Ring in 2016 with these 7 New Year’s Eve facts

Every year, the world celebrates the new year as it slowly crosses each time zone.But despite the collective celebration, many areas of the world hold their own traditions in ringing in the new year.
From Moscow to New York City, here are seven New Year’s Eve facts so that you can start off your new year with a little bit of knowledge.

1. One million people gather in New York City’s Times Square to watch the ball drop. Nearly a billion others watch on TV.

2. In Scotland, a canon is fired in Edinburgh Castle at the stroke of midnight, followed by a large fireworks display.

3. Gisborne, New Zealand, just 496.4 kilometer west of the International Date Line, is the first major city to celebrate the New Year.

4. The 2013-14 celebration in London, England featured a multi-sensory display including LED bracelets and candy to be eaten during the fireworks show.

5. New Year’s Eve is a major family holiday in Russia. Many people listen to the president’s speech followed by the ringing of the Kremlin clock at midnight.

6. Dubai hosts one of the most expensive New Year’s Eve displays. Fireworks are launched from the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

7. Sydney, Australia celebrates with a fireworks and music show called the “Bridge Effect,” which is centered around the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

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