New Year's Eve can be one of the most highly anticipated nights of the year - and, with such great expectations, can also often be an absolute flop.

Around the world, people mark the occasion in different ways.

From the well-known Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes under a table at midnight to the extravagant fireworks displays in bustling locations, the options are limitless.

But despite there being many well-established traditions, some are keen to create their own ways of welcoming in the new year.

Families finding new methods to celebrate had led to a slew of weird and wonderful traditions popping up on social media, with many taking to platforms such as TikTok to share their fun - and, often, bizarre - customs.

Here's a selection of some of the best and strangest traditions from around the world. 

Balloon drop waterfall

Creating your own balloon drop is an easy way to make memories at the start of the new year

This simple DIY tradition has made its way across social media, especially in the US, lauded for its entertainment value - perfect if you have children.

TikTok user Cass Olive shared a video explaining how to set up a balloon drop: you simply attach a tablecloth to the ceiling, leaving space to put blown-up balloons beneath the ceiling. 

On the countdown, you pull down the tablecloth to release a cascade of balloons.

She said: 'Our favourite New Year's tradition with the kids! So easy to put together and the memories last a lifetime!

'All you need is a plastic table cloth, painters tape, baloons and some ribbon or rope! Then you have yourself a DIY balloon drop! 

'Find a count down on YouTube and have the drop whenever you want so you can get the kiddos to bed and they don’t feel like they missed out.'

Playing a strange instrument

Travel is a popular activity at this time of year - but sometimes has quirky motivations

While it's not surprising someone might want to travel overseas to bring in the new year, one traveller had a strange reason for his adventure.

Kurt Schneider, an American, posted on TikTok: 'My favorite New Year's tradition: fly to New York and play Auld Lang Syne on this strange instrument…'

He headed to Little Island to play the tune on a sort of keyboard-bell instrument.

Little Island in New York is a park filled with sensory activities and instruments - and, for Kurt, the strange instrument you play with your feet was the highlight.

Water bombs

Water bombs for kids are always a hoot - and aren't only for the summer months