By — Rod McGuirk, Associated Press Rod McGuirk, Associated Press By — Sheikh Saaliq, Associated Press Sheikh Saaliq, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/photos-how-the-world-is-ringing-in-2026 Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter PHOTOS: How the world is ringing in 2026 World Dec 31, 2025 3:41 PM EST MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Drummers pounded in the New Year and a stampede of computer-generated horses was shown over a section of the Great Wall as China and the rest of East Asia marked the start of 2026. Drummers perform at a New Year ceremony at Juyongguan Great Wall section, also known as Juyong Pass, in Beijing, China, Jan. 1, 2026. Photo by Maxim Shemetov/ Reuters Temple bells rang across Japan, and some climbed mountains to see the year's first sunrise. Hong Kong held subdued celebrations following a recent fire that killed 161 people at an apartment complex. Fireworks explode over the Marina Bay during the New Year celebrations in Singapore, Dec. 31, 2025. Photo by Ore Huiying/ Reuters Sydney saluted the new year with joy and defiance, as the famous Harbor Bridge crackled with fireworks less than three weeks after Australia's worst mass shooting in almost 30 years. Fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour Bridge at 9 p.m. during New Year's Eve celebrations, in Sydney, Australia, December 31, 2025. REUTERS/Hollie Adams South Pacific countries were the first to bid farewell to 2025. New Zealand's capital, Auckland, held a fireworks display 18 hours before the ball drop in New York's Times Square. Defiance in Australia A heavy police presence monitored the thousands watching the fireworks show in Sydney. Many officers openly carried rapid-fire rifles, a first for the event, after two gunmen targeted a Hannukah celebration at Bondi Beach on Dec. 14, killing 15 and wounding 40. A sign reading "Please prepare for security screening" is displayed near a security checkpoint at the Sydney Opera House ahead of New Year's Eve fireworks on Dec. 31, 2025. Photo by Hollie Adams/ Reuters An hour before midnight, the victims of the massacre were commemorated with a minute of silence, and the crowd was invited to show solidarity with Australia's Jewish community. Fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark the New Year in Sydney on Jan. 1, 2026. Photo by Hollie Adams/ Reuters New South Wales Premier Chris Minns had urged Sydney residents not to stay away from the festivities due to fear, saying extremists would interpret smaller crowds as a victory: "We have to show defiance in the face of this terrible crime." Indonesia and Hong Kong hold subdued events Cities around Indonesia scaled back festivities in solidarity with communities devastated by floods and landslides in parts of Sumatra island a month ago, claiming more than 1,100 lives. Concerts and fireworks on the tourist island of Bali were replaced with a cultural event featuring traditional dances. People attend the New Year's Eve celebrations in Jakarta on Dec. 31, 2025. Photo byh Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana/ Reuters Hong Kong rang in 2026 without the usual fireworks spectacle over Victoria Harbor after the massive fire in November. Facades of landmarks instead were turned into countdown clocks that presented a light show at midnight. Fireworks explode during the New Year celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand, Jan. 1, 2026. Photo by Chalinee Thirasupa/ Reuters In Japan, where fireworks aren't a traditional part of festivities, temple bells rang across the country. Others ate noodles in a traditional wish for long life because of the noodle's shape. In South Korea's capital, Seoul, a bell tolled at the Bosingak Pavilion. Dancers perform during a countdown event in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building on New Year's Eve, in Tokyo, Japan, December 31, 2025. REUTERS/Issei Kato TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Displaced Gazans hope for end to war Palestinians in Gaza said they hope the new year brings a definitive end to the war between Israel and Hamas that has battered the enclave for two years, as negotiators push for progress into the ceasefire's challenging second phase. A Palestinian man amid the rubble of a building destroyed during the war, on New Year's Eve in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, December 31, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa "We hope that it will be a good year for our people in Palestine," said Faraj Rasheed, noting that thousands continue to live in harsh conditions in tent camps. Palestinians walk along the seashore