2026 Begins: A Wave of Light Circles the Globe

The world welcomed 2026 with a wave of celebrations, starting in the Asia-Pacific region. Australia and New Zealand were among the first to mark the new year. Their major cities lit up the night with large fireworks displays. They were quickly followed by nations across eastern Asia, which held their own light shows as midnight arrived. The celebrations are moving westward with the clock. Observers will next see festivities across the rest of Asia, Africa, and Europe as their local times reach midnight. This annual global event showcases the world ushering in the new year in succession.