Nations Worldwide Celebrate 2026 New Year: Photos and Videos
Nations around the globe welcomed the New Year 2026 with a variety of celebrations. Kiribati, an oceanic nation comprising 33 atolls, was the first to ring in the New Year. It achieved this milestone due to adjustments made in 1994 to unify its time zones, allowing Kiritimati to greet the New Year before anyone else.
New Year Celebrations Around the World
Kiribati and New Zealand Lead the Way
Kiribati celebrated at midnight local time. Shortly after, New Zealand also welcomed the New Year at 12 PM CET. Auckland hosted a spectacular fireworks show from the iconic Sky Tower, the tallest building in the country.
Australia Honors Victims
In Australia, residents of Sydney celebrated amidst a somber backdrop. The city was still reeling from a tragic mass shooting on Bondi Beach in December 2025. As a mark of respect, many festivities were scaled back.
- Memorials included a minute of silence at 11 PM local time.
- Light displays illuminated the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
- Fireworks, typically featuring 40,000 individual explosions, proceeded at midnight.
Global Observances Adjusted
Hong Kong’s authorities made the unprecedented decision to cancel their famous fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. Instead, a subdued light show and concert were held to honor the lives lost in a tragic November fire.
Mainland China experienced limited official events. Major cities, including Guangzhou and Xi’an, issued warnings against large gatherings. However, Wuhan organized a light show at the Yellow Crane Tower as a special exception.
Festivities in Taiwan
In contrast, Taiwan’s celebrations were lively, with a theme of “Sailing into the Future” drawing large crowds to Taipei 101. The South Korean group KARA performed, followed by a six-minute, synchronized fireworks display using special low-smoke pyrotechnics.
Looking Ahead
The final areas to celebrate the New Year were Baker and Howland Islands, uninhabited territories in the central Pacific. They will officially mark midnight hours after festivities have concluded in other regions.
As 2026 begins, nations reflect on their unique traditions and challenges as they step into a new year filled with hope and renewal.
