As midnight approached in various time zones, nations all around the world celebrated the New Year through fireworks and jubilations.
The first location to enter 2026 was the island of Kiritimati, an atoll in the isolated Pacific republic of Kiribati.
A visitor in the island said, he marked it “on a beach with no satellites, no signs of human life, complete darkness and countless crabs.”
Soon after, Auckland in New Zealand, celebrated the New Year with fireworks.
Then Australia illuminated the sky above the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Sydney’s festivities were tempered by grief as the country considered the December 14 attack on Bondi Beach which claimed 15 lives.
People gathered at the bridge earlier in the evening to pay tribute to the victims of Bondi Beach.
Sydney Harbour went silent for a minute at 23:00 local time as people held lights in remembrance of the Bondi fatalities.
At 10 a.m. ET in 2026, revelers in Tokyo, Japan, rang out.
To welcome 2026, fireworks were launched over the enormous Lotte World Tower in Seoul of South Korea.
People congregated along one of the most well-known portions of the Great Wall in Beijing, China.
There were more fireworks at Singapore’s Marina Bay Waterfront.
Live performances with stylish headgear were enjoyed by viewers in Hong Kong.
In Bangkok, Thailand, a stunning fireworks show illuminated the sky.
The new year arrived in Bangladesh as the country observes state mourning following the death of former Prime Minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
The spectators in India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka followed Bangladesh to welcome New Year 2026 in a very festive mood.
A Very Happy New Year to all of our readers and wellwishers worldwide.