Communities around the world welcomed 2025 with spectacular light shows, embraces, and ice plunges. From Sydney to Mumbai to Paris to Rio de Janeiro, celebrations took place globally to mark the start of the new year. In New York City, despite heavy rain, thousands of revelers stuck it out in Times Square to watch the ball drop. The South Pacific Ocean countries were among the first to ring in the New Year, with Auckland, New Zealand celebrating with fireworks and large crowds. However, conflict in places like the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine muted the festivities in some regions.
In Australia, more than a million people gathered at Sydney Harbour to watch the traditional fireworks display as they welcomed 2025. British pop star Robbie Williams led a singalong with the crowd as Indigenous ceremonies and performances acknowledged the land’s first people. In New York City, the iconic ball weighing almost 6 tons descended in Times Square as crowds cheered and couples kissed to mark the start of the new year. Musical performances by TLC and Jonas Brothers added to the celebration.
Asian countries like Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Japan also welcomed the new year with fireworks celebrations across several cities and prayers in Tokyo. The revelry culminated in New York City with a dance party and a carpeting of soggy confetti as attendees left, singing along to Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.” Las Vegas anticipated a pyrotechnic show on the Strip with 340,000 people expected to attend, while Pasadena, California prepared for the Rose Parade and Nashville, Tennessee hosted a country music party.
In Japan, preparations for the upcoming Year of the Snake in the Asian zodiac included shutting down temples and homes for thorough cleaning. The Year of the Snake signifies rebirth, symbolizing shedding skin and starting anew. Meanwhile, in South Korea, celebrations were subdued due to national mourning following a recent plane crash that claimed the lives of 179 people. Chinese state media highlighted New Year’s greetings exchanged between President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, reflecting growing ties between the two countries amidst tensions with the West.
In India, thousands of revelers flocked to Mumbai’s promenade facing the Arabian Sea, while in Sri Lanka, people gathered at Buddhist temples to light oil lamps and incense sticks. Dubai hosted thousands for a fireworks show at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, and Nairobi, Kenya heard scattered fireworks. Rome welcomed the start of Pope Francis’ Holy Year, projected to bring millions of pilgrims to the city. The pope celebrated vespers at St. Peter’s Basilica and is expected to appeal for peace in Ukraine and the Middle East during Mass.
Paris welcomed the new year with a traditional countdown and fireworks extravaganza on the Champs-Elysées, celebrating the city’s landmarks and the passage of time. The city’s successful hosting of the Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games in 2024 added to the celebratory spirit. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s main New Year’s Eve bash took place on Copacabana beach, with fireworks lighting up the sky for 12 minutes. Tourists on cruise ships and charter boats witnessed the show up close, while millions gathered on the sand to enjoy concerts by Brazilian music legends and pop star Anitta. The festive spirit of welcoming 2025 was felt across the globe as communities came together to celebrate the start of a new year.
