In pictures: Countries around the world usher in 2024 with New Year's Eve celebrations

Countries around the world were celebrating the New Year with fireworks and street parties, ITV News' Graham Stothard reports

Countries from around the world have ushered in the New Year with countdowns and vibrant firework displays.

Celebrations this year are overshadowed by the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, which have cast a pall over festivities and heightened tensions across parts of the world.

Some cities have opted to bring in extra security or even cancel New Year's events altogether, although many have still planned large-scale celebrations.

The Pacific nation of Kiribati was the first country to welcome the New Year, beginning celebrations one hour before neighbouring New Zealand.

Here, ITV News takes a look at the best pictures and videos as the world said goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024.

The UK

In London, the country's usual firework spectacle lights up the sky above the Thames.

Germany

Fireworks explode over the Bavarian capital Munich on New Year's Eve.

Germany's New Year's Eve celebrations. Credit: AP

France

People watch a light show projected on the Arc de Triomphe as they celebrate New Year's on the Champs Elysees in Paris, France. Around 90,000 police officers have been deployed across France to keep crowds safe.

Party-goers in Paris gather for a light show. Credit: AP

Greece

Fireworks exploded over the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis hill during New Year's Eve celebrations in Athens, Greece.

An impressive firework display lit up the skies over the Parthenon temple. Credit: AP

Dubai

The world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, was aglow for Dubai's New Year's Eve celebrations.

Fireworks in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Credit: AP

India

People celebrated New Year's Eve at a promenade in Mumbai, India.

New Year's Eve parties are happening across India. Credit: AP

Thailand

Fireworks exploded over the Chao Phraya River during New Year celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand.

Thailand welcomed 2024 with fireworks across Bangkok. Credit: AP

Japan

Many in Japan take part in hatsumode at the start of each new year, which is the tradition of visiting a shrine or temple to appreciate the last year and to pray for the next.

People gathered to see in the New Year across Japan.

Australia

As the clock struck midnight in Sydney, a spectacular fireworks display erupted over the city's Opera House.

More than one million people - a number equivalent to one in five of the city's residents - watched from the shore and from boats in the harbour.

More than one million people watched the New Year's Eve fireworks display at the Sydney Opera House. Credit: AP

New Zealand

Thousands of people gathered in New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, where fireworks were set off from the city's fabled Sky Tower. Auckland was the first major city to ring in 2024.

Crowds in Auckland, New Zealand, countdown the start of 2024 at the city's Sky Tower

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