World Celebrated New Year 2025

People around the globe have entered the New Year 2025. Let’s explore how the world celebrated new year 2025 — from China’s mesmerizing dragon drone displays to the Arab world’s stunning sky drones, from London’s spectacular ringing of Big Ben to the iconic Times Square Ball Drop and from the first celebrations in Kiribati to the final festivities in American Samoa.

The New Year is not just a flip of the calendar; it’s a global celebration of hope, joy, and unity. This year, 2025, was no exception. Let me take you on a journey through some of the most iconic celebrations, starting from the first rays of dawn in Kiribati to the final revelries in American Samoa.

1. Kiribati: First to Welcome 2025

As the clock struck midnight in Kiribati, this small island nation became the first to embrace the New Year. Kiribati, a Pacific island nation, holds the unique distinction of being the first country to welcome the New Year each year. As 2025 approached, the residents of Kiritimati Island, also known as Christmas Island, celebrated the arrival of January 1, 2025, with jubilant festivities as the clock struck midnight.

The celebrations in Kiribati are deeply rooted in the nation’s rich cultural heritage. Traditional dances, known as “te mwaie,” are performed, accompanied by chants and songs that have been passed down through generations. Communal feasts, featuring local delicacies such as fresh seafood and coconut-based dishes, are central to the festivities, fostering a sense of unity and community among the islanders.

In addition to the cultural performances, religious services play a significant role in the New Year’s celebrations. Many residents attend church services to offer prayers and gratitude, reflecting the importance of faith in Kiribati’s society. The combination of traditional customs and religious observances creates a harmonious blend of old and new, honoring the past while looking forward to the future.

2. Sydney, Australia: A Dazzling Spectacle

we always been captivated by Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, and this year did not disappoint. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House were bathed in a kaleidoscope of colors, with over a million people gathering around the harbor to soak in the magic. It wasn’t just the fireworks—live music performances and street food stalls added to the festive vibe. For those unable to attend, the broadcast ensured the spectacle reached millions worldwide. It truly felt like a global celebration.

Australia ushered in 2025 with vibrant celebrations across its major cities, featuring spectacular fireworks displays and various entertainment events. Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are renowned worldwide. The city hosted a dazzling fireworks display over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, attracting over a million spectators. The event featured a nine-tonne fireworks display, with mixed reactions from the public. While some attendees were impressed, others felt the display lacked innovation compared to other global events featuring drones and light shows. Despite these differing opinions, the celebration was a significant highlight of Sydney’s cultural calendar. following is official you tube video of Sydney new year celebration released by city of Sydney you tube channel.

3. Auckland, New Zealand: Early Bird Festivities

New Zealand ushered in 2025 with vibrant celebrations across its major cities, featuring spectacular fireworks displays and various entertainment events. Auckland welcomed 2025 with its signature flair, featuring a spectacular fireworks display from the Sky Tower. The energy was electric, and as one of the first major cities to ring in the New Year, Auckland set a vibrant tone for celebrations worldwide. The celebrations extended into local neighborhoods with parades, cultural performances, and late-night gatherings. The event attracted thousands of spectators who gathered to witness the colorful spectacle lighting up the night sky.

In the capital city, Wellington, Frank Kitts Park hosted a festival that included live music, food stalls, and a fireworks display, creating a lively atmosphere for both locals and visitors. Christchurch celebrated with free live music concerts at Hagley Park, culminating in a midnight fireworks display. The event was well-attended, offering a family-friendly environment to ring in the new year. Queenstown, known for its stunning landscapes, also hosted a New Year’s Eve celebration featuring music and fireworks, attracting both locals and tourists to the resort town.

For a visual experience of New Zealand’s New Year 2025 fireworks display, you can watch the following video:

4. China’s mesmerizing dragon drone displays

China’s celebrations had a unique charm this year. Beijing’s futuristic light shows were complemented by traditional dragon dances and temple visits. Streets were adorned with red lanterns symbolizing prosperity, and families came together to enjoy elaborate meals. The combination of fireworks and synchronized drone displays showcased the country’s technological prowess while honoring its rich heritage. China celebrated the arrival of 2025 with vibrant festivities, notably in Shanghai, where a spectacular stunning sky drones display illuminated the night sky. The event featured cultural symbols and Chinese text, creating a mesmerizing 3D experience that captivated over 500,000 viewers on YouTube within a day.

