Fireworks are bursting across the world after Britain stepped into 2026.
Celebrations began on the Pacific island of Kiritimati, which sits 14 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
This was shortly followed by New Zealand’s remote Chatham Island (GMT +13:45).
Tokyo, Seoul, Dubai, Athens and Kyiv have all celebrated the arrival of 2026 with fireworks and spectacular light shows.
The islands of Niue and American Samoa in the South Pacific, are the last inhabited places to celebrate the New Year.
By the time American Samoa says goodbye to 2025, Kiritimati will already be one hour into January 2.
Back in the UK, Britons have been warned to wrap up if they are heading out to watch fireworks, with temperatures barely expected to break freezing as the clock strikes midnight.
FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT…
First parts of Canada welcome New YearÂ
The easternmost parts of Canada are among the places now celebrating as 2026 rolls around.
Nova Scotia and Newfoundland have just crossed over into January 1 – as well as countries and territories including Bermuda, Bolivia and Venezuela.
Fireworks burst over iconic Copacabana Beach as Rio revels in 2026
PICTURED: Fireworks to celebrate the new year go off at Copacabana Beach during celebrations in Rio de Janeiro
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Thousands upon thousands of people are partying into 2026 in Rio de Janeiro for a world-record New Year’s Eve.
Just days ago, Rio was fornally handed the title of the world’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration from the Guinness World Records.
Last year, the city hosted an hours-long free concert which gathered 2.5 million people on the iconic Copacana Beach – where fireworks again have lit up the sky tonight.
New Year’s celebrations kick off in Brazil and South America
It’s 2026 in world-famous party city Rio de Janeiro – as well as a host of South American nations.
Greenland was the only place to ring in the new year at 2am GMT – but the festivities are underway in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, French Guiana and Suriname.
We’ll bring you the latest from around the world as celebrations continue into the night.
It’s twelve o’clock somewhere… Cape Verde and the Azores ring in the new year
Cape Verde and the Azores have become the latest parts of the world to ring in the New Year, welcoming 2026 at 1am GMT.
Next up will be Greenland at 2am – before the Americas have their turn to party into next year through the night.
We’ll bring you the latest from New Year’s celebrations around the world – including in the US, where crowds are already lining the streets of New York City to watch the famous Times Square Ball drop.
Best pictures from across the UK as Britons party into 2026
PICTURED: Revellers from Birmingham during the Hogmanay New Year celebrations in Edinburgh | PA
Britons up and down the country are welcoming 2026 as they party into the New Year.
At celebrations across the land, firework displays are lighting up the sky as revellers step out of 2025.
London has led national coverage with a mega show centred on the London Eye – but Britain’s News Channel will bring you the very best from around Britain…
Happy New Year! Fireworks seen in Edinburgh and London as Britain parties into 2026
PICTURED: Firework displays seen in Edinburgh and London as Britain welcomes 2026
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Sparklers light up sky over Berlin as Germany rings in New Year
PICTURED: Fireworks over Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate as Germany celebrates New Year 2026
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Drones and fireworks illuminate sky over Barcelona as Europe parties into 2026
PICTURED: Fireworks and drones light up the sky over Barcelona as Spain rings in the New Year
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Fireworks in Paris as France welcomes in 2026
Fireworks explode at the Arc de Triomphe during the New Year’s celebrations on the Champs Elysees
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Kemi Badenoch urges ‘talented Britons not to give up on our country’ in New Year message
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has urged “talented” Britons not to give up on the UK in her New Year message to the nation.
Mrs Badenoch, who enters 2026 with a slight boost in the polls, stressed the Conservative Party has a plan to reverse the country’s decline.
​Crowds already queuing in Times Square ahead of world famous New York celebrations
Crowds in Times Square
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New Year’s Eve celebrations in Kyiv before curfewÂ
Kissing couple in Kyiv
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A couple was photographed kissing next to a Christmas tree during a New Year’s eve celebration before a curfew, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv.
In his New Year’s address to the nation, President Volodymyr Zelensky said: “What does Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No. We want an end to the war but not the end of Ukraine. Are we tired? Very.
“Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken.
“My signature will be placed on a strong agreement. And that is exactly what every meeting, every phone call, every decision is about now.”
