Millions of people around the world poured into streets and public squares to bid farewell to a challenging 2025 and welcome the arrival of 2026, embracing the new year with heightened expectations and hope.
The first celebrations began in the Pacific, as clocks struck midnight on islands closest to the International Date Line, including Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Tonga and New Zealand. From there, the festivities rolled westward across continents and time zones.
In Australia, Sydney ushered in 2026 with a spectacular fireworks display, launching around 40,000 fireworks that illuminated the night sky above the harbour. Celebrations took place under heavy police presence, weeks after a deadly attack at a Jewish event in the city left 15 people dead.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the sombre mood alongside the celebrations, saying in a video message: “Here, the joy we usually feel at the start of a new year is tempered by the sadness of the year that has passed.”
In Hong Kong, the traditional New Year’s fireworks display was cancelled as a mark of respect for the 161 people who lost their lives in a deadly apartment complex fire in November.
In Seoul, thousands gathered at the Bosingak Pavilion, where a large bronze bell was rung 33 times at midnight. The ritual, rooted in Buddhist cosmology, symbolises the 33 heavens and is believed to drive away misfortune while welcoming peace and prosperity for the coming year.
Meanwhile, celebrations were also held at the Juyong Pass of the Great Wall near Beijing, featuring drumming performances and festive gatherings. Revelers held signs reading “2026” adorned with a horse symbol, ahead of the Year of the Horse, which begins in February under the Chinese lunar calendar.
In Croatia, New Year’s celebrations began earlier in the day. In the town of Fužine, a tradition dating back to 2000 saw crowds counting down to the new year at noon local time. Festivities included music, dancing and champagne toasts, while the bravest participants, wearing Santa hats, plunged into the icy waters of Lake Bajer.
Elsewhere, preparations continued for more traditional midnight celebrations. In New York, with temperatures below freezing, organisers began installing security barriers and setting up infrastructure ahead of the massive crowds expected to gather in Times Square for the annual ball drop.
US President Donald Trump struck an upbeat tone in a New Year message ahead of the 2026 midterm election year. “Isn’t it wonderful that we have a strong border, no inflation, a strong military and a thriving economy? Happy New Year!” he wrote on his Truth Social platform.
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