In addition to the drone show, traditional celebrations included family reunions, feasts, and various cultural activities. The Spring Festival, as the Chinese New Year is known, is a time for honoring ancestors and celebrating with loved ones.

for Shanghai’s New Year 2025 fireworks display, watch youtube video time 5:00 drone led appears as dragon in sky expressing China’s tradition and culture.

following image shows the China’s mesmerizing dragon drone displays

5. Moscow, Russia: A Winter Wonderland

In 2025, Russia celebrated the New Year with traditional customs, though certain festivities were adjusted due to ongoing circumstances.

Many Russians observed the New Year with late family dinners, featuring traditional dishes such as Russian salad, herring, and sparkling wine. A pre-recorded address by President Vladimir Putin was broadcast at 11:55 PM, with many raising a toast to the chiming of the Kremlin clock at midnight. Homes were adorned with decorated fir trees, and figures like Grandfather Frost and his granddaughter Snegurochka were prominent symbols during the festivities.

In his New Year speech, President Putin expressed optimism, stating that Russia would move forward with confidence in 2025 and that Russians should be proud of their country. kindly refer Al Jazeera for more detail. in following youtube video putin says “everything will be fine”. the speech was delivered by Putin on the day of new year.

In response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, President Putin canceled New Year’s Eve fireworks across Russia, including major displays over the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral. Red Square was closed to revelers, and similar cancellations occurred in cities like St. Petersburg and Vladivostok. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin cited public opposition to fireworks due to the war, noting concerns that the noise could distress war-injured soldiers.

6. London, England: Timeless Elegance

London ushered in 2025 with a spectacular fireworks display along the River Thames, featuring over 12,000 fireworks and 420 lights. The event attracted around 100,000 attendees, who enjoyed the show against iconic landmarks like the London Eye and Big Ben.

The 11-minute display began with the message “Your New Year Is Unwritten” and included a diverse soundtrack featuring artists such as Sir Elton John, One Direction, and Charli XCX. The show also highlighted significant events from 2024, including the Paris Olympics, the Paralympics and Euro 2024. the national flag of united kingdom in spectacular fireworks display was the main attention of crowd. The finale featured a message from Paddington Bear, emphasizing London’s inclusive spirit, followed by a rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” by Boney M.

Despite severe weather conditions, including strong winds up to 75 mph and heavy rain, the fireworks display proceeded as planned. However, other events across the UK were canceled or modified due to the weather. For instance, London’s New Year’s Day Parade was delayed and adjusted to ensure public safety.

for visuals of Heart Shape in London’s New Year 2025 fireworks display, see following image

7. Toronto, Canada: A Frosty Celebration

Toronto welcomed 2025 with a variety of vibrant celebrations across the city. The official festivities were centered around the Harbourfront area, commencing at 10 p.m. on December 31 and concluding by 1 a.m. The highlight was a 10-minute high-altitude fireworks display over the waterfront at midnight, synchronized to music, providing a dazzling spectacle visible from various vantage points along the inner harbour. watch this video visualizing the fireworks display over the waterfront at midnight in Toronto, Canada.

In addition to the fireworks, several locations offered family-friendly activities and entertainment:

• Sherbourne Common (61 Dockside Dr.): Featured dance lessons by Dance Together Festival and pop-up circus performances by INCIRQUE.
• Toronto Music Garden (476 Queens Quay W.): Showcased short films from the National Film Board of Canada projected onto the Canada Malting Silos, pop-up circus performances by INCIRQUE, and a DJ performance by Traxx & Feels, with a countdown hosted by drag sensation Sanjina DaBish Queen.

Alternative viewing locations with audio broadcasts included Sugar Beach Park, Harbour Square Park, Harbourfront Centre, HTO Park, and HTO Park West.

Public transportation was made accessible to all, with the TTC, GO Transit, and UP Express offering free services from 7 p.m. on December 31 to 8 a.m. on January 1, facilitating safe travel for attendees.

Beyond the official events, various venues hosted their own celebrations:

• Distillery District: Held live entertainment and a fireworks display at midnight as part of its Winter Market.
• Liberty Grand: Hosted ‘Countdown NYE,’ touted as the GTA’s largest New Year’s Eve nightlife celebration.
• CN Tower: Offered a special three-course meal at the 360 Restaurant for those seeking a dining experience with panoramic views.

