New Year's Eve celebrations around the world

Unlike last year, Sydney planned to put on a public fireworks display against the backdrop of the famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The spectacle can be admired from 30 vantage points. Admission to these, however, is only permitted for ticket holders. Organizers are urging revelers to get fully vaccinated.

David Guetta's New Year's Eve music performance at the Louvre Abu Dhabi will go ahead as planned, although authorities recently imposed tougher pandemic restrictions. A laser show and fireworks display will be staged at Dubai's Khalifa Tower. There is no limit on how many people may attend, though guests must register online.

Russia has shied away from adopting strict pandemic measures despite consistently high caseloads. As such, Muscovites can enjoy a carefree New Year's Eve. An ice rink and fair have been set up on Moscow's Red Square, and a fireworks display will ring in 2022. Across the city, restaurants and nightclubs are open.

Authorities are permitting private gatherings of up to 50 people. Restaurants are open, though at limited capacity, with no more than four guests allowed at one table. Public celebrations will be off-limits to people who are unvaccinated or have not recovered from COVID-19. Fireworks are banned in Prague and other Czech cities.

This year, New Year's Eve fireworks are banned across Germany to prevent injuries and ease the burden on German hospitals. Outside gatherings are prohibited in certain regions and private celebrations may be attended by no more than 10 guests. To make up for a dearth in public festivities, The German broadcaster ZDF is airing a New Year's Eve special with Bonnie Tyler and Marianne Rosenberg.

Austrian authorities have introduced a nighttime curfew for bars and restaurants to help contain a recent surge in coronavirus cases. But that does not mean Austrians have to stay home, twiddling their thumbs on New Year's Eve. In keeping with tradition, the Vienna State Opera is staging "The Bat," an operetta by Johann Strauß. Other cultural events are being held as well.

Madrid has not imposed any serious restrictions for New Year's Eve. The president of Spain's capital region, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, said bans would prove ineffective and added that hospitalizations were stable. A large crowd is expected to gather on Madrid's Puerta del Sol square. Authorities have set a maximum limit of 7,000 revelers.

London's traditional Trafalgar Square New Year's Eve festivities and riverside fireworks display have been canceled for the second year. Decision-makers imposed fresh restrictions after omicron cases began surging in mid-December. At least Big Ben will chime for the first time in four years, following extensive restoration work.

Rio de Janeiro will go ahead with its world-famous fireworks show on Copacabana beach. The city will stage further firework displays in nine other locations. However, this year, partygoers will have to make do without stage shows. The city's mayor said large crowds outdoors posed almost no contagion risk.

This year, New York's traditional Times Square party will go ahead as usual, with revelers in attendance. Partygoers must, however, show that they are vaccinated and wear masks. Times Square will open later than usual, and fewer guest will be admitted. The celebrations will be broadcast on television and streamed online.