How the world celebrated the start of 2020

As the clock struck midnight, fireworks lit up the skies around the world.

The New Year video is projected onto the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Source: AAP

Hundreds of thousands of revelers cycled, walked or rode scooters to the Champs-Élysées for the New Years celebrations in Paris - a city left with almost no public transport amid massive strikes.

The New Year video display on the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees in Paris. Source: EPA

The crowds were cheerful as they converged on the famous avenue to watch the fireworks display over the Arc de Triomphe.

All but two of the city’s Metro lines were closed and just a few night buses were running with New Years Eve marking the 27th consecutive day of protests against Emmanuel Macron’s plans to overhaul the pension system.

Revellers photograph fireworks over the Arc de Triomphe as they celebrate the New Year on the Champs Elysees, in Paris. Source: AP

Protests were a common theme to New Years Eve, with thousands in Hong Kong breaking into pro-democracy chants shortly after the countdown to midnight.

Protesters chant as fireworks explode in Hong Kong along the waterfront on new year's eve in Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong. Source: EPA

Authorities cancelled the midnight fireworks display in the city, citing security concerns.

A ‘symphony of lights’ took place instead - lighting up the city’s skyscrapers using projections.

Protesters chant as fireworks explode in Hong Kong along the waterfront on new year's eve in Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong. Source: EPA

In Lebanon, thousands of protesters and citizens gathered in Martyrs' Square in Beirut to mark the beginning of 2020.

Thousands watch a firework display during the New Year's celebrations in Martyrs' Square in downtown Beirut, Lebanon. Source: AP

Demonstrators held cut-outs and sang songs of revolution during the new year celebrations.

Lebanese protesters and citizens hold cut outs during New Year's Eve celebrations at Martyrs' Square in Beirut, Lebanon. Source: EPA

Security was on high alert in New York where thousands gathered in Times Square to ring in the new year.

People gather during New Year's Eve celebrations at Time Square, New York. Source: EPA

Police used more than 1000 security cameras, helicopters and drones to monitor the situation.

The city has been on edge this week after a string of attacks during Hanukkah. But the NYPD’s Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence and Counterterrorism, John Miller, says Time Square is the 'safest place on Earth'.

People watch fireworks during New Year's Eve celebrations at Time Square, New York. Source: EPA

Hundreds of thousands of people lined the Thames in London as 12,000 fireworks lit up the city's skyline.

Fireworks explode over the London Eye Ferris wheel by the River Thames in London, to mark the start of the new year. Source: AP

Big Ben chimed 12 times to herald the start of the new year, despite remaining silent for most of 2019 while revocations on the clock were completed.

Fireworks explode over the London Eye Ferris wheel by the River Thames in London, to mark the start of the new year. Source: Press Association

In Edinburgh, fireworks were let off from the castle as part of its Hogmanay celebrations. 

Fireworks light up the sky over Edinburgh during the city's Hogmanay celebrations. Source: Edinburgh's Hogmany via AP Images

Tens of thousands people attended the street party in Scotland, billed to be the UK’s biggest.

Cei Remue Menage from France perform during Hogmanay celebrations in Scotland's capital, Edinburgh. Source: THE CORNER SHOP

Large crowds gathered in cities all around the world as fireworks and light shows lit up the skies over landmarks like the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia.

Fireworks explode over the Kremlin during New Year's celebrations in Red Square. Source: AP

A dazzling display was also on show at the Parthenon in Athens, Greece.

Fireworks illuminate the Athenian sky as the temple of Parthenon sits atop the Acropolis hill during the New Year celebrations. Source: ANA-MPA

Other iconic backdrops for fireworks included: the Ottoman-era Mecidiye mosque in Ortakoy Square and the 15 July Martyrs Bridge over the Bosporous Strait, which separates Europe and Asia, in Istanbul, Turkey.

Fireworks explode over the Ottoman-era Mecidiye mosque in Ortakoy square and the "July 15th Martyrs' bridge. Source: AP

The Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

A fireworks show as part of New Year celebrations in front of the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Source: ANP

Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Beach in Brazil.

Fireworks explode over Copacabana Beach during the New Year's celebrations, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Source: AP

The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany.

Fireworks light the sky above the Quadriga at the Brandenburg Gate during New Year celebrations in Berlin, Germany. Source: DPA

The gateway of India in Mumbai.

People celebrates New year eve in front of iconic Gate way of India in Mumbai, India. Source: AP

The Chao Phraya River in Bangkok,Thailand.

Fireworks explode over the Chao Phraya River during New Year celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand. Source: AP

In Japan, people took turns striking Buddhist Temple bells in accordance with tradition.

People gather at Sensoji temple as part of the New Year's celebration. Source: AP

Revellers in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, welcomed the year with fireworks displays.

Pyongyang citizens enjoy fireworks on the occasion of the New Year. Source: AP

But amid the celebrations, old tensions between North Korea and the US threatened to flare up as the country’s leader Kim Jong Un said his country would keep developing nuclear programs. 

While at home in Australia, Sydney’s Mayor Clover Moore defended the city’s decision to go ahead with fireworks amid calls for the display to be cancelled in solidarity with areas devastated by fires in New South Wales.

The Midnight fireworks explode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Source: AAP