New Year’s Eve 2021: See Pics Of Fireworks & More From Celebrations Around The World

It's a new beginning! 2021 started off with a bang thanks to the gorgeous fireworks displays that went off without a hitch around the world. See photos featuring countries across the globe celebrating a new year!

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December 31, 2020 9:31PM EST
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Fireworks explode over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as New Year celebrations begin in Sydney, Australia, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020. One million people would usually crowd the Sydney Harbor to watch the annual fireworks that center on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. But this year authorities advised revelers to watch the fireworks on television as the two most populous states, New South Wales and Victoria battle to curb new COVID-19 outbreaks. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
New Years' Eve Ball Drop in Times Square Times Square, NY. 31 Dec 2020 Pictured: New Years' Eve Ball Drop in Times Square. Photo credit: MEGA TheMegaAgency.com +1 888 505 6342 (Mega Agency TagID: MEGA723780_033.jpg) [Photo via Mega Agency]
New Years' Eve Ball Drop in Times Square Times Square, NY. 31 Dec 2020 Pictured: New Years' Eve Ball Drop in Times Square. Photo credit: MEGA TheMegaAgency.com +1 888 505 6342 (Mega Agency TagID: MEGA723780_001.jpg) [Photo via Mega Agency]
Image Credit: AP Photo/Mark Baker

Good riddance, 2020! And hello, 2021! The new year started off with a bang thanks to the gorgeous, annual fireworks displays, concerts, and performances from around the world. As the clock struck midnight across the globe, countries, provinces, and regions celebrated a new beginning and bid adieu to the dismal, difficult year that was 2020.

But now, 2021 is officially here, at least in most parts of the world! While the United States might be just a bit behind other countries, Australia’s celebrations are already well underway. Who could forget in years past when the iconic Sydney Opera House came to life with fireworks blazing across the night time sky? Although this year has more safety precautions in place, it wouldn’t feel like a new year without a few fireworks and performances to usher in a new start.

Fireworks explode over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as New Year celebrations begin in Sydney, Australia, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

While the fireworks display over Sydney harbor usually kicks off the worldwide New Year celebration, the Pacific island of Tonga was the first island to welcome 2021. At GMT+13, Tonga’s clock struck midnight while the U.S.’s east coast was waking up (6 AM EST.) A cup of coffee and a helping of 2021? That’s the best part of waking up.

Fireworks explode over Hagley Park in Christchurch, New Zealand, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, during New Year celebrations. New Zealand and its South Pacific island neighbors have no COVID-19, and New Year celebrations there are the same as ever. (AP Photo/Ernest Kung)

Thankfully, the fun in the United States is still going on. Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen are reuniting on CNN for their New Year’s Eve special, while there’s a party happening in New York City with Ryan Seacrest and company. Jennifer Lopez will take to the stage to perform her biggest hits. Other stars like Megan Thee Stallion will ring in 2021 in style and offer a hearty good-bye to 2020. Many families across the country will be celebrating with a smaller group this year, as COVID-19 continues to infect so many people in America. But with a new year comes renewed optimism for a better, brighter future.

There’s absolutely nothing like a New Year’s Eve celebration. This year more than any other in recent memory, the world has needed something new and exciting to look forward to. With these gorgeous snapshots from across the globe, it’s clear that everyone was ready to ring in the new year with a lot of hope, gratefulness, and so much more. See more New Year’s Eve celebrations from around the world by checking out the images in the gallery above!