As the clock struck midnight on Wednesday 31 December 2025, people across the globe erupted in celebration, ushering in the year 2026 with spectacular displays of light, sound, and communal joy. From the iconic harbours of the South Pacific to ancient temples in Asia, the world came together in a vibrant, shared moment of hope and festivity.
A Pacific Prelude: First to Celebrate
The new year arrived first in the Asia-Pacific region. In Auckland, New Zealand, a brilliant firework display erupted from the top of the iconic Sky Tower, painting the night sky. Shortly after, the eyes of the world turned to Sydney, Australia. The city's world-famous harbour and Opera House provided a stunning backdrop for a pyrotechnic symphony, with crowds gathering at Mrs Macquarie’s Point to witness the spectacle. The moment was captured in intimate detail too, with photographs showing couples sharing a celebratory kiss amidst the glow.
Other Australian cities joined in, with Adelaide lighting up its skies with explosive colour. The celebrations then moved northwards, where diverse traditions marked the occasion. In Tokyo, Japan, a giant "Happy New Year" message was beamed across the metropolitan government building, while monks at the historic Zojoji Buddhist temple struck a giant bell in a solemn and traditional ceremony.
Asian Skies Alight with Colour and Tradition
Southeast and East Asia offered a breathtaking array of celebrations blending modernity and heritage. In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, fireworks spectacularly framed the Petronas Twin Towers. Taipei, Taiwan, saw its towering 101 skyscraper become a canvas of light, with fireworks and lighting effects illuminating the night. Despite downpours, resilient revellers gathered, with some protecting themselves from the rain in front of the city government headquarters while awaiting the show.
Further south in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, a remarkable 999-second fireworks display, one of the island's longest, ushered in 2026. In Hong Kong, the central district of Lan Kwai Fong was packed with revellers posing for photographs and celebrating the start of the new year, as captured in striking aerial views.
On the mainland, Beijing, China, hosted a unique countdown celebration at the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall, where drummers performed against the backdrop of the ancient fortifications. In Seoul, South Korea, crowds celebrated in front of the Bosingak pavilion for the annual bell-ringing ceremony, while fireworks later lit up the sky around the towering Lotte World Tower.
South and Southeast Asia Welcome 2026
The festivities continued across the region. The streets of downtown Bangkok, Thailand, were filled with large crowds, later treated to a magnificent fireworks display. In Mumbai, India, people celebrated on a promenade overlooking the water. Putrajaya, Malaysia, witnessed a serene yet stunning scene as fireworks lit up the sky over the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin mosque and the Seri Saujana bridge. Similarly, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, crowds watched fireworks explode over the port city, reflecting on the water below.
These global images, captured by photographers for agencies including EPA, AAP, Getty Images, AP, Reuters, and Shutterstock, collectively tell a story of unity and exuberance. From the digital displays of Tokyo to the ancient bells of Seoul and the temple ceremonies of Tokyo, the arrival of 2026 was marked by a rich tapestry of human celebration, observed and shared across continents as the world turned a new page together.