on New Year's Eve in Gaza City, December 31, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Others described 2025 as a year of loss. "The war humiliated us," said Mirvat Abed Al-Aal, displaced from the southern city of Rafah. Pope Leo XIV arrives to lead the Vespers and Te Deum prayer on New Year's Eve in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Dec. 31, 2025. Photo by Vincenzo Livieri/ Reuters Berliners celebrate in snowfall Tourists and Berliners marked the end of 2025 by taking selfies and making snowmen in front of the German capital's cathedral and the iconic Brandenburg Gate. The Berlin TV Tower was nearly invisible thanks to the falling flakes and fog. People walk along the main shopping and pedestrian street of Istiklal on New Year's Eve in central Istanbul on Dec. 31, 2025. Photo by Dilara Senkaya/ Reuters Quieter celebrations in Greece and Cyprus Greece and Cyprus were turning down the volume, replacing traditional fireworks with low-noise pyrotechnics, light shows and drone displays in capital cities. Officials said the change is intended to make celebrations more welcoming for children and pets, particularly animals sensitive to loud noise. People drink champagne as they celebrate the new year early at noon, on New Year's Eve, by Lake Bajer, in Fuzine, Croatia, on Dec. 31, 2025. Photo by Antonio Bronic/ Reuters Additional security in New York City Police in New York City will have additional anti-terrorism measures at the Times Square ball drop, with "mobile screening teams." It is not in response to a specific threat, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. NYPD officers install barricades around Times Square ahead of the New Year's Eve celebration in the Manhattan borough of New York City, U.S., December 31, 2025. REUTERS/Ryan Murphy After the ball drops it will rise again, sparkling in red, white and blue, to mark the country's upcoming 250th birthday. The ball for the upcoming New Year's Eve celebration undergoes a drop test in Times Square, New York, U.S., December 30, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz Zohran Mamdani will take office as mayor at the start of 2026. Two swearing-in ceremonies are planned, starting with a private ceremonial event around midnight in an old subway station. Saaliq reported from New Delhi, India. Associated Press writers around the world contributed to this report. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Rod McGuirk, Associated Press Rod McGuirk, Associated Press By — Sheikh Saaliq, Associated Press Sheikh Saaliq, Associated Press
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Drummers pounded in the New Year and a stampede of computer-generated horses was shown over a section of the Great Wall as China and the rest of East Asia marked the start of 2026. Drummers perform at a New Year ceremony at Juyongguan Great Wall section, also known as Juyong Pass, in Beijing, China, Jan. 1, 2026. Photo by Maxim Shemetov/ Reuters Temple bells rang across Japan, and some climbed mountains to see the year's first sunrise. Hong Kong held subdued celebrations following a recent fire that killed 161 people at an apartment complex. Fireworks explode over the Marina Bay during the New Year celebrations in Singapore, Dec. 31, 2025. Photo by Ore Huiying/ Reuters Sydney saluted the new year with joy and defiance, as the famous Harbor Bridge crackled with fireworks less than three weeks after Australia's worst mass shooting in almost 30 years. Fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour Bridge at 9 p.m. during New Year's Eve celebrations, in Sydney, Australia, December 31, 2025. REUTERS/Hollie Adams South Pacific countries were the first to bid farewell to 2025. New Zealand's capital, Auckland, held a fireworks display 18 hours before the ball drop in New York's Times Square. Defiance in Australia A heavy police presence monitored the thousands watching the fireworks show in Sydney. Many officers openly carried rapid-fire rifles, a first for the event, after two gunmen targeted a Hannukah celebration at Bondi Beach on Dec. 14, killing 15 and wounding 40. A sign reading "Please prepare for security screening" is displayed near a security checkpoint at the Sydney Opera House ahead of New Year's Eve fireworks on Dec. 31, 2025. Photo by Hollie Adams/ Reuters An hour before midnight, the victims of the massacre were commemorated with a minute of silence, and the crowd was invited to show solidarity with Australia's Jewish community. Fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark the New Year in Sydney on Jan. 1, 2026. Photo by Hollie Adams/ Reuters New South Wales Premier Chris Minns had urged Sydney