From the Pacific Islands to Africa and beyond, the world ushered in 2025 with a dazzling array of celebrations, marking the transition to the New Year in unique and spectacular ways.

Pacific Islands Lead the Charge

The festivities began in the Pacific, where Christmas Island (Kiritimati) in Kiribati became the first to welcome 2025 at 11:00 a.m. (Nigerian time) on December 31. Shortly after, New Zealand followed suit, with Auckland hosting vibrant fireworks displays viewed by thousands atop the city’s volcanic peaks. Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji joined the revelry, followed by Australia, where over a million people gathered at Sydney Harbour to witness the iconic fireworks over the Harbour Bridge. The event also included Indigenous ceremonies and performances celebrating Australia’s First Nations people.

Asia Welcomes the Year of the Snake

As the New Year wave moved westward, Japan, South Korea, and China celebrated with fireworks, prayers, and cultural events. The upcoming Year of the Snake in the Asian zodiac symbolized rebirth and renewal. Meanwhile, South Korea observed subdued festivities as the nation mourned victims of a recent aviation tragedy.

In Southeast Asia, Indonesia marked the occasion with an 800-drone fireworks display in Jakarta, while Bangkok’s shopping malls drew crowds with live music and light shows.

Europe Lights Up the Night

Paris closed a monumental year with fireworks at the Champs-Élysées, celebrating its hosting of the Summer Olympics in 2024. The Arc de Triomphe became a giant canvas for a light show celebrating the passage of time. In Rome, the festivities coincided with the beginning of Pope Francis’ Holy Year, drawing pilgrims to St. Peter’s Basilica for prayers and vespers.

Africa and the Middle East

In Nigeria, Ghanaians and Nigerians welcomed 2025 with fireworks, street celebrations, and gatherings at places of worship. Dubai hosted a spectacular display at the Burj Khalifa, while fireworks illuminated the skies over Nairobi and other African capitals.

Americas Celebrate Traditions Old and New

New York’s Times Square maintained its status as the epicenter of U.S. celebrations, with the iconic ball drop and performances by artists like TLC and the Jonas Brothers. Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach hosted 2 million revelers decked out in white for its famous fireworks and concerts by Brazilian music legends. In Las Vegas, a pyrotechnic show lit up the Strip, while Pasadena prepared for the Rose Parade.

Final Farewell in the Pacific

As the clock struck midnight in American Samoa, the last place on Earth to welcome the New Year, the global celebration came full circle.

Across time zones, the world embraced the start of 2025 with hope, joy, and the enduring tradition of coming together to celebrate new beginnings.

With reports from Associated Press and Vanguard