The 2025 Countdown: How the World Welcomed a New Year
Introduction: A Global Moment of Unity
As midnight approached on 31st December 2025, billions of people across the globe prepared for the annual 2025 countdown—a universal tradition that transcends borders, cultures and time zones. Countries across the globe are beginning to usher in 2026, marking the end of a year characterised by political change, ongoing conflicts and global uncertainty. The countdown celebrations serve as a powerful reminder of humanity’s shared hope for renewal, offering communities worldwide a moment to reflect on the past and embrace the future with optimism.
First to Welcome 2026: Pacific Nations Lead the Way
The Pacific island nation of Kiribati was the first to ring in the new year, followed by major cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Auckland welcomed in 2026 with a fireworks display launched from New Zealand’s tallest building, the Sky Tower, with around 3,500 fireworks fired from different levels of the 240-metre tower. Two hours later, Sydney continued the celebrations, though with a more sombre tone. Australia’s east coast welcomed 2026 under heightened security following the country’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly 30 years, with fifteen people killed at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach. A minute’s silence was held before midnight to remember the victims, with images of a menorah projected onto the bridge pylons.
Global Countdowns: From Asia to the Americas
As the Earth rotated, the 2025 countdown swept across continents. Traditional ceremonies marked the New Year in Asia, with bell-ringing events held at temples in Tokyo and Seoul. In Taiwan, spectacular fireworks erupted from the iconic Taipei 101 building. Europe joined the celebrations hours later, with revellers converging around the glittering Champs-Élysées avenue in Paris. London’s midnight celebration featured fireworks over the River Thames alongside Big Ben’s chimes.
The countdown culminated in North America, where crowds bundled up against chilly temperatures cheered as the New Year’s Eve ball, covered in more than 5,000 crystals, descended in New York’s Times Square, with revellers having waited for hours to see the 12,350-pound ball drop.
Conclusion: Looking Forward to 2026
Nations across the world rang out 2025, marking the end of a turbulent year shaped by political upheaval, fragile ceasefires and economic uncertainty. Yet the global countdown celebrations demonstrated humanity’s resilience and collective desire for peace and prosperity. As 2026 begins, the world looks forward to major sporting events, including the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina in February and the biggest-ever men’s soccer World Cup, jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The 2025 countdown may have ended, but it leaves behind a message of hope—that regardless of challenges, the world continues to come together in celebration and anticipation of better days ahead.