WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Auckland was the first major city to ring in 2026 with a fireworks display launched from New Zealand’s tallest structure, Sky Tower, followed by a defiant celebration in Australia in the aftermath of its worst mass shooting.South Pacific countries were the first to bid farewell to 2025.Clocks stuck midnight in Auckland 18 hours before the famous ball drop in New York’s Times Square. The five-minute display involved 3,500 fireworks.
Tune in to ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026” Wednesday, Dec. 31, begining at 8:00 p.m. EST and stream next day on Hulu.
## Defiant celebration in Australia after worst mass shooting
Australia’s east coast welcomed 2026 two hours after New Zealand. In Sydney, celebrations were held under the pall of Australia’s worst mass shooting in almost 30 years. Two gunmen targeted a Hannukah celebration at Bondi Beach on Dec. 14, killing 15 and wounding 40.
A heavy police presence monitored the thousands who thronged to watch a fireworks show centered on the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Many officers openly carried rapid-fire rifles, a first for the event.
An hour before midnight, massacre victims were commemorated with a minute of silence. The crowd was invited to show solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns urged Sydney residents not to stay away through fear, saying extremists would interpret smaller crowds as a victory.
“We have to show defiance in the face of this terrible crime,” he said.## Indonesia
New Year’s celebrations Marked by Hope, Security Concerns, and Quiet Reflection
Gaza City, Gaza Strip – As the world welcomed 2025, Palestinians in Gaza expressed a fervent hope for a definitive end to the conflict with Israel and Hamas, which has devastated the enclave. Negotiators are currently working to advance the challenging second phase of a ceasefire agreement.
“We hope that it will be a good year for our people in Palestine,” said Faraj Rasheed, acknowledging the continued hardship faced by thousands living in tent camps.however, the sentiment wasn’t universally optimistic, with some reflecting on the immense losses of the past year. “The war humiliated us,” stated Mirvat Abed Al-Aal, who was displaced from Rafah.
Berlin, Germany – Celebrations in Berlin were marked by a picturesque snowfall. Tourists and residents alike enjoyed the winter wonderland, taking photos and building snowmen near the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Cathedral. The snowfall and fog obscured the Berlin TV Tower, creating a unique New Year’s Eve atmosphere.
Athens & Nicosia – In Greece and Cyprus, New Year’s celebrations were notably quieter this year. Traditional fireworks displays were replaced with low-noise pyrotechnics, light shows, and drone displays in capital cities. Officials explained the change was intended to create a more inclusive habitat for children, pets, and animals sensitive to loud noises.
New York city, USA – New york City is increasing security measures at the Times Square ball drop, deploying “mobile screening teams” as an anti-terrorism precaution.According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the increased security is not in response to a specific threat. Following the ball drop, the sphere will rise again, illuminated in red, white, and blue, to commemorate the approaching 250th anniversary of the united States.
New York City, USA – Zohran Mamdani will be sworn in as mayor of New York City at the start of 2026. Two ceremonies are planned, beginning with a private event around midnight in a historic subway station.
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