Pictorial: The World Rings in 2026 as Pacific Nations Lead Global Celebration

The world welcomed 2026 with spectacular fireworks, music, and moments of reflection, starting in the Pacific region and moving westward across continents in a continuous wave of festivities.

In Sydney, Australia, revellers observed a minute of silence at 11:00 p.m. (1200 GMT) before the sky erupted at midnight with a dazzling fireworks display over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, blending solemn remembrance with celebration.

Pacific Island nations led the global countdown, with Kiribati (Christmas Island) and New Zealand officially entering 2026 hours ahead of most of the world. Their celebrations set off a chain of festivities across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

As the celebrations progressed westward, major cities lit up their skylines. From glittering parties across Asia to grand countdown events in Europe, millions gathered in public squares and homes to bid farewell to 2025 and welcome the New Year.

Nigeria will officially enter 2026 at midnight local time (11:00 p.m. GMT), with churches holding crossover services, families sharing meals, and fireworks lighting up major cities. Citizens across the country celebrate with prayers, music, and renewed hopes for the year ahead.

The festivities continued across the Atlantic, culminating in iconic events such as the New Year’s Eve ball drop in New York City and the historic Hogmanay celebrations in Scotland.

According to Talk Nigeria, the global celebrations underscore humanity’s shared tradition of marking the passage of time, uniting different cultures, climates, and time zones in the collective joy of welcoming a new beginning.