WATCH: Patrick Christys issues a heartfelt thank you to the GB News family
Crowds gathering in Edinburgh ahead of Hogmanay
Crowds gather in Edinburgh
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Crowds are gathering in Edinburgh ahead of the traditional Hogmanay celebrations.
This year’s event will be headlined by Brit Award-winning indie rock band Wet Leg.
The band will be accompanied with a display of over 10,000 fireworks.
Muted celebrations in Moscow over security concerns
Russian police officers guard Red Square, which is completely closed to the public
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In Moscow, firework displays were cancelled and Red Square was closed to visitors until 8am on January 1 due to enhanced security.
State media reported that authorities in at least 64 of the country’s 89 regions announced New Year’s Eve fireworks will not go ahead in major cities.
Only Chukotka in the far east of Russia, close to Alaska, is the only region set to celebrate the holiday with the usual fireworks and party antics.
WATCH: New Year’s celebrations in London will be the best ever, says Sadiq Khan
Delays on railways in South Yorkshire after signalling cables stolen
Rail passengers have been warned of delays and cancellations until the end of New Year’s Eve after 656ft of signalling cables were stolen in South Yorkshire.
Several routes have been affected following the copper theft between Doncaster and Sheffield, which Network Rail said it was alerted to at about 4am today.
A spokesman said engineers had been working on repairs to keep trains moving but passengers were advised disruption was expected until the end of the day.
Network Rail said the theft had so far caused 13 train cancellations with 83 trains delayed by a total of 15 hours and 39 minutes.
Burj Khalifa illuminated as UAE welcomes in New Year
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai alit with fireworks
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THE UAE has welcomed the new year with an impressive fireworks display over the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
Fireworks shot into the air in the desert city as the annual light show illuminated the night sky behind party-goers.
Crowds gather in Ukraine ahead of New Year’s Eve
A serviceman hugs a girl as they dance under the snowfall near New Year displays at a shopping mall in Kyiv
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Thousands of Ukrainians have arrived in Kyiv city centre celebrate New Year’s Eve in the run up to 2026.
The ball will drop for the European nation at 10pm UK time.
Iconic New York ball ready for midnight in Big Apple
Glasses of champagne are served beside the Waterford crystals with the New Year’s Eve Ball in the background in Manhattan, New York
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Thailand and Indonesia welcome in 2026
People wearing ‘2026’ head bands attend New Year celebrations welcoming 2026 in Jakarta
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Croatian swimmers celebrate traditional ‘noon’ New Year’s
People drink champagne as they celebrate the new year early at noon, on New Year’s Eve, by Lake Bajer, in Fuzine, Croatia
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In Croatia, revels got off to an early start. Since 2000, the town of Fuzine has held its countdown at noon, a tradition that has since spread across the country.
Crowds cheered, toasted each other with champagne and danced to music. all in the middle of the day.
Some brave souls in Santa hats took a plunge into the icy waters of Lake Bajer.
Celebrations in central Beijing as China welcomes 2026
The Beijing New Year Countdown celebration at the Juyongguan Great Wall
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Fireworks erupt over the skies of Singapore
Fireworks explode over the Marina Bay during the New Year celebrations in Singapore,
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Residents living near Primroser Hill express outrage after beauty spot closed off
People living near Primrose Hill have told of their anger after opaque green hoarding was installed around the park in an “unprecedented” measure to prevent revellers from entering to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
The Camden park has panoramic views of the capital and in 2024 an estimated 30,000 people celebrated New Year’s Eve there – but this year it is shut, with the gates locked from 8pm on Tuesday until 6am on New Year’s Day.
Some of the park has been cordoned off with solid hoarding and temporary fencing, while other parts have just the temporary fencing to prevent would-be spectators from entering.
Amy McKeown, a local resident, said she left the area on Monday to celebrate New Year’s Eve with family elsewhere.
She said: “I have left the area. It is too grotesque to see. The park has never been closed like this. This is completely unprecedented.
“This is a public park where people should be able to come to watch the fireworks. This is exactly what we should be encouraging people to do.”
South Korea and Japan welcome 2026
Bell ringing at Bosingak Hall
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South Korea has welcomed the New Year with the traditional bell ringing ceremony at the Bosingak Hall in Seoul city centre.
The tradition dates back to1392, with the bell rang 33 times, as the number 33 symbolizes peace and safety in Buddhism.
The chimes are believed to dispel misfortune and welcome peace and prosperity for the year ahead.
