World rings in 2009

Fireworks light up the London skyline just after midnight on January 1, 2009 in England. Revelers worldwide celebrated around the world as the night changed over to the new year.

Police constable Lee Dingsdale receives a kiss from Aiden Cooper as locals take to Prince Street to celebrate the New Year in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Reports suggested 100,000 people were expected to brave freezing temperatures in the Scottish Capital.

Bulgarians celebrated at Sofia's main square.

While revelers took part in the 30-year-old "San Silvestre" New Year's race in underwear at La Font de la Figuera, Valencia, Spain.

Fireworks lit the night sky above Berlin's landmark Brandenburg Gate.

While further south, more fireworks exploded over the Acropolis Hill in Athens, Greece.

Russians rang in the New Year at a skating rink in Moscow's Red Square.

The dark sky of Jakarta turned bright with festive fireworks...

... while in Hong Kong, revelers ushered in the New Year with a bright outlook...

... to watch the fireworks burst over Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong.

In India, the sunset set on the last day of 2008.

A and later that night, residents in Mumbai put the terrible events of the past year behind them as they welcomed 2009.

Filipinos watch fireworks flash and explode over Manila.

South Koreans watch firework during in downtown Seoul.

The pre-midnight New Year's Eve fireworks based on the Aboriginal theme 'Creation Storm' explodes over Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House in Sydney, Australia.

The annual New Year's Eve midnight fireworks display lit up the Sky Tower in Auckland, New Zealand.