Kiribati and Sydney lit up the first fireworks of 2026 as the new year rolled across the Pacific on December 31, 2025. The small island nation of Kiribati entered 2026 first, with quiet gatherings on Kiritimati Island, also known as Christmas Island.
Residents there marked the moment with family meals and some modest displays. Few big events happened due to the remote location. But it started the global wave of celebrations.
New Zealand followed soon after. Auckland welcomed the year with a five-minute fireworks show from the Sky Tower. Around 3,500 fireworks burst into the sky. Rain dampened some smaller events across the North Island. Crowds still gathered in the city centre to watch.
Sydney put on its famous harbour display next. Over a million people lined the waterfront. Fireworks exploded from the Harbour Bridge and around the Opera House. The show felt subdued for some after the Bondi Beach terror attack earlier in December. That incident at a Hanukkah event killed 15 people. Organisers held a minute of silence. The bridge lit up in white with symbols of peace.
Security stayed high in Sydney. Police carried visible weapons. But the crowds came out anyway. Many camped early for good spots.
Japan entered 2026 with traditional ways. No large fireworks in Tokyo due to safety rules. People visited temples for bell-ringing ceremonies. The 108 rings help leave the old year behind. Some anime groups shared festive art online. Cosplayers joined small events.
Other parts of Asia followed. Seoul held a bell ceremony. Pyongyang in North Korea had fireworks over the main square.
The celebrations showed a mix of joy and reflection. Sydney honoured a recent loss. Japan kept to customs. Kiribati stayed simple.
As midnight moved west, more countries joined. The year turned with lights, sounds, and quiet moments.
People watched from home or in crowds. A shared start to 2026.
New Year brings hope for many. These early spots set the tone. Fireworks and traditions mark the change.
The wave continues across time zones. Each place adds its touch. From islands to big cities.
