The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is lit on November 30, 2010 in New York. Originally from Mahopac, New York, the 12-ton, 74-foot Norway Spruce is adorned with 30,000 environmentally friendly LED lights on more than five miles of electrical wire, and topped with a Swarovski crystal star.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is lit on November 30, 2010 in New York. Originally from Mahopac, New York, the 12-ton, 74-foot Norway Spruce is adorned with 30,000 environmentally friendly LED lights on more than five miles of electrical wire, and topped with a Swarovski crystal star.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is lit on November 30, 2010 in New York. Originally from Mahopac, New York, the 12-ton, 74-foot Norway Spruce is adorned with 30,000 environmentally friendly LED lights on more than five miles of electrical wire, and topped with a Swarovski crystal star.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: People stand near the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree after the annual lighting ceremony November 30, 2010 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: People stand in 30 Rockefeller Plaza looking at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree after it is illuminated at the annual lighting ceremony November 30, 2010 in New York City.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is lit on November 30, 2010 in New York. Originally from Mahopac, New York, the 12-ton, 74-foot Norway Spruce is adorned with 30,000 environmentally friendly LED lights on more than five miles of electrical wire, and topped with a Swarovski crystal star.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: Singer Jessica Simpson performs on stage at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center on November 30, 2010 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: Boyz II Men perform on stage at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center on November 30, 2010 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: The 74-foot Norway Spruce dressed with 30,000 energy efficient led lights before they are turned on, is on display at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center on November 30, 2010 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: Singer Sheryl Crow performs on stage at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center on November 30, 2010 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: Singer Josh Groban performs on stage at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center on November 30, 2010 in New York City.
Australian singer Kylie Minogue waits to perform at the 78th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in New York November 30, 2010.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: Singer Sheryl Crow performs on stage at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center on November 30, 2010 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: The 74-foot Norway Spruce dressed with 30,000 energy efficient led lights is on display at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center on November 30, 2010 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: The 74-foot Norway Spruce dressed with 30,00 energy efficient led lights is on display at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center on November 30, 2010 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: The 74-foot Norway Spruce dressed with 30,000 energy efficient led lights is on display at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center on November 30, 2010 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: The 74-foot Norway Spruce dressed with 30,00 energy efficient led lights is on display at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center on November 30, 2010 in New York City.
A woman and a child watch Christmas lights in Bucharest on November 25, 2010 in a commercial center. Organizers claim a new Guinness World record was set as 449,658 light bulbs were used.
People passing Germany's biggest christmas tree in the city center of Dortmund, western Germany, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2010. The 45 meter high giant is made of 1700 norway spruces and illuminated by 48.000 lamps. Christmas markets have been a German tradition for about 600 years and are found in nearly every city in Germany during the Advent season.
BATH, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Christmas shoppers browse the offerings at the Bath Christmas Market on November 25, 2010 in Bath, England. Originating in Germany, Christmas markets have become increasingly popular in British cities too, as a way of boosting festive retail sales and visitor numbers.
A couple looks at Christmas lights decorations in a commercial center in Bucharest November 25, 2010. The decorations set a Guinness world record for indoor Christmas lights decoration with 449,658 light bulbs.
Visitors walk through the christmas market down the ferris wheel on November 22 2010 in Metz, eastern France.
Visitors walk through the christmas market down the railway station on the on November 22 2010 in Metz, eastern France.
A giant Christmas tree stands in the middle of Galeries Lafayette department store in Paris ahead of the holiday season in the French capital November 26, 2010.
A giant Christmas tree stands in the middle of Galeries Lafayette department store in Paris, ahead of the holiday season in the French capital, November 26, 2010.
DRESDEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: Visitors stroll through the Dresdner Striezelmarkt Christmas market on November 26, 2010 in Dresden, Germany. The Striezelmarkt claims to be Germany's oldest Christmas market and dates back to 1434. Christmas markets have a long tradition in Germany and usually sell gluhwein, Christmas decorations and ornaments, sweets and sausages.
DRESDEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: A giant Christmas pyramid spins at the illuminated Dresdner Striezelmarkt Christmas market on November 26, 2010 in Dresden, Germany. The Striezelmarkt claims to be Germany's oldest Christmas market and dates back to 1434. Christmas markets have a long tradition in Germany and usually sell gluhwein, Christmas decorations and ornaments, sweets and sausages.
DRESDEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: Visitors watch an ornate merry-go-round at the illuminated Dresdner Striezelmarkt Christmas market on November 26, 2010 in Dresden, Germany. The Striezelmarkt claims to be Germany's oldest Christmas market and dates back to 1434. Christmas markets have a long tradition in Germany and usually sell gluhwein, Christmas decorations and ornaments, sweets and sausages.
DRESDEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: Visitors stroll through the illuminated Dresdner Striezelmarkt Christmas market on November 26, 2010 in Dresden, Germany. The Striezelmarkt claims to be Germany's oldest Christmas market and dates back to 1434. Christmas markets have a long tradition in Germany and usually sell gluhwein, Christmas decorations and ornaments, sweets and sausages.
DRESDEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: A worker turns over sausages grilling at a stand at the Dresdner Striezelmarkt Christmas market on November 26, 2010 in Dresden, Germany. The Striezelmarkt claims to be Germany's oldest Christmas market and dates back to 1434. Christmas markets have a long tradition in Germany and usually sell gluhwein, Christmas decorations and ornaments, sweets and sausages.
DRESDEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: Visitors stroll through the illuminated Dresdner Striezelmarkt Christmas market on November 26, 2010 in Dresden, Germany. The Striezelmarkt claims to be Germany's oldest Christmas market and dates back to 1434. Christmas markets have a long tradition in Germany and usually sell gluhwein, Christmas decorations and ornaments, sweets and sausages.
DRESDEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: A giant Christmas pyramid spins at the illuminated Dresdner Striezelmarkt Christmas market on November 26, 2010 in Dresden, Germany. The Striezelmarkt claims to be Germany's oldest Christmas market and dates back to 1434. Christmas markets have a long tradition in Germany and usually sell gluhwein, Christmas decorations and ornaments, sweets and sausages.
Christmas lights illuminate a central street, on the day Christmas lights were turned on, marking the start of the Christmas season, in Madrid November 26, 2010.
DRESDEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: Hand-made nutcrackers from the Ore Mountains stand for sale at the Dresdner Striezelmarkt Christmas market on November 26, 2010 in Dresden, Germany. The Striezelmarkt claims to be Germany's oldest Christmas market and dates back to 1434. Christmas markets have a long tradition in Germany and usually sell gluhwein, Christmas decorations and ornaments, sweets and sausages.
A man places illuminated house models at Germany's oldest Christkindlesmarkt (Christ Child Market) in Nuremberg November 26, 2010. The first official record of this pre-Christmas market dates back to 1628. A list of notices for stall holders from 1737 shows that almost all of Nuremberg's craftsmen were represented. Every year, Germany's traditional markets, such as the centuries-old Christkindlesmarkt in medieval Nuremberg, draw millions of visitors, both local and foreign. They open before the first Sunday of Advent and continue until December 24 at 12 noon.
Shoppers ride an escalator past a Christmas tree late Friday, Nov. 26, 2010 at the Chandler Mall in Chandler, Ariz.
This picture taken on November 26, 2010 shows Christmas lights in the center of Strasbourg, eastern France, on the eve of the opening of the traditional christmas market where more than two millions visitors are expected.
This picture taken on November 26, 2010 shows Christmas lights in the center of Strasbourg, eastern France, on the eve of the opening of the traditional christmas market where more than two millions visitors are expected.
US First lady Michelle Obama (L) with daughters Malia (C) and Sasha (R) check out the White House Christmas tree after it was delivered by horse drawn carriage on November 26, 2010 at the White House in Washington, DC.
This picture taken on November 26, 2010 shows Christmas lights in the center of Strasbourg, eastern France, on the eve of the opening of the traditional christmas market where more than two millions visitors are expected.
This picture taken on November 26, 2010 shows Christmas lights in the center of Strasbourg, eastern France, on the eve of the opening of the traditional christmas market where more than two millions visitors are expected.
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Preston Melbourne Christmas Lights 4
Great Christmas Light Display In Fairfield
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Brussels Christmas Light-up 27th November 2010
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Disney characters Mickey (L) and Minnie Mouse (L), dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos and accompanied by Tokyo Disney Resort ambassador Tomoko Baba (C), wave to greet guests during the theme park's annual New Year's Day parade at Tokyo Disneyland in Urayasu, Chiba prefecture, in suburban Tokyo on January 1, 2011. Thousands of people visited the theme park to mark the start of the New Year's holiday, the biggest one of the year in Japan.
Disney characters Mickey Mouse, dressed in traditional Japanese kimono, waves to greet guests during the theme park's annual New Year's Day parade at Tokyo Disneyland in Urayasu, Chiba prefecture, in suburban Tokyo on January 1, 2011. Thousands of people visited the theme park to mark the start of the New Year's holiday, the biggest one of the year in Japan.
Visitors hold lucky 'dharma' dolls as they pose in front of New Year's decorations at Tokyo Disneyland in Urayasu, Chiba prefecture, in suburban Tokyo on January 1, 2011. Thousands of people visited the theme park to mark the start of the New Year's holiday, the biggest one of the year in Japan.
