Bringing in the New Year, the fresh start, the clean slate, a hopeful resolution, or even the continuation of something great, the world celebrates …. and celebrates …. and celebrates with a peculiar sense of excitement.

Let’s take a look at how the world shed 2010 and boldly stepped into 2011.

New York, U.S. – The legendary ball drop in Time Square.

London, England – The traditional red, white, and blue fireworks that encompass, Parliament, the London Eye, and the River Thames.

Italy – Illegal fireworks, “shot off in squares and alleys – a tradition that usually results in numerous hand and eye injuries.”

France – Rampant youth set fire to dozens of vehicles, also illegal.

Scotland – Beginning with the four-day Hogmanay festival of a night with a torch-lit procession in Edinburgh, nearly 25,000 people marched to “the top of a hill to watch the burning of a model Viking Ship.

Netherlands – People ate deep-fried dough balls covered in powdered sugar and washed it down with champagne.

Austria – They waltz in the New Year, carrying radios and dancing to Strauss’ “Blue Danube.”

Denmark – People jump off chairs to “leap into the new year.”

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – A gathering of 2 million people on Copacabana beach for fireworks, music, and grand party.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Extravagant fireworks shot from Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

South Korea – 80,000 people watched a traditional bell ringing ceremony and fireworks.

Japan – Monks chanted while citizens released hundreds of silver balloons with notes inside.

Vietnam – An estimated 55,000 people counted down to the New Year in a rave party in front of Hanoi’s elegant French colonial-style opera house.

Hong Kong, China – Fireworks set off from the city’s 10 most famous buildings and seen along Victoria Harbor.

Australia – 1.5 spectators witnessed the midnight sky sparkling with colorful fireworks over Sydney Harbor.

Spain – 50,000 people wearing colored wigs gathered in Madrid’s central Puerta del Sol square and ate a grape for each of the 12 chimes of midnight.

Whatever the tradition may be around the globe, hope is a common ingredient to usher in the New Year.