As the clock struck midnight across the world’s time zones, celebrations for 2026 commenced against a backdrop of intense geopolitical strife. Beyond traditional hopes for health and prosperity, the collective aspiration for this new year is a forceful demand for peace and justice.
Take a look at scenes from the celebrations across the globe:
Brazil
Fireworks light up the sky above Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach as more than two million people were expected to gather for what authorities have called the world’s biggest New Year’s Eve party pic.twitter.com/FKCBZg40b9
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) January 1, 2026
China
Artists play drums during the 2026 New Year’s countdown celebration this Wednesday, at the Juyongguan Great Wall in Beijing, China. Photo: EFE.
Beijing KICKS OFF 2026 with spectacular show
Drum-filled stage accompanies herd of FIRE HORSES galloping above pic.twitter.com/2u6UNqeqFY
— RT (@RT_com) December 31, 2025
Chile
🇨🇱 | 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ | La Torre Entel, en la capital chilena, se iluminó nuevamente tras 7 años para darle la bienvenida al nuevo año. pic.twitter.com/wzeHrzkrfs
— Alerta News 24 (@AlertaNews24) January 1, 2026
🇨🇱 | 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ | La Torre Entel, en la capital chilena, se iluminó nuevamente tras 7 años para darle la bienvenida al nuevo año. pic.twitter.com/wzeHrzkrfs
— Alerta News 24 (@AlertaNews24) January 1, 2026
France
Revelers look at a light and fireworks show displayed on the Arc de Triomphe to celebrate the new year 2026 on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, France. Photo: EFE.
Bonne année à tous ! Tous nos meilleurs vœux pour 2026 avec le superbe feu d’artifice offert par la ville de Paris. 🎉#francetv #NouvelAn pic.twitter.com/nXV75kpvGv
— France tv (@FranceTV) December 31, 2025
United States
Fireworks go off above the National Mall, with the Washington Monument serving as the backdrop for a live projection show on New Year’s Eve in Washington, DC, U.S. The lighting show will continue for six days. Photo: EFE.
THE FINAL MINUTE: @ShaunKraisman rings in the New Year LIVE in Times Square on @NEWSMAX.
From the NEWSMAX family to yours, HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026!! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/ISnJdyBM5H
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) January 1, 2026
Russia
A man walks through Red Square this Wednesday, in Moscow, Russia. New Year’s Eve and Christmas fireworks displays in Moscow have been canceled, the restrictions are related to a special military operation in Ukraine, according to authorities. Photo: EFE.
💬 President Putin:
For together we are the people of Russia.
The labour, successes & achievements of each of us form new chapters in Russia’s history. And our unity determines the sovereignty of the Fatherland
The New Year Address to Nation: https://t.co/FYGmPAog1w pic.twitter.com/66gqQCkyiA
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) December 31, 2025
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