Like much of 2023 the weather played its part as the year ticked over into 2024 in New Zealand. Many planned celebrations were dampened down by strong winds and rain, with some even being cancelled.
It was a fitting end to a year that saw floods, cyclones and possibly the wettest winter in memory.
Auckland saw in the New Year with its traditional fireworks from the top of Sky Tower, while Wellingtonians braved high winds and celebrated with a waterfront concert and fireworks.
Over the Tasman Sydney lit up the harbour bridge with a spectacular fireworks display
Cities in Asia welcomed in the New Year with many cities putting on spectacular fireworks displays.
In Tokyo on Japan revellers rleased white balloons into the air.
Former English footballer and now pundit Gary Lineker has tweeted ahead of the New Year in the UK a sentiment many people will be feeling. Lineker said he hoped 2024 "brings ceasefires and peace around the world."
Ukraine's capital city Kyiv had a subdued New Year after Russia launched an air raid and hours before midnight sirens were heard across the city. It didn't stop residents from heading out and singing carols.
In Gaza the sky was lit up not by fireworks but by missiles as Israel launched more attacks and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said would take "many more months" to end.
Air strikes pounded al-Maghazi and al-Bureij in the centre of Gaza, killing 10 people in one house and driving more to flee to Rafah on the border with Egypt from front lines where Israeli tanks are battling Hamas fighters Reuters reported.
2024 has hit the major European cities now with yet more spectacular fireworks displays. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower was lit up. The Parthenon was illuminated by fireworks.
London has really upped its game over the past few years with its New Year's Eve celebration. What used to be a drunken party at Trafalgar Square is now a spectacular display along the River Thames.
