Countries around the world are beginning to usher in the year 2026.
The Pacific island nation of Kiribati was the first to ring in the new year, while Alaska and Hawaii will be among the last places to say goodbye to 2025.
New Zealand
At 6 a.m. ET, New Zealand was one of the first countries to reach the year 2026 and rang in the new year with a fireworks display.
New Zealand welcomes 2026New Zealand is one of the first countries in the world to celebrate the arrival of the new year with a fireworks display.
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Australia
In Australia, fireworks over the The famous Sydney Harbor Bridge went as planned, but police presence was increased in Sydney in the wake of this month’s mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach.
Fireworks explode over the Sydney Harbor Bridge to mark the New Year in Sydney, Australia, on January 1, 2026.
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Fireworks light up the sky over the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House during New Year’s Eve celebrations on January 1, 2026 in Sydney, Australia.
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Molly Taylor-South of the United Kingdom poses for a photo before the fireworks display during New Year’s Eve festivities at Mrs Macquaries Chair in Sydney, Australia, December 31, 2025.
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Earlier in the evening, people gathered on the bridge to honor the Bondi Beach victims.
Spectators light up their mobile phones during a tribute to the victims of the Bondi terrorist attack during New Year’s Eve celebrations at Mrs Macquaries Point in Sydney, Australia, December 31, 2025.
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A menorah is projected onto the Sydney Harbor Bridge pylon during a tribute to the victims of the Bondi terrorist attack during New Year’s Eve celebrations at Mrs Macquaries Point in Sydney, Australia, December 31, 2025.
And Himbrechts/EPA/Shutterstock
Japan
In Tokyo, Japan, revelers played in 2026 at 10 a.m. ET.
A projection is shown on the surface of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building to celebrate the New Year, in Tokyo, Japan, on January 1, 2026.
Issei Kato/Reuters
South Korea
In Seoul, South Korea, fireworks were set off above the massive Lotte World Tower.
Fireworks light up the midnight sky over Lotte World Tower, South Korea’s tallest building in Seoul, during New Year’s Day celebrations on January 1, 2026.
Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images
Porcelain
In Beijing, China, people gathered at one of the most famous sections of the Great Wall.
The 2026 Beijing New Year countdown celebration at the Juyongguan Great Wall on January 1, 2026 in Beijing, China.
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Hong Kong
At 11 a.m. ET, revelers counted down to the new year in Hong Kong.
Revelers celebrate the New Year during the Hong Kong countdown celebrations in Central, Hong Kong on January 1, 2026.
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Thailand
A beautiful fireworks display lit up the sky in Bangkok, Thailand.
Fireworks explode over the Chao Phraya River to celebrate the new year on January 1, 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
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United Arab Emirates
The tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, was the scene of New Year’s Eve fireworks in Dubai.
Fireworks explode around the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on January 1, 2026.
Fatima Shbair/AP
Fireworks explode around the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on January 1, 2026.
Fatima Shbair/AP
Qatar
A child was lifted into the air to watch the fireworks in Lusail, Qatar.
A man holds a child as fireworks explode during New Year celebrations in Lusail, Qatar, on January 1, 2026.
Mohamed Salem/Reuters
France
The sky above the Arc de Triomphe lit up with a fireworks display as France’s capital rang in 2026.
Fireworks explode at the Arc de Triomphe during New Year’s celebrations on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, December 31, 2025.
Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters
Revelers watch a light and fireworks show at the Arc de Triomphe to celebrate the New Year 2026 on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, December 31, 2025.
Christophe Petit Tesson/EPA via Shutterstock
United Kingdom
As Big Ben struck midnight, London celebrated the year 2026 with fireworks over the River Thames.
Fireworks explode into the sky to ring in the New Year around the London Eye and the Elizabeth Tower, commonly known by the clock bell name “Big Ben”, at the Palace of Westminster, home of the Houses of Parliament, in central London at midnight on January 1, 2026.
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Fireworks light up the sky over the London Eye in central London during New Year celebrations, Thursday, January 1, 2026. (Jonathan Brady/PA via AP)
Jonathan Brady/AP
Brazil
In Rio de Janeiro, revelers packed the famous Copacabana beach to watch a fireworks display that illuminated the statue of Christ the Redeemer.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – JANUARY 1: Aerial view of Christ the Redeemer statue and fireworks launched from Copacabana Beach during the New Year celebration on January 1, 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Wagner Meier/Getty Images
US
In New York City, the ball dropped in Times Square, packed with thousands of confetti-covered visitors.
Confetti falls on attendees in Times Square during New Year’s Eve celebrations in New York City, U.S., on December 31, 2025.
Bing Guan/Reuters
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 1: People take part in New Year’s Eve celebrations on January 1, 2026 in New York City. Thousands of people filled Times Square to celebrate and watch the ball drop, and at midnight more than a ton of confetti was released.
Adam Gray/Getty Images
