As 2015 came to an end, cities around the world were celebrating the start of a new year and bidding goodbye to one marred by terrorist attacks that left people on edge. Despite the rattled nerves, most places were pressing on with their holiday revels.

In Dubai, a massive fireworks display kicked off New Year's at the world's tallest building, while a raging fire sent smoke billowing into the air from nearby tower.

In France, Parisians still recovering from deadly attacks in November held scaled-down celebrations.

And in Brussels, Belgium's capital, a holiday terror plot led to the cancellation of festivities altogether.

Tokyo was on a special security alert during Japan's biggest holiday, as millions crammed into trains to leave cities for their hometowns.