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New year: countries around the world already welcome 2026
As December 31 unfolds, several countries across the globe have already marked the transition to 2026, blending celebration, reflection, and tradition.
On Australia’s east coast, the New Year began in an atmosphere of caution and remembrance. In Sydney, festivities around the iconic Harbour Bridge took place under heightened security measures. For the first time during this annual event, armed police officers were deployed following a deadly shooting in Bondi earlier in December.
Before midnight, a minute of silence was observed in memory of the victims. Visual tributes were projected, and residents were invited to turn on their phone flashlights as a sign of solidarity. Local authorities emphasized that fear should not overshadow daily life, calling on citizens to remain united despite recent trauma.
Asia favors sobriety and tradition
Across parts of Asia, New Year celebrations adopted a more restrained tone. In Indonesia, cities such as Jakarta and Bali scaled back or replaced fireworks displays with religious and cultural ceremonies, paying tribute to victims of recent floods and landslides in Sumatra.
In Hong Kong, the traditional fireworks show over Victoria Harbour was canceled following a tragic fire in November. Elsewhere in the region, ancestral rituals took center stage. In Japan, temple bells rang to mark the arrival of the New Year, while in Seoul, crowds gathered at the Bosingak Pavilion for the symbolic countdown.
These diverse celebrations reflect how different societies welcome the New Year, balancing joy, memory, and cultural heritage.
