Marking 2014 around the world

2014 has already begun for most parts of the world.

The first places to ring in 2014 were some smaller islands in the Pacific including Samoa and Christmas Island. Auckland, New Zealand was the first major city to say goodbye to 2013 with a spectacular fireworks display.

In Taipei, Taiwan they ushered in the new year with a little help from Spiderman. At midnight, fireworks shot from the top of the country’s tallest building, Taipei 101.

Colourful lights lit up the night sky as people gathered in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour to watch. The fireworks were set off from the tops of skyscrapers, and a cannon fired as the clock struck 12.

At the Vatican it’s still 2013, but those in attendance today sang hymns of thanks for gifts they’ve received over the past year.

It’s officially a Happy New Year in many countries across Europe. Fireworks display too place in Brandenburg Get in Berlin, Germany.

They also celebrated in the Netherlands. More fireworks are lighting up the sky in Amsterdam this hour as people there say goodbye to 2013 and hello to 2014.

Here at home, there’s of course the new year’s bash at Niagara Falls.

And although the clock hadn’t officially struck midnight here in Ontario, fireworks were filling the sky over Grimsby outside of the Peach King Centre. An early start to what will be a very long night of celebrations across the province.

In Toronto, there will be fireworks at Nathan Phillips Square.

Anyone going out to celebrate can expect more RIDE checks as police step up patrols to stop drunk drivers.