Australia, New Zealand, and surrounding Pacific Island Nations were among the first countries to ring in 2019 with fireworks and other celebrations.
In Photos: Ringing in 2019

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New Year's Eve fireworks burst over Sydney's famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House in Australia, during the fireworks show, Jan. 1, 2019.

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Fireworks explode over the Marina Bay ahead of the New Year's Eve festivities in Singapore, Dec. 31, 2018.

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People attend a ceremony to celebrate the new year in Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 1, 2019.

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Fireworks explode over Victoria Harbor during New Year's Eve to celebrate the start of year 2019 in Hong Kong, Jan. 1, 2019.