New Year's celebrated around the world

Fireworks lit up over Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, the famous glittering ball dropped in New York City's Times Square and revellers around the world welcomed 2016.

In Canada, thousands packed into New Year's Eve party spots like Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square and Montreal's Old Port, while partiers in Halifax filled the city's historic Grand Parade square. 

And with heightened fears of terrorist attacks, 6,000 police officers in New York City were guarding the Crossroads of the World, where about one million people crammed in to celebrate.

But the event in New York City, broadcast live on national television, went off without a hint of trouble, as a festive mood prevailed  despite — or perhaps because of — the heavy police presence.

As 2015 drew to a close, many people were bidding a weary and wary adieu to a year marred by attacks that left nations reeling and nerves rattled.

In Bangkok, site of a deadly bombing months ago, police flanked partygoers. In Paris, residents recovering from their city's own deadly attacks enjoyed scaled-back celebrations. And in Munich, police warned of the threat of a terror attack.

Some festivities became dangerous, such as in the Philippines, where one man was killed and at least 380 were injured by firecrackers. A fire gutted 1,000 shanties in Manila despite rain and a government warning campaign, officials said Friday.

Many superstitious Filipinos usher in the new year with powerful firecrackers, believing that noisy celebrations — largely influenced by Chinese tradition — drive away bad luck and evil. 

The death occurred when a drunken man lit a dynamite-like firecracker called "Goodbye Philippines" and embraced it as it exploded, ripping his jaw and killing him, Health Secretary Janet Garin announced. Fire officials said a rocket lit by revellers set an abandoned hut ablaze, sparking a fire that razed about 1,000 shanties in Manila's Tondo slum district and displacing several thousand families.

Here's a look at how people around the welcomed the new year:

Paris, still recovering from the deadly Nov. 13 attacks, cancelled its usual fireworks display in favour of a five-minute video performance at the Arc de Triomphe just before midnight, relayed on screens along the Champs Elysee. 

Fireworks lit up the sky above the Brandenburg Gate shortly after midnight in Berlin.

The Giza Pyramids near Cairo was the site of New Year's Eve celebrations.

Tokyo rang in the new year 14 hours ahead of the eastern time zone.

People left messages and wishes for the new year at Tokyo's Meiji Shrine earlier in the day.

Beijing celebrated the Gregorian calendar's new year ahead of Chinese New Year, which comes on Feb. 8.

Singapore shot fireworks into the sky over Marina Bay.

Sydney, Australia, celebrated with fireworks over the Opera House.

Taiwan's Taipei 101 tower before the fireworks …

… and after.

In Sao Paolo, Brazil, runners took to the streets in costumes for the annual New Year's run.

In Lucerne, Switzerland, people jumped into the chilly waters of the Reuss.

Indians celebrated New Year's with vegetable art …

Face painting …

… and head-shaving.

Meanwhile, in Brussels, the city cancelled its New Year's celebrations due to fears of an attack.

Security was also heightened in Shanghai after last year's deadly stampede.

Jakarta was on high alert after alleged plans for attacks on Christmas and New Year's were foiled.

Still, celebrations have been mainly joyful — like these happy people in Seoul. How will you ring in 2016?