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| New Year's celebrations around the worldParts of the world are already celebrating the new year and kicking off 2025. |
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 2026, ringing in the new year with a fireworks display.
Happy New Year from Queenstown, New Zealand! The Kiwis, welcomed2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ in spectacular fashion! 🎆#happynewyear #newyear #2026 pic.twitter.com/6299dFTu3m
— EarthCam (@EarthCam) December 31, 2025
Australia
In Australia, fireworks over the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge went along as planned, but law enforcement presence was ramped up in Sydney in the wake of this month's mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach.
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| Fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark the New Year in Sydney, Australia, January 1, 2026. |
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| Molly Taylor-South from the UK poses for a photograph ahead of the fireworks display during New Year's Eve festivities at Mrs Macquaries Chair in Sydney, Australia, December 31, 2025. |
Earlier in the night, people gathered at the bridge to honor the Bondi Beach victims.
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| Spectators shine light from their mobile phones during a tribute to the victim's of the Bondi terror attack during the New Year's Eve Celebrations at Mrs Macquaries Point in Sydney, Australia, December 31, 2025. |
Japan
In Tokyo, Japan, revelers rang in 2026 at 10 a.m. ET
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| A Firework's on Tokyo, to celebrate the New Year, in Tokyo, Japan January 1, 2026. |
South Korea
In Seoul, South Korea, fireworks were lit over the massive Lotte World Tower.
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| Fireworks light up the South Korea's tallest building in Seoul during New Year's Day celebrations on January 1, 2026. |
India
Dazzling Fireworks, Music, Buzzing Streets, Late-Night Parties, Prayers: How India Rang In 2026 | Image: ANI
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| Dazzling Fireworks, Music, Buzzing Streets, Late-Night Parties, Prayers: How India Rang In 2026 | Image: ANI |
China
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| Citizens view lantern decorations at the Confucius Temple scenic area in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu province, on Tuesday. The lantern decorations are displayed here in celebration of New Year. |
Hong Kong
At 11 a.m. ET, revelers counted down to the new year in Hong Kong.
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| Revellers celebrate the New Year during Hong Kong's countdown celebrations in Central, Hong Kong, Jan. 1, 2026. |
Thailand
A beautiful fireworks display lit up the sky in Bangkok, Thailand.
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| Fireworks explode over the Chao Phraya River to celebrate the new year, January 1, 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. |
United Arab Emirates
The world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, was the site for New Year's Eve fireworks in Dubai.
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| Fireworks explode around the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, during New Year's Eve celebrations in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Jan. 1, 2026. |
