AROUND THE WORLD (WVLT) -- Fireworks exploded over various countries in the Eastern part of the world as they welcomed in the New Year before the U.S.

First up for you, fireworks on Sydney Harbor, as Australia celebrated 2009

"3,2,1 Happy New Year"

And in Hong Kong, 2009 was celebrated with fireworks at Victoria Harbor.

A beautiful scene there!

Meanwhile new year's eve celebrations were muted in China, where fireworks and feasting are reserved mainly for the Lunar New Year, which in 2009 begins on January 26.

And finally Times Square in New York City.

The new crystal ball is twice the size of the old one with 32-thousand LED bulbs behind all of the crystals and mirrors.