As the clock struck midnight across the globe, cities from Sydney to Auckland illuminated the skies with stunning fireworks and light displays, welcoming 2026. Crowds gathered in major landmarks, celebrating the New Year with joy and excitement.
Auckland ushers in New Year
New Zealand’s Auckland became the first major city to ring in the New Year with 2025 drawing the curtains – as thousands thronging downtown or climbed the city’s ring of volcanic peaks for a fireworks vantage point.
Another video circulating on social media captured the countdown in New Zealand, showing the final moments before fireworks lit up the sky.
Sydney skies gleam red
Skies over Australia’s Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House gleamed red as fireworks lit up the sky – welcoming 2026.
Thousands had gathered to witness the fireworks over Australia’s Sydney Harbour. According to a report by BBC, some even camped out overnight to get the perfect spot – large crowds waited for hours in anticipation.
