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!
A stunt expert was held by a giant King Kong hand over the city of Melbourne, Australia, during a photocall at Eureka Skydeck.
Former president Bill Clinton watched the ceremonies for new NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, alongside his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
People waved flags in Tokyo, Japan, as the country's royal family delivered a new year greeting.
The Toronto Maple Leafs played the Detroit Red Wings during the 2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic in Ann Arbor, MI.
A man shoveled snow on the steps near the Bethesda Fountain in NYC's Central Park following the first night of Winter storm Hercules.
President Barack Obama kept cool with some shaved ice during the first family's trip to Kailua, HI.
Switzerland's Roger Federer cuddled up to a koala during the 2014 Brisbane International at Queensland Tennis Center in Australia.
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.
A little boy hopped on his sled, playing in the snow outside the US Capitol in Washington DC after snow hit the area.
Couples kissed at midnight in Times Square during the New Year's Eve celebration in NYC.