on New Year's Eve. New Yorkers are celebrating New Year's Eve in record-breaking cold weather this year. However, the cold weather has not stopped people from flocking to Times Square to wait for the moment the ball of light is released, marking the beginning of 2018. |
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| Roadblocks were erected along the road, explosive-sniffing dogs were deployed and armed police were deployed. "The responsibility for keeping New York safe rests on all of us," Mayor de Blasio said. "We understand why New York is an ideal target. Because we are a symbol of success and terrorists want to destroy it." |
According to VNE
