As Wednesday turned to Thursday, people around the world said goodbye to a sometimes challenging 2025 and expressed hopes for the new year to come. While New Zealand was among the first in the world to welcome the New Year, countries across Asia, Europe and Africa have welcomed 2026 in the hours since. FIREWORKS LIGHT UP SYDNEYIn Australia, Sydney began 2026 with a spectacular fireworks display, as per tradition. The chimes are believed to dispel misfortune and welcome peace and prosperity for the year ahead. Organizers were hoping to beat their 2024 Guinness World Record for the biggest New Year's Eve celebration.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 01, 2026 03:32 UTC