In pictures: New Year’s celebrations around the world

Across the globe, many regions ushered in 2025 with fireworks and lively celebrations, with people gathering at iconic locations to witness the festivities.

Auckland became the first major city to ring in the New Year, as thousands gathered to count down and cheer while vibrant fireworks lit up the sky from the Sky Tower, New Zealand’s tallest structure, complemented by a spectacular downtown light display.

The South Pacific nations were among the first to celebrate, with New Zealand’s midnight arrival happening 18 hours before the famous ball drop in Times Square, New York.

In Australia, Sydney’s New Year’s celebration was marked by a dazzling fireworks display launched from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, drawing over a million people to the harbor. British pop star Robbie Williams added to the excitement, leading a lively singalong with the crowd.

Fireworks lit up the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge during New Year’s celebrations in Sydney, Australia.

In Hong Kong, fireworks illuminated the midnight sky over Victoria Harbour to mark the New Year on January 1.

In Yakutsk, the capital of the Sakha Republic in northeastern Siberia, Russia, participants in a New Year’s Eve run gathered near a Christmas tree despite the temperature plunging below minus 47°C (minus 53°F).

In Mumbai, India, people illuminated the sky with lights from their cell phones during the New Year’s celebrations.

Locals in Jakarta, Indonesia, watched the fireworks at Ancol Beach during the festivities.

Sydney ushered in 2025 with a stunning fireworks display launched from the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. The vibrant show captivated over a million spectators gathered at the harbour to celebrate the New Year.