Millions of people across New York gathered in Times Square to go into the New Year amid spectacular firework displays.
Freezing temperatures did nothing to dampen the party atmosphere in New York, UK and Edinburgh, though celebrations were cancelled in Inverness because of severe weather.
The New Year was also marked in style in other countries around the world.
Hundreds of thousands of revelers in chilly weather in Times Square cheered when an 11,875-pound (5,400-kilogram) crystal ball covered with more than 32,000 bulbs dropped at midnight, ushering in the new decade and ending 10 years marred by war, recession, terrorism and threats of environmental catastrophe.
[media id=83 width=610 height=340]Fireworks were set off and 3,000 pounds (1,360 kilograms) of confetti were scattered when the gigantic New Year’s Eve ball dropped. Many people wore conical party hats and 2010 glasses that blinked colorfully, and some were jumping up and down to keep warm – the National Weather Service said the temperature was be around freezing and predicted snow.
Cellphones were brought out to document the last few hours of a decade many wanted to leave behind. The crowds brought out heightened security. Hundreds of police officers were scattered around Times Square. Snipers were at various locations.
In Hong Kong, about 500,000 people watched a fireworks display explode from the tops of skyscrapers in Victoria Harbour. Hong Kong Welcomed 2010 with a Spectacular Display- The show continues with a four-and-a-half-minute choreographed musical pyrotechnic show from 10 landmark buildings on Hong Kong Island, synchronised to a special theme song created by award-winning Hong Kong musician Mr Peter Kam.
[media id=81 width=610 height=340]In Europe, there were spectacular firework events in Berlin, Moscow’s Red Square and the Brandenburg Gate, Paris.
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