Despite the threats of violence, people all over the world still reveled to ring in the New Year. And to mark the start of 2016, New Year's Eve celebrations kick off with a bang with spectacular fireworks displays across the globe.

The world had been marred by terrorist attacks that left many nations reeling and nerves rattled in the past year. But in spite of heightened fears, many people bid a weary and wary adieu to 2015 and welcomed 2016 with hope and positivity. So, here are the top 10 New Year's Eve celebrations around the world.

1. London, England

More than 100,000 people gathered at River Thames to watch 12,000 fireworks in a spectacular 15-minute display. And due to the threats of violence, thousands of extra police officers were on duty, BBC News noted.

2. Edinburgh, Scotland

The nation's traditional Hogmanay party took a celestial twist when British astronaut Tim Peake sent out a New Year message, which was broadcasted live from the International Space Station.

3. Berlin, Germany

While the fireworks display in Brussels, Belgium was canceled due to safety concerns, one million people attended the NYE's countdown at the Bradenburg Gate, where a fireworks display was held. And even though the authorities have warned about a planned terror attack in Munich and have asked people to avoid crowds, the festivities continued.

4. Paris, France

Six weeks after gunmen and suicide bombers killed 130 people in Paris, the city canceled its traditional fireworks display and was replaced by a five-minute video performance at the Arc de Triomphe just before midnight. It was also screened along the Champ-Elysees. According to Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, the video aimed to tell the world that "Paris is standing, proud of its lifestyle and living together."

5. Sydney, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand

Hundreds of thousands of people gathered over the Sydney harbor to watch the 15-minute fireworks display, which was themed as the "City of Color," with the bridge as the show's centerpiece, People reported. While fireworks launched from the Southern Hemisphere's tallest tower, Sky Tower, in Auckland, New Zealand illuminated the city.

6. Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and China

In Hong Kong, Victoria Harbour was lit with an astonishing seven-and-a-half minute fireworks display. While Singapore shot fireworks into the sky over Marina Bay. Taiwan's tallest skyscraper, Taipei 101 tower, also featured a breathtaking fireworks display in Taiwan. And the Chinese in Beijing, China celebrated the Gregorian calendar's New Year ahead of Chinese New Year, which comes on Feb. 8, CBC News revealed.

7. Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, South Korea

Tokyo, Japan rang in the New Year 14 hours ahead if the eastern time zone. And earlier in the day, people left their New Year messages and wishes at Tokyo's Meiji Shrine. While South Koreans marked New Year's Eve with traditional bell ringing ceremonies, fireworks and outdoor music and dance performances. Both Japan and South Korea also sent balloons up to the sky.

8. Russia and Egypt

As the Egyptian government works to revive its tourism industry, people celebrated the New Year with a fireworks display staged in front of The Giza pyramids near Cairo. While Russia, the first European city to welcome 2016, cheered on a spectacular fireworks display over Red Square in Moscow, before President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation.

9. Madrid, Spain and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Since there are security fears across the continent, several major public events went ahead with heightened security restrictions. Hence, only 25,000 people in Madrid were allowed to revel the New Year festivities in Puerta del Sol Square. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, crowds gathered at the Copacabana Beach to mark the New Year as well as to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Samba music and the upcoming Summer Olympics. While runners took to the streets in Sao Paolo for the annual New Year's run.

10. Dubai, UAE

In Dubai, three separate firework displays welcomed the New Year despite a major fire nearby at The Address Hotel. As per Daily Express, the fire engulfed the 63-storey building and firefighters have been battling the blaze for hours. Meanwhile, the breathtaking show started at the Burj Khalifa, which was illuminated with 400,000 LED lights. And 1.6 tons of fireworks lit up the skies around the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab and later down near the Dubai Marina. Fireworks also marked the arrival of 2016 in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the country of seven emirates.