residents not to stay away from the festivities due to fear, saying extremists would interpret smaller crowds as a victory: "We have to show defiance in the face of this terrible crime." Indonesia and Hong Kong hold subdued events Cities around Indonesia scaled back festivities in solidarity with communities devastated by floods and landslides in parts of Sumatra island a month ago, claiming more than 1,100 lives. Concerts and fireworks on the tourist island of Bali were replaced with a cultural event featuring traditional dances. People attend the New Year's Eve celebrations in Jakarta on Dec. 31, 2025. Photo byh Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana/ Reuters Hong Kong rang in 2026 without the usual fireworks spectacle over Victoria Harbor after the massive fire in November. Facades of landmarks instead were turned into countdown clocks that presented a light show at midnight. Fireworks explode during the New Year celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand, Jan. 1, 2026. Photo by Chalinee Thirasupa/ Reuters In Japan, where fireworks aren't a traditional part of festivities, temple bells rang across the country. Others ate noodles in a traditional wish for long life because of the noodle's shape. In South Korea's capital, Seoul, a bell tolled at the Bosingak Pavilion. Dancers perform during a countdown event in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building on New Year's Eve, in Tokyo, Japan, December 31, 2025. REUTERS/Issei Kato TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Displaced Gazans hope for end to war Palestinians in Gaza said they hope the new year brings a definitive end to the war between Israel and Hamas that has battered the enclave for two years, as negotiators push for progress into the ceasefire's challenging second phase. A Palestinian man amid the rubble of a building destroyed during the war, on New Year's Eve in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, December 31, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa "We hope that it will be a good year for our people in Palestine," said Faraj Rasheed, noting that thousands continue to live in harsh conditions in tent camps. Palestinians walk along the seashore on New Year's Eve in Gaza City, December 31, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Others described 2025 as a year of loss. "The war humiliated us," said Mirvat Abed Al-Aal, displaced from the southern city of Rafah. Pope Leo XIV arrives to lead the Vespers and Te Deum prayer on New Year's Eve in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Dec. 31, 2025. Photo by Vincenzo Livieri/ Reuters Berliners celebrate in snowfall Tourists and Berliners marked the end of 2025 by taking selfies and making snowmen in front of the German capital's cathedral and the iconic Brandenburg Gate. The Berlin TV Tower was nearly invisible thanks to the falling flakes and fog. People walk along the main shopping and pedestrian street of Istiklal on New Year's Eve in central Istanbul on Dec. 31, 2025. Photo by Dilara Senkaya/ Reuters Quieter celebrations in Greece and Cyprus Greece and Cyprus were turning down the volume, replacing traditional fireworks with low-noise pyrotechnics, light shows and drone displays in capital cities. Officials said the change is intended to make celebrations more welcoming for children and pets, particularly animals sensitive to loud noise. People drink champagne as they celebrate the new year early at noon, on New Year's Eve, by Lake Bajer, in Fuzine, Croatia, on Dec. 31, 2025. Photo by Antonio Bronic/ Reuters Additional security in New York City Police in New York City will have additional anti-terrorism measures at the Times Square ball drop, with "mobile screening teams." It is not in response to a specific threat, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. NYPD officers install barricades around Times Square ahead of the New Year's Eve celebration in the Manhattan borough of New York City, U.S., December 31, 2025. REUTERS/Ryan Murphy After the ball drops it will rise again, sparkling in red, white and blue, to mark the country's upcoming 250th birthday. The ball for the upcoming New Year's Eve celebration undergoes a drop test in Times Square, New York, U.S., December 30, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz Zohran Mamdani will take office as mayor at the start of 2026. Two swearing-in ceremonies are planned, starting with a private ceremonial event around midnight in an old subway station. Saaliq reported from New Delhi, India. Associated Press writers around the world contributed to this report. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now