These diverse events provided both residents and visitors with memorable ways to usher in the New Year across Toronto.

8. Dubai, UAE: A Futuristic Celebration with use of Multirotor Drones

Dubai ushered in 2025 with a series of spectacular celebrations, most notably the grand fireworks display at the Burj Khalifa. The event featured a mesmerizing combination of fireworks, light, laser, and fountain shows, captivating both residents and visitors.

In addition to the Burj Khalifa spectacle, Ras Al Khaimah welcomed 2025 with a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration, setting two new Guinness World Records. The event, themed “Our Story in the Sky,” featured the largest aerial display of a tree and the largest aerial image of a seashell, both formed by multirotor drones.

The celebration combined traditional fireworks with innovative 3D drone displays, illuminating 5 kilometers of waterfront and captivating over 100,000 spectators.

Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, described the event as a tribute to the emirate’s achievements in tourism throughout 2024, reflecting the pride and creativity that define Ras Al Khaimah.

This achievement continues Ras Al Khaimah’s tradition of record-breaking New Year’s Eve celebrations, showcasing its commitment to innovation and cultural heritage.

For a visual experience of Dubai’s New Year 2025 fireworks display, you can watch the following video:

9. Mumbai, India: A Cultural Extravaganza

India’s celebrations were as diverse as the country itself. Mumbai ushered in 2025 with vibrant celebrations across the city, marked by fireworks, cultural events, and gatherings at iconic locations.

Fireworks and Public Gatherings:

• Marine Drive: Thousands of revelers congregated along the waterfront to witness a spectacular fireworks display over the Arabian Sea, creating a festive atmosphere as they welcomed the New Year.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT): At midnight, the historic railway station resonated with the synchronized honking of train horns, adding a unique auditory element to the city’s celebrations. you can watch this youtube video
• Parties and Events: Various venues across Mumbai hosted themed parties and cultural events, offering residents and visitors diverse options to celebrate the New Year. you can book your show in future at BookMyShow.
• Religious Observances: Churches conducted New Year masses on December 31 and January 1, with Holy Family Church in Chakala experiencing a robust season of services.

Unlike previous years, there were no official fireworks displays at the Gateway of India.

Overall, Mumbai’s New Year celebrations were a blend of traditional gatherings, modern festivities, and unique local customs, reflecting the city’s dynamic spirit.

For a visual glimpse of the celebrations, you can the fireworks display by clicking following youtube video link.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/0l_pjXPjzNk

10. Times Square, New York: The World’s Countdown Hub

Times Square remains the global symbol of New Year’s Eve, and 2025 upheld that legacy. Standing amidst the confetti shower and witnessing the ball drop was surreal. The countdown united millions in a shared moment of excitement. Celebrities, live performances, and a sense of camaraderie made it feel like the heart of the world was beating right there. The magic of Times Square is something words can barely capture. New York City celebrated the arrival of 2025 with its iconic Times Square Ball Drop

a tradition that has been held annually since 1907. Despite heavy rain, thousands of revelers gathered in Times Square, donning ponchos and braving the elements to witness the event. The rain ceased just half an hour before midnight, allowing the 11,875-pound ball, adorned with 2,688 crystal triangles and 32,256 LEDs, to descend at midnight, signaling the start of the new year. The celebration was further enhanced by confetti showers and live performances of Mickey Guyton creating a memorable experience for all people.

11. American Samoa: Last but Full of Spirit

Finally, American Samoa—the last place to welcome 2025. Their celebrations were a beautiful contrast to the grandeur seen elsewhere. Rooted in Samoan traditions, the feasts, music, and dances brought the year to a heartfelt close. Families gathered in small villages, sharing stories and laughter. The simplicity and authenticity of the celebrations were a reminder that joy comes in many forms. It was the perfect finale to a global journey of festivities.

From the serene shores of Kiribati to the vibrant festivities of American Samoa, the New Year’s journey across time zones was a mosaic of cultures and traditions. Each celebration added its unique color to the canvas of 2025, reminding us of the shared joy that unites humanity. Here’s to a year filled with hope and happiness!

see also https://newyeartrends.com/new-years-eve-2025-live-countdown/