New Year’s celebrations kicked off around the world on December 31, 2025, as the remote atoll of Kiritimati in the island nation of Kiribati became the first place to welcome 2026 at 10:00 GMT. The festivities then traveled westward, with billions preparing to bid farewell to a tumultuous 2025 characterized by geopolitical conflict, climate crises, and economic challenges.
Celebrations in Sydney
In Sydney, proudly dubbed the “world capital of the New Year,” hundreds of thousands of spectators gathered along the harbor to witness an extravagant display of nine tons of fireworks. This year, however, the celebrations took on a more subdued tone due to a recent tragedy: a mass shooting at Bondi Beach that claimed 15 lives just two weeks prior. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged that “the joy we usually feel at the beginning of a new year is tempered by the sadness of the old.”
Moment of Silence
At 11 PM local time, festivities paused as attendees observed a minute of silence to honor the victims of the Bondi Beach attack. The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge was illuminated with a dove, a menorah, and the words “unity” and “peace,” serving as a poignant reminder of resilience amidst sorrow. City train stations encouraged passengers to turn on their phone flashlights to “shine in solidarity with the victims and all those affected by the attack.”
Fireworks Launch
The main fireworks show was scheduled for midnight, typically a highlight of the Sydney New Year’s festivities, but this year was underscored by a national mourning. Families had the chance to enjoy an early family-friendly fireworks show earlier in the evening, providing a glimpse of the spectacular pyrotechnics to come at midnight.
Auckland Welcomes 2026
New Zealand welcomed the new year with open arms, celebrating at 11:00 GMT with a mesmerizing display of fireworks over the Sky Tower in Auckland. The city, one of the first major locations to ring in 2026, attracted thousands of residents and tourists alike, all eager to witness the dazzling light show above the city’s port.
Global Midnight Countdown
The global countdown to midnight will continue for 26 hours, moving westward from Kiritimati. From Auckland, celebrations will spread to nearby regions, including Sydney just two hours later and ultimately reaching the United States early Thursday morning.
Important Midnight Times
The key times for New Year celebrations around the world are as follows (in GMT):
- Kiritimati – 10:00
- New Zealand – 11:00
- East Coast of Australia – 13:00
- North & South Korea and Japan – 15:00
- Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China – 16:00
- Thailand – 17:00
- India and Sri Lanka – 18:30
- Russia (Moscow) – 21:00
- Ukraine – 22:00
- Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, and Italy – 23:00
- United Kingdom, Ghana, and Portugal – 00:00
- Brazil and Argentina – 03:00
- East Coast of the United States – 05:00
The New Year festivities commenced in the South Pacific, moving steadily westward to conclude in the United States.