Sealed with a kiss! U.S. celebrates the New Year as one MILLION brave the cold in New York Times Square to start 2015 with a bang

Lovers kissed, friends hugged and families celebrated as one million visitors descended upon Times Square for the world's biggest New Year's Eve celebration. Guests gathered beginning early Wednesday for a chance to see the ball drop and watch a star-studded lineup of performers including Idina Menzel, Florida Georgia Line and, biggest of all,
Taylor Swift, who sang just minutes before New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and his family came out to start the annual ball drop. The evening went off without incident as well thanks to added security and a heightened police presence, this despite recent clashes between the Mayor and members of law enforcement. Celebrations were also held in major cities across the U.S. and encapsulated their own unique traditions. In Key West a drag queen was lowered to Duval Street in a giant stiletto while parties took over the streets of New Orleans.