Dancing stormtroopers, flashing lightsabers and life-sized LEGOs took over Times Square early Friday morning as die-hard Star Wars fans gathered for the kickoff to "Force Friday" in New York City.

The global event marks the first day of sales for the toys that will supplement the latest installment in the franchise, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

The day started with an 18-hour "unboxing" live stream that showed toys from manufacturers like LEGO, Hasbro and Disney being revealed to audiences across 12 countries.

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The Disney Store and Toys R Us in Times Square both opened at midnight, offering special giveaways and limited edition posters.

The celebration started Thursday morning at Toys R Us, with book signings, art classes, product demonstrations, and yes, twerking stormtroopers.

The latest installment in the "Star Wars" franchise will hit theaters in December.

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