Thousands of Australians streamed into the Mrs Macquarie's Chair viewpoint in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney when the gates opened at 10 a.m. this morning. They were eager to secure prime spots to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks display from the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The area was packed with people by noon. Australia is one of the first countries in the world to welcome new year 2026.

Security was tightened around the Sydney Opera House ahead of the traditional New Year's Eve fireworks display. About 2,500 officers continuously patrolled the area as the city's residents were still reeling from the Bondi beach shooting. Australian officials stated that about one million people are expected to attend New Year's Eve events in Sydney. They have not identified any risks or threats to public safety.

Lanterns in the shape of horses, the animal symbolizing the year 2026, decorate the entrance of Laomendong old town in Nanjing city, Jiangsu province, China, before the new year.

A monk performs a purification ritual, cleaning Buddha statues before the new year at Yakushiji Temple in Nara city, Nara prefecture, Japan. This temple, founded in 688, is recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site within the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.

New Year's Eve event organizers stand next to the "Starry Sphere" in Times Square, New York, checking items for the ball drop ceremony at midnight. The "Starry Sphere," 3,8 meters in diameter and weighing 5,6 tons, is adorned with 5,280 handcrafted Waterford crystal triangles and LED lights. These lights emit a dazzling display as the sphere descends from the tower into Times Square at the moment new year 2026 begins.

Peruvians shop for New Year's Eve party decorations at a central market in Lima city.

Russians enjoy strolling among new year decorations shaped like planets in Saint Petersburg city center.

The "Bear Dance" parade in Comanesti, Romania, sees hundreds of people dressed in real bear furs parading through the streets to ward off evil spirits and welcome the new year. This ritual dates back before the 4th century and is associated with seasonal changes, particularly the transition from the old year to the new. The bear is a sacred animal, symbolizing strength, healing, and the cycle of life.

Georgians buy and sell food at a street market in the capital, Tbilisi, before the new year. Roasted suckling pig is the most popular traditional dish on New Year's Day in Georgia.

Two technicians prepare new year fireworks around Edinburgh Castle ahead of the annual Hogmanay street party in Edinburgh, Scotland. Hogmanay is the Scottish word for the last day of the year. An estimated 100,000 people will flock to Edinburgh for this event. After the fireworks display, festival attendees will join hands and sing the folk song "Auld Lang Syne" to bid farewell to the old year.

Palestinian artist Yazid Abu Jarad uses sand to sculpt the symbol for 2026 on Deir al-Balah beach in the central Gaza Strip, reflecting the Gaza residents' yearning for lasting peace before the old year ends.

Hong Hanh (Photos: AP, ABC)