2026 Welcomed Worldwide Amid Fireworks Hope and Heightened Security Fears

Around the world, nations bade farewell to 2025 and ushered in 2026 with fireworks, music, and the traditional midnight kiss—alongside widespread hopes for peace after another year marked by war and instability. Yet in many countries, celebrations unfolded under heavy security, and in Syria those fears materialized when a suicide attack killed a police officer during New Year’s festivities in Aleppo.

Australia, traditionally the first major country to welcome the New Year, began celebrations at 3:00 p.m. Israel time with Sydney’s iconic fireworks over the harbor. This year’s events were held under heightened alert following an antisemitic terrorist attack at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach two and a half weeks ago, in which 15 people were killed. Thousands still gathered along the waterfront as nine tonnes of fireworks lit up the skyline, while armed police patrolled the area. New South Wales Premier Chris Means urged residents not to stay home, warning that lower attendance would amount to “a victory for extremists.”

The first countries to enter 2026 were Pacific island nations. Kiribati rang in the New Year at noon Israel time, followed by Tonga, Samoa, and New Zealand. Auckland became the first major city to celebrate, launching 3,500 fireworks from the Sky Tower. In Russia, which spans 11 time zones, New Year celebrations rolled westward throughout the day. As is customary, President Vladimir Putin delivered a televised midnight address in each time zone, praising Russian troops fighting in Ukraine and promising victory—without reference to U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to end the war.

In Kyiv, air-raid sirens sounded as a night curfew was imposed. Young Ukrainians were seen sharing midnight moments before restrictions took effect. President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his New Year address that a deal to end the war was “90% ready,” but warned that the remaining gaps would determine “the fate of peace, Ukraine, and Europe.”

Across Asia, celebrations were more subdued in some areas. China marked the New Year with a traditional drumming performance near the Great Wall. In Indonesia, festivities were scaled back following devastating floods in Sumatra last month that killed more than 1,100 people. Jakarta held prayers for the victims, while Bali replaced fireworks with cultural performances.

The United Arab Emirates once again sought to break records, launching a massive fireworks and drone show in Ras al-Khaimah. According to reports, 2,300 drones filled the sky, including a giant phoenix formation above the sea.

In Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, authorities opted to cancel traditional fireworks, replacing them with quieter light and drone displays to reduce stress on children and animals.

In Syria, celebrations were marred by violence. A suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt in the city of Aleppo during a police security check, killing one officer and injuring several others. Syrian state media quoted security sources as saying the situation was under control and an investigation was underway.

Western Europe also marked the New Year under heightened alert. In Rome, Pope Leo XIV closed 2025 with a call for compassion toward migrants and the vulnerable. In Paris, crowds gathered on the Champs-Élysées, where many expressed hope for a more peaceful year. “No wars anywhere,” said Tessiya Gerda, a tourist from Kazakhstan. “I want everyone to live in peace.”

In the United States, security agencies warned that the primary threat to New Year’s celebrations came from lone actors or small extremist cells. Authorities recently arrested four pro-Palestinian activists accused of planning bomb attacks in Los Angeles timed for midnight. In New York, the city welcomed 2026 with the private swearing-in of its new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, followed later in the day by a large public celebration featuring Senator Bernie Sanders.

As fireworks faded and clocks reset across the globe, the arrival of 2026 brought with it a familiar mix of celebration, anxiety, and cautious hope—reflecting a world still searching for stability in uncertain times.