Fireworks flash over Sydney Harbor during New Year's Eve celebrations, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009. The annual fireworks extravaganza over the city's landmark harbor bridge and opera house are the centerpiece of Australia's celebrations, and generate some of the most striking images from a night of revelry across the globe.
Up in the Air
Balloons fly over the downtown area of Sao Paulo, Brazil, after members of the city's Commerce Association released them to celebrate the end of the year, Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009.
New Year's Celebrations
Crowds celebrate as balloons are released to mark the New Year at the Zojoji Temple in Tokyo, seconds after midnight on Friday, Jan. 1, 2010.
Show of Hands
Revelers celebrate the 2010 New Year countdown event in Hong Kong Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009.
2010 On Ice
Skaters arrange themselves to form the year "2010" to welcome the upcoming New Year at an ice skating carnival in Shimla, India, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009.
Sundown on 2009
A man and a woman return to their village after the day's work on a bicycle as the sun sets marking the end of the year on the outskirts of Puri, India, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009.