Countries across the globe are beginning to usher in 2026.
The Pacific island nation of Kiribati was the first to ring in the new year, while Alaska and Hawaii will be among the last places to say goodbye to 2025.
New Zealand
At 6 a.m. ET, New Zealand was one of the first countries to reach 2026, ringing in the new year with a fireworks display.
New Zealand welcomes 2026New Zealand is one of the first in the world to celebrate bringing in the new year with a fireworks display.
ABCNews.com
Australia
In Australia, fireworks over the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge went along as planned, but law enforcement presence was ramped up in Sydney in the wake of this month’s mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach.
Fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark the New Year in Sydney, Australia, January 1, 2026.
Hollie Adams/Reuters
Fireworks light up the sky over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House during New Year’s Eve celebrations on January 01, 2026 in Sydney, Australia.
Izhar Khan/Getty Images
Molly Taylor-South from the UK poses for a photograph ahead of the fireworks display during New Year’s Eve festivities at Mrs Macquaries Chair in Sydney, Australia, December 31, 2025.
Dan Himbrechts/EPA/Shutterstock
Earlier in the night, people gathered at the bridge to honor the Bondi Beach victims.
Spectators shine light from their mobile phones during a tribute to the victim’s of the Bondi terror attack during the New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Mrs Macquaries Point in Sydney, Australia, December 31, 2025.
Dan Himbrechts/EPA/Shutterstock
A menorah is projected onto the pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge during a tribute to the victim’s of the Bondi terror attack during the New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Mrs Macquaries Point in Sydney, Australia, December 31, 2025.
Dan Himbrechts/EPA/Shutterstock
Japan
In Tokyo, Japan, revelers rang in 2026 at 10 a.m. ET.
A projection mapping is displayed on the surface of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building, to celebrate the New Year, in Tokyo, Japan January 1, 2026.
Issei Kato/Reuters
South Korea
In Seoul, South Korea, fireworks were lit over the massive Lotte World Tower.
Fireworks light up the midnight sky over the Lotte World Tower, South Korea’s tallest building in Seoul during New Year’s Day celebrations on January 1, 2026.
Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images
China
In Beijing, China, people gathered at one of the most famous sections of the Great Wall.
The 2026 Beijing New Year Countdown celebration at the Juyongguan Great Wall, January 1, 2026 in Beijing, China.
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
Hong Kong
At 11 a.m. ET, revelers counted down to the new year in Hong Kong.
Revellers celebrate the New Year during Hong Kong’s countdown celebrations in Central, Hong Kong, Jan. 1, 2026.
May James/AFP via Getty Images
Thailand
A beautiful fireworks display lit up the sky in Bangkok, Thailand.
Fireworks explode over the Chao Phraya River to celebrate the new year, January 1, 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Lauren Decicca/Getty Images
