The first to delight their residents were the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. In Sydney and Auckland, colorful fireworks erupted over the harbors and famous architectural structures to the sounds of festive music, gathering thousands of spectators.
Photo AP Photo/Rick Rycroft. Sydney
In Asia, the New Year celebrations featured bright light installations and concerts. In Tokyo and Seoul, heightened security measures were implemented, while major cities in China focused on laser and multimedia shows.
In Dubai, fireworks illuminated the sky around the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, as part of a grand New Year celebration.
European capitals also joined in: in Paris, Berlin, and London, fireworks erupted in main squares and near historical monuments. These celebrations attracted tens of thousands of spectators and included musical performances and light shows.
Thousands of New Yorkers gathered in Times Square to welcome the New Year together.
In many corners of the planet, the celebration of 2026 took place under the slogans of peace, stability, and hope, accompanied by congratulations from state and city authorities.
