As 2026 began, people across the world welcomed the new year with fireworks, concerts and public gatherings. While many cities celebrated with joy, others marked the moment with tributes and moments of reflection following recent tragedies.
Millions gathered at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro for concerts and a 12-minute fireworks show. The city was recognized by Guinness World Records as hosting the world’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration.
New York’s Times Square hosted the famous ball drop as thousands braved freezing temperatures. Fireworks also lit the sky over Washington and Miami celebrated with fireworks over Biscayne Bay.
Paris marked 2026 with fireworks and projections on the Arc de Triomphe.
London hosted a ticketed fireworks event near the London Eye.
Crowds celebrated with sparklers outside the Colosseum in Rome.
People celebrated near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin amid snow, while fireworks lit the skies in Hamburg and Baden-Württemberg.
Barcelona welcomed 2026 with fireworks and a drone display forming “2026” in the night sky.
Crowds gathered near Red Square to celebrate the arrival of the new year.
Thousands queued for hours to watch fireworks and laser displays at Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
People gathered in Lusail to watch fireworks celebrating the new year.
Fireworks lit up the sky over Karachi as crowds welcomed 2026.
People celebrated in cities including Mumbai and Bengaluru with street gatherings and illuminated decorations.
Auckland welcomed 2026 with fireworks launched from the Sky Tower.
Sydney marked the new year with firework and tributes to victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack and a menorah projection on the Harbour Bridge.
The city cancelled its traditional fireworks following a deadly apartment fire and instead held a music show and light displays.
Fireworks and performances took place nationwide.
Seoul welcomed 2026 with bell tolling at Bosingak Pavilion and fireworks over Lotte Tower.
Temple bells rang nationwide, with people watching the first sunrise and eating traditional noodles for good fortune.