World welcomes New Year 2024

Countries across the globe are celebrating the New Year, with many hoping for better times despite conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. The Americas are joining Asia and Europe in ringing in 2024.

New York City welcomes the New Year

Tens of thousands of people in New York's Times Square cheered as they were showered with confetti marking the arrival of New Year's Day at midnight.

As the colorful, lighted ball dropped heralding the coming of 2024, people in the New York City square and up and down the US East Coast hugged and kissed, exchanging hope and optimism for the year ahead.

Revelers counted the hours and then the minutes until midnight at Times Square witnessing performances by musicians including Megan Thee Stallion and LL Cool J before the ceremonial ball drop.

"It's beautiful," Corin Christian of North Carolina, said a little after midnight as Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" played from speakers in the square.

"It's definitely a must-see," said Sarah Crayton from New Orleans surrounded by hordes of people in tall hats and blowing noisemakers. "At least go once, you know, just to experience the magic."

Fireworks light up London

The United Kingdom celebrated the arrival of 2024 with the sound of Big Ben and a breathtaking fireworks show in London.

Hundreds of thousands of spectators were packed into an area alongside the River Thames for the best view of the 12,000 fireworks.

Mayor Sadiq Khan posted a short video clip of the celebrations on X, formerly Twitter, saying London was sending a message of unity, love & hope to the world.