From Auckland's Sky Tower to Sydney Harbour, the Asia-Pacific welcomed 2026 with fireworks and fanfare – but Australia's celebrations carried a heavy burden as the nation remembered 15 lives cut short in a Hanukkah terror attack that stunned Bondi Beach weeks earlier.
Australia ushered in the new year beneath the shadow of a terrorist strike that unfolded mid-month at Bondi Beach in Sydney. In his televised New Year's message, Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese declared, "In these moments, the happiness we typically experience as a new year dawns fades against the grief of the year behind us. In the wake of terror inflicted upon Jews in Australia at Bondi Beach, our hearts break for every life stolen and every life transformed forever."
Video: Celebrations in Sydney / Credit: Reuters
The assault took place during a "Hanukkah (the Jewish Festival of Lights) by the Sea" gathering hosted by the Chabad (a Hasidic Jewish organization) community in Sydney, as two armed operatives fired upon celebrants marking Hanukkah's opening night. Fifteen individuals perished and scores sustained injuries.
Australia held a minute of silence honoring those slain and harmed in the terror assault. Thousands clutched candles or flashlights in a poignant show of solidarity with the Jewish community and the struggle against antisemitism. The famous Sydney Harbour Bridge was also lit with a
Here's to 2026. pic.twitter.com/cvjnBWY6Tl
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 31, 2025
Menorah and illuminated in white in memory of the victims.
The Pacific island state of Kiribati claimed the distinction of first nation worldwide to greet the new year. Its principal island, Kiritimati, crossed into 2026 at 12:00 Israel time. New Zealand followed as the next nation to leave 2025 behind, with breathtaking fireworks illuminating Auckland's renowned Sky Tower at 13:00 Israel time. The nation entered the new year in tandem with Samoa and Tonga. Hong Kong called off its New Year firework display in the wake of the a fatal housing estate fire that claimed scores of lives.
Asian countries will launch New Year festivities with South Korea, North Korea and Japan leading the procession. Subsequently, Hong Kong and China will commemorate the milestone, joined by Taiwan, which marks the new year against mounting friction with Beijing and apprehension over potential annexation of the democratic territory. These celebrations will commence at 18:00 Israel time.
Video: Celebrations in New Zealand/ Credit: Reuters
European states, among them France, Germany and Britain, will embrace 2026 within one to two hours following Israel's countdown completion. The United States will observe the new year as final preparations wrapped up tonight in New York for the iconic ball descent ritual at Times Square.
When 2026 begins
| Region / City | Time (UTC) | Time (EST) |
| New Zealand | 11:00 | 06:00 (6:00 AM) |
| Australia (east coast) | 13:00 | 08:00 (8:00 AM) |
| North Korea, South Korea, Japan | 15:00 | 10:00 (10:00 AM) |
| Taiwan, Hong Kong, China | 16:00 | 11:00 (11:00 AM) |
| Thailand | 17:00 | 12:00 (Noon) |
| India and Sri Lanka | 18:30 | 13:30 (1:30 PM) |
| Dubai (UAE) | 20:00 | 15:00 (3:00 PM) |
| East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania) | 21:00 | 16:00 (4:00 PM) |
| Russia (Moscow) | 21:00 | 16:00 (4:00 PM) |
| Israel | 22:00 | 17:00 (5:00 PM) |
| Ukraine | 22:00 | 17:00 (5:00 PM) |
| Central Africa (inc. South Africa) | 22:00 | 17:00 (5:00 PM) |
| Germany and much of Europe | 23:00 | 18:00 (6:00 PM) |
| West Africa (inc. Nigeria) | 23:00 | 18:00 (6:00 PM) |
| UK, Ghana, Portugal | 00:00 | 19:00 (7:00 PM) |
| Brazil and Argentina | 03:00 | 22:00 (10:00 PM) |
| US East Coast | 05:00 | 00:00 (Midnight) |
The 2026 Ball Test was a SUCCESS! 🪩 The Ball WILL drop tomorrow at midnight in #TimesSquare thanks to @CarnivalCruise ✨#NewYearsEve #NewYearsEveBall #BallDrop #TimesSquareBall pic.twitter.com/cGWjAUz0n6
— Times Square (@TimesSquareNYC) December 30, 2025
Customs and traditions spanning the globe
Certain New Year practices aim to summon good fortune and banish malevolent forces. Prevalent techniques encompass consuming grapes, welcoming a dark-haired guest into one's dwelling, generating noise and chiming bells.
Shattering plates – Denmark
In Denmark, the ritual of smashing plates against friends' and neighbors' doors signals auspicious tidings. Should you awaken on New Year's Day discovering shattered crockery at your threshold – rejoice, fortune smiles upon you!
Consuming 12 grapes – Spain
In Spain, revelers mark the year's conclusion by swallowing one grape with each midnight chime, totaling 12 grapes representing the 12 months ahead. Contemporary youth have modernized the age-old custom, with unattached individuals potentially finding themselves eating grapes beneath kitchen tables – aspiring to discover romance in the approaching year.
"First footing" – Scotland
In Scotland, residents maintain the inaugural individual crossing a threshold past midnight will dictate household fortune throughout the new year. A dark-haired visitor portends prosperity, optimally bearing whiskey (naturally), coal fragments, bread and currency. The practice traces to Viking heritage, when fair-haired strangers might signal danger.
Consuming lentils – Italy
In Italy, consuming lentils constitutes traditional New Year fare. Greater lentil consumption supposedly attracts enhanced prosperity in the forthcoming year.
Donning dancing bears – Romania
In Romania, performers costumed as dancing bears visit residences on New Year's Eve, bestowing good fortune upon inhabitants.
Bell striking – Japan
In Japan, striking temple bells 108 times during the "Joya no Kane" (a Buddhist New Year ceremony) ritual on New Year's Eve symbolizes concluding the departed year and embracing the arriving year.
