Celebrations around the world mark the start of the new year
There was a heavy security presence throughout the festivities, with thousands of armed police participating to ensure the safety of the crowd.
Hundreds of thousands of people in Melbourne braved a cold evening to watch fireworks displays across the city to celebrate the new year.
Seven-minute firework displays lit up the skies across Melbourne, first at 9.30pm, followed by a spectacular display across the Yarra River with the main show at midnight.
Tokyo
People ring a giant bell at the Zojoji Buddhist temple in Tokyo to celebrate the new year.Credit: access point
In Japan, where fireworks are not a traditional part of the festivities, temple bells rang throughout the country. Others traditionally ate noodles out of a desire for longevity because of the noodle’s shape.
seoul
People gathered at the annual bell ringing ceremony at the Bosingak Pavilion in Seoul to celebrate.Credit: Getty Images
Thousands of people gathered at the Bosingak bell pavilion, where a bronze bell was struck 33 times at midnight; this was a tradition rooted in Buddhist cosmology and symbolizing the 33 heavens.
It is believed that the bells banish misfortune and welcome peace and prosperity for the coming year.
Hong Kong
People pose for photos at Lan Kwai Fong to celebrate the beginning of 2026 in Hong Kong’s Central district.Credit: access point
Hong Kong rang in 2026 without its usual fireworks display over Victoria Harbor following the massive fire in November.
Instead, the facades of landmark buildings have been transformed into countdown clocks that feature a midnight light show.
Beijing
Drummers ring in the new year at the Juyongguan Great Wall on the outskirts of Beijing, China.Credit: access point
Celebrations were held at the Juyong Pass on the Great Wall just outside Beijing, with drummers and a display of computer-generated horses along a section of the Wall.
Revelers wore headdresses and wavy boards emblazoned with “2026” and the horse symbol.
February will mark the arrival of the Year of the Horse according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
Revelers film balloons falling as they celebrate the countdown in Beijing.Credit: access point
Jakarta and Bali
Cities around Indonesia have scaled back festivities in solidarity with communities devastated by floods and landslides in parts of Sumatra island a month ago, where more than 1,100 people died.
Concerts and fireworks on the tourist island of Bali were replaced by a cultural event featuring traditional dances.
still to come
Elsewhere, preparations are underway for the more traditional midnight toast.
In sub-zero temperatures in New York, organizers began erecting security barriers and stages in front of crowds that would flock to Times Square for the annual cannonball.
Similarly, at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, despite the warmer weather, a stage was being set up for a massive music and fireworks party known as Reveillon. Organizers were hoping to break the 2024 Guinness World Record for the largest New Year’s Eve celebration.
In snowy Kiev, Ukrainians were preparing to cling to hopes of peace in the new year, but many lamented that peace still appeared elusive after nearly four years of conflict with Russia.
