World Lights Up Skies As 2026 Arrives With Fireworks and Festivities

New Delhi: The world ushered in 2026 with brilliant fireworks, light shows and crowds gathered at famous landmarks from Dubai to Paris. As clocks struck midnight in each time zone, cheers and colourful displays lit up city skylines across continents.

Where Did the New Year Start? 

Auckland was among the first major cities in the world to welcome 2026. Thousands gathered in the central business district to watch a lively fireworks show launched from the New Zealand’s tallest building, the Sky Tower, lighting up the skyline despite rainy weather. The display lasted several minutes and drew cheers as clocks hit midnight in the South Pacific. 

How Did Australia Mark the Moment?

Two hours after New Zealand, Australia's east coast ushered in the new year. Sydney saw its famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House lit by fireworks. This year's celebrations carried a reflective tone, with a minute of silence for victims of a mass shooting earlier in December. A heavy police presence kept watch over the waterfront as crowds welcomed 2026 with applause and hope. 

What Happened in the Pacific? Kiribati and Beyond

On the tiny Pacific island of Kiribati, Kiritimati, also known as Christmas Island, became the very first place on Earth to enter 2026. Residents marked midnight with community gatherings and local festivities in the tropical night. 

How Did Asia Celebrate? Japan, Korea, Singapore and More

Across East and Southeast Asia, traditions shaped how the new year began.

In Japan, people heard temple bells ring as part of age-old customs to welcome the year. In South Korea's Seoul, crowds gathered around Bosingak Pavilion for countdowns and light displays, while Singapore celebrated with a fireworks show over Marina Bay.

Some areas scaled back typical pyrotechnics. In parts of Indonesia like Bali and Jakarta, events were held with prayers and cultural programs as a mark of respect for communities hit by floods and landslides this year. Hong Kong cancelled its traditional harbour fireworks following a deadly fire, opting for an alternative light show instead. 

What About the Middle East?

In the United Arab Emirates, Dubai put on one of the most watched global New Year celebrations. The world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, dazzled with a choreographed mix of fireworks, LED visuals and lasers that drew large crowds and millions of online viewers. Downtown Dubai and other emirates also hosted celebrations and light shows through the night.

Elsewhere in the region, countries from Saudi Arabia to Jordan and Kenya marked midnight with fireworks and festivities, joining the global wave of celebrations. 

How Did Europe Welcome 2026? Cities Old and New

In Europe, celebrations blended tradition with new approaches. Athens and Nicosia opted for quieter, low-noise pyrotechnics and drone shows to make events more inclusive for families and pets. Crowds in Berlin enjoyed snow-dusted festivities near the Brandenburg Gate, while classic fireworks and countdowns lit up London, Paris, Rome and Madrid as midnight moved west. 

What Happened in South Asia? India and Neighbours

Across South Asia, major metropolises welcomed 2026 with large public gatherings, music and fireworks. New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata saw crowds at popular venues celebrating well past midnight, with heightened security and traffic controls in place. 

How Did the Americas Join In? Brazil and the US

South America lit up too. In Brazil, Rio de Janeiro’s famed Copacabana Beach drew huge crowds for music, beach parties and fireworks. Many followed the tradition of jumping seven waves to bring luck in the new year.

In the US, New York City prepared for its iconic Times Square ball drop later in the global sequence, with extra security as thousands gathered for one of the world’s most watched New Year moments. 

Where Else Did the New Year Bring Hope? Gaza and War-Affected Zones

In Gaza, displaced families spoke of their hopes for peace and an end to conflict as 2026 began. Many live in tent camps after years of war, and residents expressed cautious optimism for better days ahead.