The World Celebrates the Arrival of 2025 with Dazzling Light Displays, Warm Embraces, and Icy Dips

As the clock strikes midnight around the globe, communities are celebrating the arrival of 2025 with vibrant festivities. Auckland kicked off the New Year as the first major city to celebrate, drawing thousands who gathered for stunning fireworks that showcased the region’s rich Indigenous heritage.

Meanwhile, the South Pacific’s nations initiated the celebrations, marking the New Year 18 hours ahead of New York’s Times Square ball drop. However, areas grappling with conflicts, such as the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine, observed a subdued recognition of the milestone.

Sydney Harbor lit up with fireworks as over a million revelers united for the event, accompanied by a singalong led by British pop star Robbie Williams. The festivities honored Indigenous cultures through various performances.

In Japan, many prepared for the significant holiday period, with thorough cleaning as people sought renewal in the upcoming Year of the Snake, symbolizing rebirth. In South Korea, celebrations were tempered due to national mourning following a tragic airline crash that claimed 179 lives.

Mumbai’s vibrant promenade saw thousands celebrating the New Year, while in Sri Lanka, traditions continued as citizens lit oil lamps at Buddhist temples. Dubai’s Burj Khalifa hosted a magnificent fireworks show attended by thousands.

As a sign of unity, Chinese state media reported a goodwill exchange between President Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, a gesture reflecting their strengthened ties amidst rising tensions with the West. Xi assured mutual progress for both nations.

Rome is set for momentous celebrations as the New Year coincides with the commencement of Pope Francis’ Holy Year, expected to draw millions of pilgrims. The Pope will celebrate Mass, expressing hopes for peace in troubled regions around the world.

Paris ended 2024 with a grand countdown and fireworks display on the Champs-Elysées, transforming its iconic Arc de Triomphe into a dazzling light show. Mayor Anne Hidalgo proclaimed the city a place of celebration.

In contrast, the UK faced weather challenges, canceling festivities in Edinburgh while cities like London welcomed the New Year with an impressive pyrotechnic display along the River Thames. Others embraced winter by taking icy plunges across Switzerland.

Brazil gears up for its main festivities in Rio de Janeiro, where over two million are expected on Copacabana Beach for a spectacular fireworks display over the ocean. Prominent performers like Anitta and Caetano Veloso are on the lineup for the crowd.

New York City prepares for its historic Times Square celebration, featuring a ball drop tradition dating back to 1907, alongside performances from popular musical acts. Las Vegas anticipates a massive gathering as well, with 340,000 people projected for its Strip fireworks.

As the last U.S. territory to ring in 2025, American Samoa will celebrate a full 24 hours after New Zealand. This joyful global welcoming showcases a blend of cultures and traditions as the world embraces the New Year.

Associated Press writers contributed to this report, highlighting the diverse ways people celebrate across different regions.