From Sydney to Vladivostok, people worldwide ushered in 2025 with stunning light shows, fireworks, drone displays, and festive celebrations. Kiribati’s Kiritimati Island was the first to mark the New Year, followed by New Zealand’s Chatham Islands, Auckland, and Wellington. Auckland saw thousands gathered for fireworks, while Sydney’s iconic Harbour celebration lit up the skies for over a million revelers.
Japan, South Korea, and North Korea celebrated as the clock advanced, though South Korea held back in the wake of the Muan air crash. China, the Philippines, and Singapore joined the festivities with fireworks and 800-drone displays in Jakarta.
Bangkok’s malls hosted live acts and fireworks, while much of Japan honored tradition with temple visits and house cleanings. In a diplomatic moment, Chinese media shared New Year greetings between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, emphasizing strong ties amidst West tensions.
Dubai’s Burj Khalifa hosted an impressive fireworks show, and Paris dazzled with a Champs-Élysées extravaganza. London marked the New Year with Thames-side fireworks and a 10,000-performer parade. Rome’s Holy Year celebration, led by Pope Francis, focused on global conflicts.
In Brazil, Rio’s Copacabana Beach party attracted over two million attendees for 12 minutes of fireworks, while New York’s Times Square prepared for live performances by TLC and Jonas Brothers. Las Vegas drew 340,000 spectators to its Strip fireworks, and Nashville’s country music event attracted 200,000 attendees.
The celebrations will wrap up in American Samoa, marking the end of a 24-hour global festivity.