In Photos: 15 best New Year's celebrations around the world

The New Year's celebration will begin around midnight on January 1, 2025. Cities and towns across the globe will erupt with colorful fireworks and joyful jubilations representing local culture and communal spirit. As the daybreak of January 1 takes place in New Zealand and continues up to the final countdown of the Americas, such celebrations would be a significant and hopeful mark to usher into a new year. Let us walk through some of the 15 most fabulous New Year celebrations on earth.

1. Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland is one of the first major cities to welcome the new year. The Sky Tower became a symbol of celebration as bright fireworks lit up the night. People thronged all the scenic spots in the city, including Auckland Domain and Viaduct Harbour, to watch the spectacle. The display reflected off the surrounding waters, creating a magical ambiance. It's a night that fuses New Zealand's modern urban feel with a connection to its picturesque natural beauty.

2. Sydney, Australia

Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks are highly dramatic and make for an exciting celebration. 2025 was no exception, as it transformed the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House into a canvas for mesmerizing pyrotechnic arts. Thousands watched from the harbor while millions around the world tuned in to view the spectacle. Spectators watched this display with music that went in harmony with vividly colored fireworks, honoring unity and hope. Sydney's fusion of natural beauty and urban innovation has made it a repeat favorite for launching the new year.

3. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo's festivities blended contemporary fireworks with age-old customs. Light projections at Shibuya Crossing and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building heralded the arrival of the new year. Meanwhile, bells were rung in temples all over the city, marking the cleansing of past wrongdoings and the beginning of a new life. Many citizens came to the Meiji Shrine to pray for the new year. The blend of futurism and tradition made New Year's Eve in Tokyo unforgettable.

4. Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta welcomed the new year with a burst of energy in its central business district. The fireworks lit up the city's skyline as thousands celebrated. Public squares, streets, and parks became centers of communal joy, featuring music, food stalls, and cultural performances. The highlight was the dazzling display at Bundaran HI, which became a symbol of Jakarta's resilience and unity. For locals and visitors alike, it was a night to remember.

5. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok marked the occasion with its famous fireworks over the Chao Phraya River, drawing in tourists and locals alike. The riverside areas, including Asiatique and Iconsiam, were filled with live music, traditional performances, and countdown parties. Restaurants along the riverbank offered front-row seats to the pyrotechnic extravaganza. The mix of Bangkok's modern skyline and rich cultural heritage made it an unforgettable evening, perfectly blending tradition with the city's vibrant nightlife.

6. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai once again set a global standard for New Year’s Eve with its display centered around the Burj Khalifa. The world’s tallest building dazzled with a synchronized light and fireworks show, creating a visual masterpiece. Crowds from around the world gathered to witness the spectacle, which included laser displays and intricate patterns on the skyscraper. Dubai’s celebration embodied innovation and grandeur, reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan spirit.

7. Moscow, Russia

Despite the biting cold, Moscow's Red Square was filled with revelers ready to welcome 2025. Fireworks lit up the historic landmarks, including St. Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin. The festive markets and ice-skating rinks added to the charm, offering a quintessential winter experience. Families and friends gathered to enjoy traditional Russian dishes and toasts, celebrating the new year in a way that highlighted Moscow's rich cultural traditions.

8. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is synonymous with dynamic New Year's Eve celebrations. The Brandenburg Gate became the center of celebrations, where thousands gathered for live music, performances, and a spectacular fireworks display. Berlin's multicultural energy shone through as people from diverse backgrounds joined the festivities. The event emphasized inclusivity and community spirit, making the German capital a hub of celebration as the world stepped into 2025.

9. London, United Kingdom

London welcomed the new year with its own signature fireworks display over the Thames. The London Eye and Big Ben formed a dramatic backdrop as pyrotechnics lit up the city. Thousands braved the cold to line the riverbanks while many watched live broadcasts. The celebration, accompanied by music and cheers, showed London's spirit of resilience and unity. It was a moment that connected locals and visitors alike in a shared sense of joy.

10. New York City, USA

Times Square continued to be the pulse of New Year's Eve in the United States. Confetti and fireworks marked the passage into 2025 with the iconic ball drop. Freezing temperatures did not deter thousands who came to bask in the electric atmosphere as millions more participated through live streams. Performances by artists worldwide and the countdown heightened the thrill. New York's celebration will forever remind everyone of the vibrancy and importance of the city.

11. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

One of the world's biggest New Year's Eve parties was held at Rio's Copacabana Beach. Millions, dressed in white, were treated to live music and an elaborate fireworks show over the Atlantic Ocean. The festivities included traditional offerings to the sea, symbolizing gratitude and hope. The energy of samba, the waves, and the tropical vibe made Rio's celebration a uniquely Brazilian experience, full of life and positivity.

12. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town’s New Year’s Eve festivities centered around the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The fireworks display against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain created a visual feast. The celebrations featured live music, cultural performances, and carnival elements, showcasing South Africa’s rich diversity. Families, friends, and visitors came together, creating an atmosphere of joy and togetherness that made Cape Town’s celebration unforgettable.

13. Hong Kong

Hong Kong lit up Victoria Harbour with a breathtaking pyrotechnic and light show. The synchronized spectacle reflected off the harbor's waters, highlighting the city's iconic skyline. Crowds gathered at popular vantage points like the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade to witness the event. The celebration balanced modernity and tradition, offering a unique way for locals and tourists to welcome 2025 in one of Asia's most vibrant cities.

14. Paris, France

Paris celebrated in style with festivities centered around the Champs-Élysées. The Arc de Triomphe served as the centerpiece for a dazzling light and fireworks display, epitomizing the elegance of the city. Thousands of Parisians and tourists gathered to share the moment, enjoying the atmosphere of camaraderie. The blend of history, beauty, and festivity made Paris a magical place to ring in the new year.

15. Singapore

Marina Bay Sands became the center of Singapore's New Year's Eve celebrations. Fireworks lit up the futuristic skyline, and light projections and performances added to the spectacle. The event reflected Singapore's ability to blend modern innovation with cultural richness. Families, friends, and visitors enjoyed the festivities, which symbolized hope and progress for the year ahead.