An artist wishing Happy New Year 2012 with his creation made up of flags of 250 countries in Amritsar.

People dressed as the Russian Santa Claus, Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and his companion Snegurochka (Snow Maiden), take part a New Year parade in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek.

Shoppers walk past the ornaments for coming New Year 2012 at a shopping mall in Beijing.

Acrobats stack themselves up on a bicycle in front of a background featuring a Chinese traditional Dragon during a celebration for the upcoming new year in Beijing.

Fireworks, launched by French technicians, illuminate the Ebrie lagoon in Abidjan to celebrate the end of the year 2011 marked by violences.

A man works on an 'Ano viejo' (Old Year) doll at a street in the Guarne municipality, Antioquia department, near Medellin.

Two women are drenched with water splashed from an office in Montevideo as a way of celebrating the end of the year.

The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball is tested the day before New Year's Eve in New York City.

Thousands of biodegradable balloons are released by Sao Paulo's Commercial Association at Patio do Colegio, site of this Brazilian city's foundation back in 1554.

Fireworks burst over Sydney Harbour as New Year's celebrations begin in Sydney, Australia.

School students hold placards during a celebration to welcome the New Year in Ahmadabad, India.