Global New Year's Celebrations Kick Off 2026

New Year's Celebrations Around the World

New Year's celebrations unfold across the globe as countries transition into 2026, one time zone at a time. Major cities welcoming the new year greeted midnight with fireworks lighting up the skies above harbors, while large crowds gathered at public viewing spots.

As the night progresses, countries throughout the Americas conclude the global transition with events ranging from the beaches of Rio de Janeiro to Times Square in New York and beyond. This gallery showcases how people are celebrating the arrival of 2026 around the world.

Fireworks explode above the Sydney Harbour Bridge as New Year celebrations begin in Sydney. In Dubai, fireworks detonate around the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.

In Moscow, revelers enjoy a carousel ride in Red Square, while in Bangkok, New Year's festivities continue with spectacular fireworks displays. In Kyiv, people hold festive candles near a Christmas tree, despite the restrictions imposed by the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Pope Leo XIV departed from a prayer session in front of the nativity scene in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, and in Tokyo, at the Zojoji Buddhist temple, people gather to welcome the new year.

Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora, hosts of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, are present at Times Square in New York, while the countdown event in Hong Kong draws enthusiastic crowds to celebrate the start of 2026. In Beijing, revellers are showered with confetti as they ring in the new year, and in Hyderabad, a young girl responds emotionally after prayers during a New Year worship service.