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In pictures: World ushers in 2026 with fireworks and light shows

In pictures
Asia / Pacific

Australia, New Zealand and several eastern Asian nations were the first countries to ring in 2026 with spectacular fireworks displays as the world gradually moved into 2026. Here's a tour of the world in pictures as it rang in the new year.

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FRANCE 24
Video by:
Emily BOYLE

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Fireworks explode at the Arc de Triomphe during the New Year's celebrations on the Champs Élysées avenue in Paris, France.
Cover image: Fireworks explode at the Arc de Triomphe during the New Year's celebrations on the Champs Élysées avenue in Paris, France, December 31, 2025. © Stéphanie Lecocq, Reuters

 

Australia

Fireworks burst over the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the New Year celebrations in Sydney, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Sydney was one of the first cities to usher in the New Year with spectacular fireworks over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. © Rick Rycroft, AP

Japan

People gather to celebrate the New Year at the Zojoji Buddhist temple, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
People gather to celebrate the New Year at the Zojoji Buddhist temple on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. © Eugene Hoshiko, AP

South Korea

A woman takes a photo beneath lanterns attached with New Year's wishes of Buddhist followers at Jogyesa Temple in central Seoul on December 31, 2025
A woman takes a photo beneath lanterns attached with New Year's wishes of Buddhist followers at Jogyesa Temple in central Seoul on December 31, 2025. © Jung Yeon-je, AFP

Taiwan

People cheer during the 2026 Taipei New Year's Party celebration in front of the Taipei City Government Building in Taipei, Taiwan, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
People cheer during the 2026 Taipei New Year's Party celebration in front of the Taipei City Government Building in Taipei, Taiwan, on December 31, 2025. © ChiangYing-ying, AP

India

A girl poses with her painted face and hands during New Year's Eve celebrations in Amritsar on December 31, 2025
A girl poses with her painted face and hands during New Year's Eve celebrations in Amritsar on December 31, 2025. © Narinder Nanu, AFP

China

Drummers perform at a New Year's ceremony at the Juyongguan Great Wall section, also known as Juyong Pass, in Beijing
Drummers perform at a New Year's ceremony at the Juyongguan Great Wall section, also known as Juyong Pass, in Beijing. © ©Maxim Shemeto, Reuters
People gather at a New Year countdown ceremony at Juyongguan Great Wall section, also known as Juyong Pass, in Beijing, China
People gather at a New Year countdown ceremony at Juyongguan Great Wall section, also known as Juyong Pass, in Beijing, China. © Maxim Shemeto, Reuters

Syria

Residents of Damascus attend New Year’s Eve celebrations in the capital’s Old City on December 31, 2025
Residents of Damascus attend New Year's Eve celebrations in the capital's Old City on December 31, 2025. © Bakr Alkasem, AFP

United Arab Emirates

Fireworks explode around the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, during New Year's Eve celebrations in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Fireworks explode around the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, during New Year's Eve celebrations in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on January 1, 2026. © Fatima Shbair, AP

Russia

Police and the Rosguardia (National Guard) servicemen walk in the Red Square closed for celebrations on New Year's Eve in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
Police and the Rosguardia (National Guard) servicemen walk in the Red Square closed for celebrations on New Year's Eve in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, December 31, 2025. © Pavel Bednyakov, AP

Germany

Participants celebrate at the "Yeah 26" event at the Brandenburg Gate on New Year's Eve, in Berlin, Germany, Dec. 31, 2025
Participants celebrate at the "Yeah 26" event at the Brandenburg Gate on New Year's Eve, in Berlin, Germany, December 31, 2025. © Britta Pedersen, AP

France

Fireworks explode at the Arc de Triomphe during the New Year's celebrations on the Champs Élysées avenue in Paris, France.
Fireworks explode at the Arc de Triomphe during the New Year's celebrations on the Champs Élysées avenue in Paris, France, December 31, 2025. © Stéphanie Lecocq, Reuters

Spain

Fireworks explode during the New Year celebrations in Barcelona, Spain.
Fireworks explode during the New Year celebrations in Barcelona, Spain, January 1, 2026. © Bruna Casas, Reuters

Serbia

Fireworks explode over the Belgrade Waterfront project and Sava river during the New Year celebrations in Belgrade, Serbia.
Fireworks explode over the Belgrade Waterfront project and Sava river during the New Year celebrations in Belgrade, Serbia, January 1, 2026. © Djordje Kojadinovic, Reuters

UK

Fireworks explode over the London Eye Ferris wheel to mark the New Year's celebrations, in London, Britain.
Fireworks explode over the London Eye Ferris wheel to mark the New Year's celebrations, in London, Britain, on January 1, 2026. © Maja Smiejkowska, Reuters

Ivory Coast

Security forces members watch the New Year's Day celebration fireworks in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Security forces members watch the New Year's Day celebration fireworks in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, January 1, 2026. © Luc Gnago, Reuters

Nigeria

Fireworks explode over Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge to mark the New Year's celebrations, in Lagos, Nigeria.
Fireworks explode over Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge to mark the New Year's celebrations, in Lagos, Nigeria, January 1, 2026. © Sodiq Adelakun, Reuters

Brazil

Women react as fireworks explode during New Year's celebrations at the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Women react as fireworks explode during New Year's celebrations at the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, January 1, 2026. © Tita Barros, Reuters

US

Confetti drops and fireworks explode at Times Square, during New Year's celebrations in New York City, US.
Confetti drops and fireworks explode at Times Square during New Year's celebrations in New York City, US, January 1, 2026. © Bing Guan, Reuters

(FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP and Reuters)

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