Photo Credit: Covi CCO via Pixabay

At midnight on December 31, cities worldwide, bid farewell to 2016 and welcomed the new year with dazzling fireworks shows. In case you missed them, here are some of 2017’s most spectacular displays.

Sydney, Australia

Sydney, one of the first major cities in the world to welcome the new year is well known for its grand fireworks. It is also the only city in the world to feature two displays. The first takes place at 9:00 pm to enable families with young kids to celebrate the new year and is broadcast live nationally. The second, more extravagant show at midnight, is streamed live internationally.

Over a million people gathered near the city’s famous harbor to witness the dual displays that comprised almost seven tons of fireworks and included over 12,000 shells and 10,000 unique pyrotechnic effects. The shows, the biggest in the city’s history, were set to a music medley inspired by David Bowie and Prince, both of whom passed away in 2016.

Dubai, UAE

Dubai, the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, is famous for its larger-than-life shows. The record-holder for the world’s largest fireworks display (2014), and the biggest LED-illuminated facade (2015), did not disappoint. The eight-minute spectacle witnessed by thousands of residents featured fireworks blasting off from 23 locations in Downtown Dubai, including the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa.

London, England

Over a million revelers lined up along the banks of the River Thames to watch the annual Mayor’s showcase display. Centered around the city’s iconic landmarks, Big Ben and the London Eye, the 12,000 fireworks display, streamed live on television, lit up the skies of Central London for a full 12-minutes.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach is a popular destination to usher in the new year. And for a good reason too. Réveillon de Copacabana is one of the largest outdoor New Year’s Eve events in the world. While the day-long party includes musical performances by traditional Brazilian artists and other entertainment, it is the fireworks that are the biggest draw. Though this year’s display was slightly shorter due to the country’s economic crisis, it did not disappoint. At the stroke of midnight, thousands of fireworks launched from 11 barges anchored off the coast, illuminated the dark skies delighting the millions gathered to welcome 2017.

Hong Kong, China

Hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong residents enjoyed a day-long street party before heading over to the city’s iconic Victoria Harbor to welcome the new year with a spectacular 10-minute pyrotechnics fireworks show.

New York City, USA

As is the case every year, more than a million people from across the globe waited for hours to witness New York City’s famous midnight ball drop. They were not disappointed. The lowering of the shimmering orb that featured 288 new Waterford crystal panels depicting a circle of rosettes to symbolize unity accompanied by the spectacular fireworks, was a sight like none other.

No matter what the celebration, one thing is for sure, people across the globe had a great time welcoming 2017. Did you do anything special? Be sure to let us know, by adding your comments below.

Happy New(s) Year!