Meanwhile, in Tokyo, crowds gathered to welcome the New Year in Japan.
Party leaders reveal their favourite karaoke songs
Party leaders have revealed their favourite karaoke songs for New Year’s Eve.
Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage’s choice is New York, New York by Frank Sinatra, while Green Party Leader Zack Polanski told Politico he will be singing Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen.
Meanwhile, Lib Dem Leader Sir Ed Davey went for Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline. Tory Leader Kemi Badenoch said: “I don’t do karaoke. But I do like it when everyone starts singing ‘Last Christmas.'”
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick’s choice is Islands in the Stream, which he has been spotted singing with Shadow Welsh Secretary Mims Davies at Welsh Tory conference.
Former Chancellor George Osborne chose “Last Friday Night” by Katy Perry, while Your Party co-founder and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he doesn’t do karaoke.
New Year’s sea swimmers issued urgent warning after double Christmas tragedy
The RNLI has issued an urgent safety warning to those planning New Year’s Day sea swims following the disappearance of two men off the Devon coast on Christmas Day.
Cold-water shock combined with harsh weather conditions creates serious risks for anyone entering water at 15C or below, the lifeboat charity has said.
Seas off the coast of the UK and Ireland currently average between 6C and 10C.
Gareth Morrison, the RNLI’s head of water safety, said on Tuesday: “We know this time of year many people take part in festive and new year dips or continue to take part in regular winter swims.”
Mr Morrison urged swimmers to assess their abilities and check sea conditions carefully before entering the water.
Tributes paid after mass shooting at Bondi Beach
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Those attending Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks tonight observed a minute of silence, members of the crowd shined their torches to the sky.
An image of a menorah was projected onto the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Sydney to remember Bondi Beach terror attack victims
Sydney have confirmed they will be honouring the victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack earlier in the month with a minute of silence at 11:00pm local time.
The website for the New Year’s Eve display said: “Sydney will pause for one minute to reflect on the tragic Bondi attack.
“The Sydney Harbour Bridge will glow white as a symbol of peace and unity.
“We encourage you to join us by switching on your phone torch and shining a light across the harbour, as a symbol of solidarity with the Jewish community and everyone affected.”
More of Sydney’s earlier display
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As we discussed earlier, Sydney have already seen a spectacular fireworks show.
The family fireworks event, held at 9:00pm local time, gives younger children the chance to see the show before they go to bed – or adults the opportunity to see it twice.
There are some stunning photos of the spectacle from earlier tonight.
New Zealand becomes first major nation to welcome 2026!
New Zealand has become the first major nation to welcome in the new year as the clock strikes midnight!
Auckland saw in 2026 with a typically spectacular five-minute fireworks show.
According to local reports, the five-minute pyrotechnics show took six months of planning.
Samoa, Tonga and Tokelau have also welcomed in the new year.
Nigel Farage makes stark general election prediction and warns Reform is ‘last chance’ for Britain in New Year message
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has made a stark prediction about the next general election in a rallying call to millions of Britons next year.
Mr Farage, who delivered his 801-word New Year message overlooking the London skyline in Greenwich, set his sights on the 2026 Local Elections and suggested contests slated for May 7 could springboard Reform UK into power.
The Reform UK leader said: “I’ll make this prediction: if Reform win those elections, if we come top, it will put us way ahead of the other parties. Already, we’ve led for 175 opinion polls in a row.
“Our average lead is 10 per cent. If we get this right on May 7 this year, we will go on and win that general election. We will then absolutely have a chance of genuinely, fundamentally, change the whole system of government in Britain.”
Sydney’s ‘family fireworks’
Sydney’s ‘Family Fireworks’
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Thousands of people who have flocked to the iconic Sydney Opera House have already been treated to a spectacular fireworks display.
The “family fireworks”, also known as the Country fireworks, are displayed three hours before midnight every year ahead of the main show at midnight.
It marks our first true fireworks show of the day.
Happy New Year!
The atoll Kiritimati – also known as Christmas Island – has officially become the first place in the world to welcome in 2026!
The Oceania island in the Pacific Ocean, Kiritimati sits 14 hours ahead of the UK.
It was shortly joined by New Zealand’s remote Chatham Island (GMT +13:45), who became the second place to celebrate the new year.
The island is home to around 600 people.