First comes Christmas, next comes the New Year. Time flies and now we’re just a few more days to welcoming 2012. The Mayan prophecy may have predicted that the end of the world would occur soon, but that doesn’t stop us from taking this chance to celebrate the time of renewal.

(Photo by: Blacksky200)

New resolutions await for us to pursue despite what people often say about not fulfilling them. It is a time of hope for better days in the next 365 days.

What better ways to than to start a new year than to start with a bang? I meant it both literally and metaphorically. Watch out for stunning fireworks in your city or town and get blown away with the sight and sound! While you count down to a new beginning, take a look at some awesome fireworks from previous New Year’s Day in various places around the world.

Full list after jump.

Costa Rica

Beautiful fireworks igniting the very second clock strikes 12:00:01 in Central Valley (Valle Central) of Costa Rica. (Photo by: Otas32)

Dubai, U.A.E

Sparkly fireworks by the classy architecture of Burj Al Arab, the 27th tallest building in the world. It is also the tallest hotel in the world at the time of completion, but the fourth tallest as of today. (Photo by: Ercallimage Flowery)

Taipei, Taiwan

At the strike of midnight, fireworks shot out from Taipei 101, once the world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2010. (Photo by: CNN)

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Fireworks against the magnificent backdrop of Malaysia’s capital city Kuala Lumpur, featuring the Petronas Twin Towers. (Photo by: Saeed Khan/CNN)

Singapore

Lighting up the skies and the river with not just city lights, but also the lively fireworks for the new year. (Photo by: Souvik_Prometure)

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland’s trademark Sky Tower bursting into sparks at the top. Kind of reminds you of a sparkler, doesn’t it? (Photo by: Christopher Chan)

Helsinki, Finland

The sky full of colorful, shiny threads of light. (Photo by: Taivasalla)

London, England

London Eye literally exploded into fireworks. (Photo by: Blacksky200)

Portugal

The golden city lighting along the streets of Portugal just kind of add on to the fireworks effect. (Photo by: Tiagoto)

Moscow, Russia

Red fireworks in Moscow’s Red Square on 1st of January, 2011. Seems appropriate for a country with a past associated with communism. (Photo by: Orion Art)

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Fireworks at Caraguatuba near Sao Paulo City of Brazil on January 1, 2009. (Photo by: Fabio Donteo)

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Two million observers by the beach checking out the majestic fireworks by the sea.

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Typical of Las Vegas: The dazzling and ground-shaking fireworks meant to stimulate all your senses. (Photo by: Wandermelon)

Paris, France

Fireworks behind the steely structure of Eiffel Tower seem like blowtorch sparks. (Photo by: Photosfan)

Beirut, Lebanon

The capital city of Lebanon lightened up with fireworks on New Year’s day.