From Burj Khalifa’s stunning display to Sydney’s fireworks: Here’s how the world welcomed 2026

Sydney’s iconic harbour fireworks returned with a large-scale pyrotechnic show, featuring tens of thousands of effects launched from barges and city landmarks, including a stunning display from the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

New Year 2026 celebration 🎉 Sydney, Australia.🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/qhcYNYPQhu

— GLOBAL PULSE 360 (@DataIsKnowldge) December 31, 2025

In Japan, temple bells rang nationwide as worshippers observed ancient rituals, while some climbed mountains to witness the year’s first sunrise. In South Korea, thousands gathered at Seoul’s Bosingak bell pavilion, where a bronze bell was struck 33 times at midnight.

In China, crowds assembled at the Juyong Pass section of the Great Wall near Beijing for drum performances. Revellers waved signs reading “2026″ alongside symbols associated with the upcoming Year of the Horse on the lunar calendar.

As Big Ben chimed midnight, London rang in the New Year with fireworks over the River Thames.https://t.co/3uzgxBo5hc pic.twitter.com/XJL5p3k9i1

— ABC News (@ABC) January 1, 2026

In Dubai, fireworks, lasers, and a coordinated light-and-sound show transformed the Burj Khalifa into one of the world’s most-watched New Year spectacles. Thousands queued for up to nine hours to secure a view of the display at the world’s tallest building.

#WATCH | Dubai, UAE | Mesmerising fireworks, and a light and sound show illuminate the Burj Khalifa as the world rings in #NewYear2026

Source: Emaar pic.twitter.com/Ll8R7atWtu

— ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2025

In London, fireworks lit up the River Thames in what the Mayor’s office described as “Europe’s largest annual display”. Paris marked midnight with a countdown projected onto the Arc de Triomphe, as crowds gathered along the Champs-Élysées. Fireworks and celebrations were also held in central squares in Berlin and Rome.

WATCH LIVE: Freedom250 tells the story of America at the Washington Monument (Courtesy: Freedom250) https://t.co/kyogg1duyg

— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 1, 2026

Across the Atlantic, cities in the United States celebrated despite freezing temperatures in some regions. In Washington, the Washington Monument was illuminated as part of ‘Freedom250’, signalling the start of events linked to America’s 250th anniversary year. In New York, large crowds assembled in Times Square under tight security for the traditional ball drop.

@anabarbaramusic’s Bandido hits different in #TimesSquare 🔥#NYE #NewYearsEve #BallDrop pic.twitter.com/NqmStnZ7Wf

— Times Square (@TimesSquareNYC) January 1, 2026

Meanwhile, in Mumbai, local trains organised a synchronised honking at midnight to welcome the new year.