NEW YORK — As the world bade farewell to 2024 and welcomed 2025, cities across the globe were ablaze with stunning light displays and festivities. From Sydney’s exuberant celebrations to the iconic Times Square in New York, communities made memorable efforts to mark the New Year.
In New York City, despite heavy rainfall, thousands gathered in Times Square to witness the famous ball drop, a moment filled with joy and anticipation as it descended, prompting cheers and kisses among revelers—and an array of star-studded musical performances from artists like TLC and the Jonas Brothers. Many embraced the moment, with attendees singing Frank Sinatra’s classic “New York, New York” amid a scattering of confetti.
The New Year’s celebrations kicked off in the South Pacific, where New Zealand was the first to usher in 2025, 18 hours ahead of Times Square’s festivities. Auckland led the celebrations as people flocked to the city’s downtown or climbed to hilltops for views of spectacular fireworks meant to dazzle both locals and visitors.
Australia joined the revelry shortly after, with over a million attendees assembling at Sydney Harbor to watch fireworks illuminate the iconic Sydney Harbor Bridge. British singer Robbie Williams delighted the crowd with a singalong that included traditional Indigenous ceremonies celebrating the land’s first inhabitants.
As the world observed the New Year, moments of joy were contrasted by somber realities in places like the Middle East and Ukraine, where ongoing conflicts muted typical celebrations. Meanwhile, American Samoa will be one of the last regions to welcome 2025, arriving a full day after New Zealand.
Celebrations continued across the U.S., where Las Vegas anticipated vibrant pyrotechnics along the Strip, with over 340,000 onlookers expected to join in. The Sphere venue made its debut by displaying countdowns to midnight in various time zones, adding to the excitement. In Pasadena, California, locals camped out for prime views of the annual Rose Parade, while Nashville hosted a massive country music celebration attracting around 200,000 fans.
In Asia, preparations were underway for the upcoming Lunar New Year, celebrated as the Year of the Snake—a symbol of rebirth and renewal. Many in Japan participated in the year-end cleaning traditions as part of the largest holiday celebrations. However, in South Korea, festivities were dampened as citizens observed a national mourning period following a tragic plane crash.
In an expression of camaraderie, leaders Xi Jinping of China and Vladimir Putin of Russia exchanged New Year greetings, emphasizing their countries’ growing alliance against Western pressures. The mutual exchange served as a reminder of their continued collaborations amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Celebrations were vibrant in India, where crowds flocked to Mumbai’s bustling promenades, while in Sri Lanka, Buddhist locals lit oil lamps and performed prayers at temples. Dubai attracted thousands who gathered for a dazzling fireworks display at the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, complemented by festivities in Nairobi, Kenya.
Rome’s New Year festivities held special significance with the commencement of Pope Francis’ Holy Year, expected to draw millions of pilgrims to the Eternal City. The Pope celebrated a vespers service at St. Peter’s Basilica and was anticipated to call for peace during Wednesday’s Mass, coinciding with the Catholic observance of the Solemnity of Mary.
As Paris celebrated, the iconic Champs-Elysées saw a vibrant countdown and firework display, marking the city’s joyful embrace leading up to the Summer Olympics slated for later in the year. Mayor Anne Hidalgo emphasized the spirit of the occasion, inviting all to partake in the city’s festive atmosphere.
In the U.K., London welcomed 2025 with an impressive display along the River Thames, but severe weather led to the cancellation of festivities in Edinburgh. Conversely, in Switzerland and other regions, thrill-seekers braved the cold by plunging into icy waters—a testament to the diversity of celebration styles.
The grand celebration in Rio de Janeiro culminated with a breathtaking display at Copacabana beach, featuring 12 consecutive minutes of fireworks. With an expected turnout of over 2 million individuals—many donning white attire to symbolize renewal—guests reveled in vibrant concerts led by renowned Brazilian artists, including the ever-popular Anitta. For many, the celebration was a magical experience.
As the world stepped into a new year filled with hope, joy, and a renewed spirit, cities sparkled with the promise of what 2025 has to offer.
