New Year’s Eve: Parties in full swing internationally as first nation sees in 2026 – stay updates

On Dec 31, 2025

Updated: 10:15, 31 December 2025

New Year’s Eve celebrations are taking place across the world tonight as we mark the final remaining hours of 2025.

New Zealand and Australia are among the first major nations to welcome 2026 with jubilant parties to be thrown across Asia, Africa and Europe before the UK sees in the new year.

In Britain, revellers have been told to wear extra layers when they head out to watch fireworks displays across the country as chilly temperatures are forecast.

Follow the latest updates on New Year’s Eve celebrations below

Pictures: Crowds build in Sydney as 2025 comes to an end

Sydney’s famous harbour is fast filling up as crowds flock to the city’s iconic landmarks to see in 2026.

People have gathered outside the Sydney Opera House and taken up vantage viewpoints at Mrs Macquaries Point as the city approaches 2026.

In Sydney, the clock strikes midnight at 1pm UK time.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 31: People gather at the Sydney Opera House in anticipation of the annual New Year's Eve fireworks display on December 31, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Thousands will turn out to celebrate New Year's Eve in Sydney, as the Harbour Bridge lit up with fireworks. (Photo by George Chan/Getty Images)

People sit at Mrs Macquaries Point overlooking the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge ahead of New Year's Eve fireworks, in Sydney, Australia, December 31, 2025. REUTERS/Hollie Adams REFILE - CORRECTING YEAR 2026 TO 2025.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 31: People pose for photo ahead of the New Year's Eve fireworks display at Opera House on December 31, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Thousands will turn out to celebrate New Year's Eve in Sydney, as the Harbour Bridge lit up with fireworks. (Photo by George Chan/Getty Images)

Kiribati becomes first nation to see in 2026

Kiribati, an island nation in Oceania, is the first country to welcome 2026.

The nation is the furthest time zone behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) – 14 hours ahead of the UK.

Countries around the world hold parties for New Year’s Eve

Hello and welcome to our New Year’s Eve live coverage as people around the world ring in the start of 2026.

We will bring you celebrations from across the globe as the final hours of 2025 come to an end.

So whether you’re in Britain, Asia or Australia, check our blog to see how countries start the new year.

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