Fireworks and celebrations have swept across the globe to welcome in 2026.
The first country to enter the new year was the Pacific nation of Kiribati, but New Zealand set the sky above the Auckland CBD alight soon after with 3500 fireworks.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge also put on a light and sound show, with thousands of viewers crammed into the waterfront and city centre to take in the festivities.
Moving two hours across the Ditch and Sydney set off an impressive fireworks display with pyrotechnics launched from the harbour bridge and the Sydney Opera House lasting about 15 minutes.
Wishing you a Happy New Year from Sydney!
— City of Sydney (@cityofsydney) December 31, 2025
Image 1: Keith McInnes
Image 2: Annabel Osborne
image 3: Morris McLennan pic.twitter.com/kpJPQW9qYy
An hour prior to the fireworks show, the city stopped for a minute of silence to pay tribute to the Bondi Beach attack victims.
Japan, South Korea and North Korea were the next countries to see the clock strike midnight following traditional ceremonies, such as Joya no kane in Japan which sees temples ring bells 108 times.
Seoul also has a bell-tolling tradition, with a bell ringing in Bosingak Pavilion on the stroke of midnight to mark the end and beginning of the year, while a fireworks display took place at Kim II Sung Square in Pyongyang.
In Busan, South Korea, a large drone display entertained crowds and included images of a giant horse, the coming year’s animal in the Chinese Zodiac.
Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan and China were next to welcome the new year as the Petronas Towers were lit up in Kuala Lumpur, a light show occurred in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour and revellers celebrated at the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall of China.
#HappyNewYear from #kualalumpur Malaysia 2026 pic.twitter.com/m1AWVeaNWx
— Roy Huff (@realroyhuff) December 31, 2025
Thailand and Vietnam then put on a fireworks show in cities despite celebrating their traditional new year in April and February respectively.
Thailand has Songkran, when the sun passes into the Aries constellation, while Vietnam celebrates the Lunar New Year.
India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh saw large crowds gather to welcome in 2026 hours before the UAE attempted five world records to bring in the new year.
These included using 6500 drones to create the largest aerial display of a phoenix and launching the largest aerial fireworks shell which hoped to explode across 1km in the sky.
Welcoming in the New Year, Dubai style! 🥳🎇
— Emirates (@emirates) December 31, 2025
The world's tallest tower. The world's biggest celebration. pic.twitter.com/rZhsiSJ6HN
The celebrations then hit Europe, with Paris firing pyrotechnics off the Arc de Triomphe despite a live concert being cancelled in France’s capital, while festivities were focused around the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.
London was the next major city to set off a fireworks display, combined with lights and music along the River Thames and starting with Big Ben’s chimes.
Most incredible city in the world.
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) January 1, 2026
Most incredible fireworks in the world.
Happy New Year, London! ❤️🎉✨ pic.twitter.com/gq5YCcKl74
Plenty of countries are still gearing up for their own celebrations, with millions flocking to Rio de Janeiro, already being recognised by Guinness World Records as having the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in the world.
The ball is still due to drop in New York’s Times Square, with Mexico City, Chicago, Los Angeles and finally Honolulu to round off the new year parties.