Then and now: New Year's Eve in 2019 and 2020

The coronavirus pandemic meant there was muted celebrations in some parts of the world

This combination photograph shows a handful of people in front of the iconic Gateway of India, top, a popular place to celebrate New Year's Eve in Mumbai, India, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020, as compared to a file photograph of a crowd celebrating on Dec. 31, 2019. AP Photo

The Kremlin and the Spasskaya Tower in Red Square during New Year's celebrations in Moscow, Russia in 2020 and 2019. AP Photo

Istanbul. AP Photo

Brussels. AP Photo

The Champs Elysees in Paris. AP Photo

Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. AP Photo

Colle Oppio hill overlooking Rome's Colosseum. AP Photo

New Year celebrations in downtown St. Petersburg, Russia. AP Photo

Moscow. AP Photo

Tokyo. AP Photo

Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong. AP Photo

Maiji Jingu Shinto Shrine in Tokyo. AP Photo

Bosingak pavilion in Seoul. AP Photo

Hotel Indonesia Roundabout in Jakarta. AP Photo

Hotel Indonesia Roundabout in Jakarta. AP Photo

Fireworks exploding over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. AP Photo

More on New Year's Eve:

UAE celebrates New Year with fireworks and social distancing

New Year's Eve celebrations around the world - in pictures

Big Ben rings in Brexit and a subdued new year

After a year like no other, Times Square in New York empties out on New Year's Eve

From Dubai to the world: rockers Kiss live-streamed concert starts new year in explosive fashion