Revelers around the globe ring in 2018 amid heightened security
(CNN)Throngs of revelers packed cities around the globe to usher in 2018 with public celebrations and fireworks, despite fears of terrorism and frigid weather in some places.
In New York, hundreds of thousands of people packed Times Square in the 10-degree Fahrenheit weather to watch the 2018 ball drop and confetti rain down on the street.
Law enforcement agencies had added additional security measures, including extra checkpoints, police dogs, street closures and undercover officers.
"You will see a stronger police presence out there than we've seen, even than what we've seen in recent years. And that's prudent, given the terror events we have seen and studied around the world as well as the three incidents here in New York over the past 15 months," said NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill before the East Coast clock struck midnight.
Revelers awaiting New York's New Year's Eve celebrations bundled up as they gathered in Times Square.
Around the world, cities celebrated the New Year with spectacles of fireworks.
More than a million people lined the harbor in Sydney, Australia, to watch a 12-minute fireworks show over the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Across Asia, people crowded into waterside viewing areas to see fireworks burst over Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong and other cities.
Photos: New Year's 2018 celebrations around the world
New Year's celebrations take place in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Hide Caption
12 of 23
Photos: New Year's 2018 celebrations around the world
Fireworks illuminate the sky in Baghdad, Iraq.
Hide Caption
13 of 23
Photos: New Year's 2018 celebrations around the world
New Year's fireworks are seen above the Opera House and Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia. Over a million people gathered around the harbor to watch the 12-minute celebration for the start of 2018.
Hide Caption
14 of 23
Photos: New Year's 2018 celebrations around the world
Fireworks explode over Victoria Harbour during New Year celebrations in Hong Kong.
Hide Caption
15 of 23
Photos: New Year's 2018 celebrations around the world
Fireworks explode above Singapore's financial district at the stroke of midnight to mark the New Year.
Hide Caption
16 of 23
Photos: New Year's 2018 celebrations around the world
Fireworks illuminate the city's skyline during New Year's celebrations in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Hide Caption
17 of 23
Photos: New Year's 2018 celebrations around the world
Tourist guides wearing 2018 New Year's glasses attend a celebration at Slender West Lake Scenic Spot in Yangzhou, China, on Sunday, December 31, 2017.
Hide Caption
18 of 23
Photos: New Year's 2018 celebrations around the world
A woman prays in front of lanterns to celebrate the New Year at Jogyesa Buddhist temple in Seoul, South Korea.
Hide Caption
19 of 23
Photos: New Year's 2018 celebrations around the world
Swimmers take the plunge during the traditional San Silvestre Swim at La Comandancia beach in Tarragona, northeastern Spain.
Hide Caption
20 of 23
Photos: New Year's 2018 celebrations around the world
Performers parade through the streets as part of the annual Joburg Carnival in Johannesburg, South Africa. Many of the costumes are hand-made each year for the event.
Hide Caption
21 of 23
Photos: New Year's 2018 celebrations around the world
Pope Francis kisses the Christ Child upon his arrival to preside over the Te Deum prayer in St, Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.
Hide Caption
22 of 23
Photos: New Year's 2018 celebrations around the world
A child walks on numbers reading "2018" in Allahabad, India.
Hide Caption
23 of 23
Photos: New Year's 2018 celebrations around the world
Fireworks explode over Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, January 1, 2018.
