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Cities across the globe prepare to welcome the New Year in celebrations tinged with local traditions

Nathan Phillips Square Toronto New  Year's Eve
Nathan Phillips Square Toronto New Year's Eve

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Cities around the world are getting ready to ring in the New Year with celebrations highlighting local cultures and traditions, after a year roiled by ongoing conflict and political instability. 

Countries in the South Pacific Ocean will be the first to welcome 2025, with midnight in New Zealand striking 18 hours before the ball drop in Times Square in New York. 

In Australia, 1 million people are expected at Sydney Harbor, and some 2 million at Copacabana Beach in Brazil. 

Celebrations in Asia, however, have been muted by a devastating plane crash in South Korea on Sunday. 

Wild weather is also threatening to dampen Britain's festivities.