New Years Eve 2015 2016
New Year's Eve fireworks illuminate Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House during the traditional early family fireworks show held before the main midnight event on December 31, 2015 PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images

While London waits for New Year celebrations to begin, 2016 is already underway in the South Pacific. One of the first and most impressive displays has just taken place in Australia, where Sydney hosted 12 minutes of fireworks from the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and seven barges in the harbour. As 2015 comes to an end, here is our guide to watching the best fireworks displays from around the world.

Australia

The world-famous fireworks display is one of the first to take place, with over one million people viewing the event this year. The full show was broadcast online by Telstra which you can watch here.

New Year's Eve fireworks London
Fireworks light up the London skyline and Big Ben after midnight on 1 January 2015 Getty

Dubai

A 20-minute fireworks display will light up the night sky in Dubai. Kicking off with a display at Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper, a second display will begin at the hotel Burj Al Arab followed by a third and final show at Jumeirah Beach Residence's The Beach. You can click here to view the entire event live online.

London

In London, the South Bank will light up at midnight with the annual display over the River Thames. Set against the capital's unique skyline, it really is a sight to behold – and you can watch the display live on BBC One or on BBC iPlayer.

Dubai fireworks 2016
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai on New Year's Eve 2015 Emaar

New York

The annual ball drop in Times Square, which will be watched across 184 countries, will take place at the flagpole at One Times Square. The Times Square celebration can be watched on the official Times Square U-Stream Webcast as well as the official Times Square NYC website.