Communities worldwide welcomed 2025 with dazzling light shows, heartfelt embraces, and adventurous ice plunges, from Sydney to Vladivostok.
Auckland led the New Year celebrations, marking the occasion with fireworks and a light display honoring Indigenous people.
South Pacific nations celebrated New Year’s first, with New Zealand ringing in 2025 18 hours ahead of New York’s Times Square ball drop.
Conflict dampened New Year’s celebrations in regions like the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine.
Over a million gathered in Sydney Harbor to enjoy spectacular fireworks, Indigenous performances, and a singalong led by Robbie Williams.
Japan prepared for the Year of the Snake with thorough home cleanings, while stores showcased snake-themed products symbolizing rebirth.
In South Korea, New Year’s festivities were muted following the tragic Jeju Air crash, which claimed 179 lives.
Bangkok offered lively fireworks and musical performances, including a pre-midnight show by Lisa from Blackpink.
Jakarta’s New Year’s celebration featured an impressive drone-enhanced fireworks display.
Leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin exchanged New Year greetings, highlighting closer ties amidst tensions with the West.
Putin emphasized Russia’s achievements in his New Year’s address, while Xi reaffirmed bonds with Taiwan, calling for unity among Chinese people.
Middle Eastern conflicts cast a shadow over celebrations, with Gaza facing severe humanitarian crises and subdued festivities in Israel and Lebanon.
In Dubai, thousands gathered to witness a dazzling fireworks display at the Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world.
Rome welcomed Pope Francis’ Holy Year, a rare event anticipated to draw 32 million pilgrims to the city in 2025, starting with vespers and a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged unity and resilience in his New Year’s address, emphasizing solidarity amid economic challenges and the aftermath of a tragic Christmas market attack.
Paris, celebrating a transformative year that included hosting the Olympics, marked the New Year with fireworks and festivities on the Champs-Elysees, symbolizing recovery and unity.
In Britain, London prepared for its iconic River Thames fireworks and a parade, while harsh weather forced Scotland’s Hogmanay celebrations to be canceled.
Embracing the cold, revelers in Switzerland took icy plunges into freezing waters to mark the New Year.
Rio de Janeiro prepared for its legendary New Year’s Eve bash at Copacabana Beach, with 2 million revelers expected and performances by Brazilian music stars, accompanied by a stunning 12-minute fireworks display.
Times Square in New York City tested its iconic ball drop, a tradition since 1907, with musical performances from stars like Jonas Brothers and Rita Ora.
Las Vegas expected 340,000 visitors for its rooftop fireworks show on the Strip, while the massive Sphere venue showcased countdowns across different time zones.
Pasadena’s Rose Parade drew campers eager for prime viewing spots, while Nashville hosted 200,000 partygoers for a star-studded country music celebration.
American Samoa, one of the last places on Earth to ring in 2025, celebrated 24 hours after the New Year began in New Zealand.