People stand in line to offer New Year prayers at a Buddhist temple in Tokyo January 1, 2011. Thousands of well-wishers on Saturday visited temples and shrines to offer prayers on the first day of the New Year.
People stand in line to offer New Year prayers at a Buddhist temple in Tokyo January 1, 2011. Millions of well-wishers on Saturday visited temples and shrines to offer prayers on the first day of the New Year.
People stand in line to offer New Year prayers at a Buddhist temple in Tokyo January 1, 2011. Millions of well-wishers on Saturday visited temples and shrines to offer prayers on the first day of the New Year. The banner (top) reads,"Happy New Year".
Masses gathered in London to see in the New Year in front of the London Eye where up to 250,000 people enjoyed the carnival atmosphere
Hundreds of thousands of revellers took to the streets tonight to begin saying goodbye to 2010 and hello to 2011.
Masses gathered in London to see in the New Year in front of the London Eye where up to 250,000 people were expected to enjoy the carnival atmosphere.
And festive organisers in Edinburgh prepared for up to 80,000 partygoers to enjoy the Hogmanay street party and festival, which began last night with a torchlight procession along the Royal Mile.
Red sky at night: The London Eye sparkles in one of its finest-ever displays
Fireworks explode behind the Big Ben clock tower during New Year celebrations
During the early evening, crowds gathered along the banks of the River Thames and spilled into Trafalgar Square and central London.
BBC Radio 1 DJ Nihal hosted the event, drawing cheers from the crowds after the music started at 10pm accompanied by lasers and lights from the Eye.
Peter and Harriet Hughes travelled from Cardiff in Wales to see the firework display with 18-month-old daughter Phoebe.
Mr Hughes, 28, said: 'It's amazing. We see it on the TV quite a lot and my wife has never been so we decided to come down. Plus we couldn't find a baby-sitter.'
First aiders were already out on the streets by 10pm as the party geared up for the climax at midnight, while security teams had to ask some high-spirited partygoers to get down from traffic lights along Victoria Embankment.
Throng: Revellers wait on the Embankment along the River Thames for the fireworks
Under a crimson sky: Hogmanay festivities in Edinburgh (left) and Big Ben flanked by the London Eye
Petra Stolfa, 20, travelled to London with her friend Krista Likar, 19, from Slovenia for the celebrations.
'We came here last Friday and we came to see New Year because of the fireworks. We have been here since 7pm,' she said.
'We don't have the big fireworks at home and so this is something we usually see on the TV.'
Many said they were hoping for a better year in 2011.
Scotland the rave: The party gets into full swing in Edinburgh as people celebrate the new year
Michelle Burns, 30, from Canvey Island, said: 'We come just for a change because we usually spend New Year with family.
'It's been good. It's been a rough year so hopefully next year will be better.'
In London, 3,000 police officers were on duty.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the crowds were larger than last year but so far there were only five arrests for minor offences.
Happy New Year! Revellers take to Princes Street in Edinburgh for the fireworks display to celebrate
Weather forecasters said as the clock struck midnight - and we moved to 'all the ones', 1/1/11 - the nation's enjoyment of firework displays might be marred by patches of fog, cloud and mist.
Most of the UK was expected to have a covering of cloud with some drizzle although the evening should remain dry.
After weeks of Arctic temperatures and a year of economic belt-tightening for most, revellers were keen to welcome in a new year.
Tonight's Concert in the Gardens, in Edinburgh, features top bands The Charlatans, Biffy Clyro and Billy Bragg and sold out along with the Keilidh in Resolution Square.
Meanwhile, around the world...
Thousands of people gathered at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin tonight to welcome in the New Year with a dazzling light show.
And while revellers lapped up the atmosphere in the German capital, crowds gathered in Moscow's Red Square as Russia celebrated the arrival of 2011.
The chilly night sky was a sea of red and green as the fireworks complemented the colourful domes of St Basil's Cathedral.
Meanwhile, Dubai held a stunning fireworks display at the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building - the 2,717ft structure seeing pyrotechnics seemingly shoot from every storey.
And earlier this evening, Malaysia celebrated New Year's Eve with a light show by the Petronas Twin Towers in the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
Auckland, New Zealand, was the first major city to celebrate the New Year before Australia, Singapore and China followed suit later today.
