As the clock struck midnight on Wednesday 31 December 2025, people across the world erupted in celebration, ushering in the year 2026 with spectacular fireworks, ancient rituals, and joyous gatherings. From the iconic harbours of the Pacific to historic sites in Asia, the planet was united in a vibrant display of hope and renewal for the new year.
A Pacific Prelude: First to Celebrate
The celebrations began in the Asia-Pacific region, where nations were among the first to enter 2026. In Auckland, New Zealand, a brilliant pyrotechnic show erupted from the summit of the Sky Tower, painting the night sky. Shortly after, the eyes of the world turned to Sydney, Australia, where the harbour and the sails of the Opera House provided a breathtaking backdrop for one of the planet's most famous displays. The fireworks at Mrs Macquarie’s Point illuminated the water, while couples shared celebratory kisses amidst the crowds. Further west, Adelaide also saw its sky explode with colour.
In Tokyo, Japan, the celebrations blended modernity with tradition. A cheerful "Happy New Year" message was projected onto the metropolitan government building, while at the historic Zojoji Buddhist temple, monks solemnly struck a giant bell in a time-honoured ritual to mark the transition.
Asian Skies Aglow with Light and Tradition
The festivities continued across East and Southeast Asia with remarkable displays. The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were framed by dazzling fireworks, while in Taipei, Taiwan, the towering Taipei 101 skyscraper became a canvas of light and pyrotechnics. Despite rainy conditions, determined revellers gathered in front of the city government headquarters and at concerts, waiting for the show. The city of Kaohsiung hosted an impressive 999-second fireworks display, one of Taiwan's longest.
In Hong Kong, the central district of Lan Kwai Fong was packed with revellers posing for photos and celebrating the start of 2026, with aerial views showing the sheer scale of the crowds. Meanwhile, in Beijing, China, a unique countdown took place at the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall, where drummers performed against the backdrop of the ancient fortifications.
Regional Revelries and Midnight Moments
South Korea welcomed the new year with its own blend of ceremony and spectacle. In Seoul, crowds celebrated in front of the Bosingak pavilion for the annual bell-ringing ceremony, while later, fireworks lit up the sky around the Lotte World Tower, the country's tallest building.
The streets of downtown Bangkok, Thailand, were filled with a massive crowd, later treated to a vibrant fireworks show. In Mumbai, India, people celebrated along a promenade, and in Putrajaya, Malaysia, fireworks illuminated the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin mosque and Seri Saujana bridge. The port city of Colombo, Sri Lanka, also joined in, with residents watching explosions of colour over the water.
These global displays, captured by photographers and shared worldwide, demonstrated a collective spirit of optimism as the world turned the page to 2026. The images serve as a powerful reminder of shared human traditions and the universal desire to celebrate new beginnings.
