Countries across Asia and the Pacific were the first to usher in 2026, with celebrations ranging from fireworks-filled spectacles to subdued, reflective events shaped by recent tragedies.
Auckland became the first major city to welcome the new year, lighting up the sky with a five-minute fireworks display launched from the Sky Tower, New Zealand’s tallest structure. The show featured roughly 3,500 fireworks as the city rang in 2026 nearly 18 hours before New York’s Times Square celebrations.
Australia followed two hours later, with Sydney’s New Year’s Eve events unfolding under heightened security and a sombre mood after the country’s worst mass shooting in almost three decades. On Dec. 14, two gunmen attacked a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, killing 15 people and injuring 40.
Despite the tragedy, thousands gathered along Sydney’s waterfront to watch the traditional fireworks display centred on the Harbour Bridge. Police presence was heavy, with officers openly carrying rapid-fire rifles — a first for the annual event. Ahead of midnight, a minute of silence honoured the victims, while images of a menorah were projected onto the bridge pylons as a show of solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns urged residents to attend the celebrations, warning that fear-driven absences would embolden extremists. He said the gathering was meant to demonstrate resilience in the face of terrorism.
Elsewhere in the region, celebrations were scaled back. In Indonesia, cities reduced festivities to show solidarity with communities affected by deadly floods and landslides in Sumatra that killed more than 1,100 people. Jakarta replaced its usual celebrations with prayer-focused events, while Bali canceled fireworks and concerts in favour of traditional cultural performances.
Hong Kong also opted for a quieter start to 2026 following a devastating fire in November that claimed at least 161 lives. Instead of fireworks over Victoria Harbour, the city staged a light show using illuminated countdowns projected onto landmark buildings.
Across East Asia, long-standing traditions continued. In Japan, crowds gathered at Buddhist temples in Tokyo for the ceremonial striking of bells at midnight. In South Korea, Seoul hosted a bell-tolling ceremony and countdown at the historic Bosingak Pavilion.
In Europe, celebrations were similarly restrained in some countries. Greece and Cyprus replaced traditional fireworks with low-noise pyrotechnics, light displays and drone shows to make events more accessible for children, pets and people sensitive to loud noise. In Berlin, snowfall added a wintry backdrop as residents and tourists marked the end of 2025 near landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate.
In the United States, New York City prepared for its iconic Times Square ball drop with additional anti-terrorism measures, including mobile screening teams. Officials said the heightened security was precautionary and not linked to a specific threat. The city is also preparing for a mayoral transition, with Zohran Mamdani set to take office at the start of 2026.