Thousands of people gathered at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin tonight to welcome in the New Year with a dazzling light show
Red sky at night: Crowds have gathered in Moscow's Red Square as Russia welcomes in the New Year
Fireworks lit up the sky in Dubai tonight as the Burj Khalifa - the world's tallest building - formed the centrepiece of New Year's Eve celebrations
Spectacular: Fireworks light up the sky near the landmark Petronas Twin Towers during new year celebrations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
'Reddy' for the New Year: Celebrating in Malaysia by the iconic towers
Singapore: Fireworks explode over Marina Bay in front of the Marina Bay Sands casino and resort during a pyrotechnic show
Roads were due to be cordoned off in London as the capital prepared itself for its own fireworks display tonight.
Australia has welcomed 2011 with a spectacular fireworks display over Sydney Harbour. Despite losing the Ashes this week, thousands of party-loving Aussies had camped out for hours at parks alongside the Sydney Harbour Bridge to win the best view of today's spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks.
As the clock ticked closer to 2011, Europeans were looking forward to celebrations that could help them forget their economic worries.
Japan and South Korea both celebrated New Year at 3pm GMT - and India was readying itself for its celebrations in the next few hours.
In New York City, nearly a million revellers were expected to cram into the streets around Times Square to watch the traditional midnight ball drop several hours after the UK has marked the start of 2011. The 20-inch snowstorm that blanketed the city will be just a memory thanks to work crews and warmer temperatures.
At least 1.5 million people lined the harbour in Sydney, the first major city where the new year arrives after 2011 hit New Zealand. Celebrations began with aerial displays by vintage aircraft and a parade of boats around the harbour.
In Christchurch, New Zealand, two minor earthquakes on Friday did not shake plans for all-night celebrations.
'There is more reason than ever for people to get together and celebrate the beginning of a New Year,' Christchurch's acting mayor Ngaire Button said, urging residents to celebrate in the central Cathedral Square, where workers were removing loose masonry after the quakes.
A powerful 7.1-magnitude quake wrecked thousand of buildings in Christchurch on September 4, but nobody was killed.
Ready for 12: Revellers in Hong Kong, China, prepare for the New Year
This year marks the first time Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, officially celebrates the new year with a countdown blowout, complete with a light show and foreign DJs in front of the city's elegant French colonial-style opera house.
Vietnamese in the past paid little attention to the changing of the calendar, instead holding massive celebrations during Tet, the lunar new year that begins on Feb. 3. But in recent years, the Western influence has started seeping into Vietnamese culture with teens, who have no memory of war or poverty and are eager to find a new reason to party in the Communist country.
In South Korea, up to 100,000 people went to a bell-ringing ceremony in central Seoul, with officials and citizens striking the large bronze bell hung in the Bosingak bell pavilion 33 times at midnight.
Some South Koreans also go to the mountains or beaches on early Saturday to watch the first sunrise of the new year.
At midnight in Taipei, Taiwan, fireworks will form a spiralling dragon climbing up the city's tallest skyscraper. Some 50 dancers will beat drums in the freezing cold river in a dance to underscore how people should live with nature in harmony.
Happy New Year! Sydney Bridge is lit up as Australia becomes the first country to welcome 2011
In Japan, New Year's Eve is generally spent at home with family but those who venture out go to temples to pray for good luck in the new year. At Zojoji, a 600-year-old Buddhist temple in central Tokyo, thousands were expected to release balloons at midnight carrying notes with their hopes for 2011.
In Beijing, about 500 people were expected to gather at the Ancient Bell Museum for the chance to ring in the new year on the 46-ton bell. The city is also trying to start a new tradition, with an orchestra playing a 'Hymn to China' at the China Century Monument just two minutes before midnight.
While many Asian countries famed for their firework displays were planning to light up the night skies, Myanmar's military government banned all fireworks for New Year's Eve and said severe action would be taken against anyone selling or using them.
First New Year: Auckland was the first major city to celebrate the start of 2011
A local news journal, Modern, noted that last year 62 people were given six to 12-month prison terms for violating this ruling.
The government gave no reason for the ban but in the past has said that it feared 'unscrupulous persons' might take advantage of the fireworks to create disturbances.
In Europe, many people will be partying simply to forget their economic woes after a year that saw Greece and Ireland needing financial bailouts and others, such as Spain and Portugal, battling speculation that they will need similar aid.
If not at home or at private parties, Spaniards traditionally gather in their main town squares to eat 12 grapes one by one as the bell in the square marks the countdown to 2011.
In the Irish capital of Dublin, people will flock to the Christchurch cathedral to listen as the bells chime in the new year.
In London, thousands will witness a musical and firework display at the 135-meter high London Eye, located on the southern banks of the Thames River. The Eye, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, lies almost opposite the Big Ben clock tower at Parliament that will chime in 2011.
In Paris, tens of thousands are expected to pack the Champs Elysees and the area around the Eiffel Tower for dazzling light and firework displays.
