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New Year celebrations around the world: From Kiribati’s first 2026 cheers to India, Asia, London, New York | WATCH

Statesman News Service

Images: X


A very, very happy new year 2026 to each of you reading this. As the clock ticked closer to midnight, the planet held its breath. One by one, cities, islands, and villages stepped into a brand-new year. New Year 2026 celebrations did not arrive all at once. It traveled slowly, following the sun, crossing oceans and borders.

From quiet shores with no streetlights to crowded city squares bursting with sound, the world welcomed 2026 in many different ways.

The first hello to 2026 came from a lonely beach in Kiribati

The first place on Earth to welcome 2026 was Kiritimati, a small island in the Pacific nation of Kiribati. Far away from busy cities, this remote atoll saw the New Year arrive in complete darkness.

India steps into 2026 with joy and colour

As midnight struck in India, cities across the country came alive. Streets sparkled with lights. Skies bloomed with fireworks. People poured out in tier one cities to celebrate together.

Also Read: Devotees across India begin New Year 2026 with prayers, holy dips and temple visits

London and Edinburgh celebrate despite the cold

In the United Kingdom, celebrations continued despite chilly weather and warnings. And in London, thousands watched as fireworks lit up the sky over the Thames. In Edinburgh, people celebrated in true Hogmanay style.

New York’s Times Square gets a million cheers at midnight

Few New Year celebrations are as famous as the Times Square Ball Drop in New York City. As 2026 arrived, nearly a million people stood shoulder to shoulder in freezing temperatures to witness the moment.

Wearing tall party hats and glowing necklaces, revelers waited for hours. At midnight, the massive ball weighing over 12,000 pounds slid down its pole as confetti filled the air.

For the unversed, the Times Square Ball Drop is not new. It began in 1907. The very first ball was built by a young immigrant metalworker named Jacob Starr. That original ball was made of iron and wood, weighed 700 pounds, and used just 100 light bulbs.

The only years without a ball drop were 1942 and 1943, during World War II. Instead, people observed a moment of silence followed by church bells ringing.

This year, more than one ton of biodegradable confetti was released. Each piece carried personal wishes sent in by people from around the world.

Sydney celebrates with fireworks and reflection

In Australia, Sydney delivered one of the world’s most stunning firework displays. The Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge lit up the night sky in a show watched by millions.

But this year’s celebration also carried sadness. Earlier in December, a tragic attack at Bondi Beach claimed 15 lives. To honour them, Sydney Harbour fell silent for one full minute before midnight.

Asia welcomes 2026 with light, water, prayer

Across Asia, celebrations were bright and diverse.

In Singapore, fireworks sparkled over Marina Bay. Manila, Philippines had skyscrapers in Makati lit up as fireworks reflected off glass towers.

In Bangkok, thousands lined the Chao Phraya River cheering as Thailand entered 2026. And in Dubai, crowds gathered to watch fireworks burst from the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

Seoul, South Korea saw laser lights painting the sky above the Lotte World Tower.

Also Read: Happy New Year 2026: New Zealand, Australia lead celebrations as world rings in the New Year

Japan ends the year with tradition and grace

In Osaka, Japan, the mood was calm and spiritual. Young women dressed in beautiful traditional kimonos took part in a Shinto ritual procession at Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest shrines.

As the Earth completed another turn around the sun, humanity stepped forward together into a new year, carrying both the lessons of the past and dreams for the future.

Also Read: New Year 2026 wishes, greetings, quotes, WhatsApp and Facebook statuses to share with your family and friends

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