Celebrations in Manchester include a huge fireworks display at Castlefield, while up to 10, 000 people will watch a parade and the lighting of a beacon at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland.

BBC: UK's party of the century

Mr Takulla has also been given a special pass to watch the parade from the VIP gallery.

BBC: Rail ticket takes record

But London's New Year's Day Parade will go ahead, with organisers predicting that more than a million people will turn out to watch the parade.

BBC: Weather hampers New Year revelry

An IRS employee who worked in the Cincinnati office said staff would gather outside the office once a year to watch the opening-day parade for the Cincinnati Reds.

WSJ: IRS Division in Dispute Followed Own Course

Under her watch, the parade will debut what Macy's calls a tricaloon, a three-wheeled bicycle with a 10-foot inflatable character on the back.

WSJ: On Thanksgiving, She Reigns in This Parade

If you do not have time for a meal, step in for a martini or Manhattan at the long bar and watch the parade of high society drop in for dinner.

BBC: Business trip: New York City