Around the World With the Week's Best Photos

This week brought in a new year, a new NYC mayor, and crazy Winter weather across the globe. New Year celebrations in NYC, London, and China featured plenty of lights, fireworks, and midnight kisses, and snowy storms proved that the season is well under way. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama enjoyed sunny skies during the first family's Hawaiian vacation, hockey fans braved the chill for an outdoor game, and King Kong stole a crowd's attention in Australia. See all that and more with the week's best pictures from around the world!

Up in the Air
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Up in the Air

A stunt expert was held by a giant King Kong hand over the city of Melbourne, Australia, during a photocall at Eureka Skydeck.

Front Row
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Front Row

Former president Bill Clinton watched the ceremonies for new NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, alongside his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Royal Wave
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Royal Wave

People waved flags in Tokyo, Japan, as the country's royal family delivered a new year greeting.

Ice-Cold
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Ice-Cold

The Toronto Maple Leafs played the Detroit Red Wings during the 2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic in Ann Arbor, MI.

Stair Master
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Stair Master

A man shoveled snow on the steps near the Bethesda Fountain in NYC's Central Park following the first night of Winter storm Hercules.

Holiday Sweets
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Holiday Sweets

President Barack Obama kept cool with some shaved ice during the first family's trip to Kailua, HI.

Taking a Dip
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Taking a Dip

People enjoyed the hot tub at the Igloo Hotel in Oberstdorf, Germany.

Furry Friend
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Furry Friend

Switzerland's Roger Federer cuddled up to a koala during the 2014 Brisbane International at Queensland Tennis Center in Australia.

Sky Lights
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Sky Lights

Fireworks lit up Big Ben on New Year's Eve in London, England.

Card Customs
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Card Customs

Women in Kyoto, Japan, dressed in traditional costumes for the year's first Karuta card game, which is played to honor the god of the sea and storms.

Shore Thing
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Shore Thing

Wild waves hit the seafront in Blackpool, England.

Smoky Skies
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Smoky Skies

People watched as smoke billowed from Mount Sinaburg in North Sumatra, Indonesia.

Snow Day
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Snow Day

A little boy hopped on his sled, playing in the snow outside the US Capitol in Washington DC after snow hit the area.

Big Kiss
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Big Kiss

Couples kissed at midnight in Times Square during the New Year's Eve celebration in NYC.