A couple kiss while watching fireworks explode minutes after midnight along Copacabana Beach during the New Year celebrations.

A reveller floats while watching fireworks explode.

Fireworks explode over the temple of the Parthenon atop the Acropolis hill during New Year's Day celebrations in Athens.

Fireworks explode over Skepsbron street during the New Year celebrations in Stockholm.

Fireworks explode over the Saltsjon waters of Stadsgardskajen quay in the Swedish capital.

Fireworks explode over the city of Innsbruck and the Nordkette mountains during New Year celebrations.

People cheer in front of Rome's ancient Colosseum to celebrate the New Year.

Fireworks explode over the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

People in Tokyo gather to watch the sun rise for the first time in 2014.

Fireworks explode from the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower, in Dubai.

Fireworks explode over Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.

Fireworks explode in the sky during New Year celebrations in Moscow's Red Square.

A firework from the pyrotechnic show company "Group F" illuminates the Vieux Port (Old Port) of Marseille in southern France.

Fireworks explode over Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

People release balloons to celebrate the New Year during the annual countdown ceremony by the Prince Park Tower in Tokyo.

Fireworks explode over the National Monument in Jakarta.

A light show illuminates the Great Wall during the New Year countdown.

These were the scenes in Sydney as New South Wales also celebrated the New Year.

More scenes from Sydney

New Zealand was one of the first countries to welcome 2014, with a spectacular fireworks display in Auckland.