Welcoming 2025: Auckland Kicks Off New Year's Celebrations

As the clock struck midnight in Auckland, New Zealand, the world's first major city to enter 2025, thousands of people celebrated with colorful fireworks from the Sky Tower and a dazzling downtown light show. The festivities highlighted Indigenous tribes' contributions amid ongoing Māori rights protests. Other South Pacific nations soon joined the party, with New Zealand setting the pace 18 hours before New York's Times Square ball drop. Around the globe, cities prepared unique celebrations. In Australia, over a million people gathered at Sydney Harbor for traditional fireworks alongside Indigenous ceremonies. Japan, gearing up for the Year of the Snake, saw stores stocking snake-themed products and homes undergoing thorough cleaning. However, South Korea toned down celebrations due to national mourning following a plane crash. Meanwhile, Jakarta planned a drone-enhanced fireworks display. In war-torn regions, celebrations were more subdued. China and Russia exchanged New Year's greetings, reflecting their strengthened ties despite Western tensions. Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas cast a somber mood, while Lebanon and Syria faced economic and political uncertainties. In Dubai, the world's tallest skyscraper, Burj Khalifa, hosted a fireworks show. Rome's festivities were special, marking the start of Pope Francis' Holy Year. Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for unity amidst global crises. Paris celebrated a successful Summer Olympics, while London prepared for a riverfront fireworks display. Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Beach hosted Brazil's main event, with concerts by popular artists. New York City's Times Square ball drop included performances by TLC, Jonas Brothers, and others. Las Vegas offered its traditional pyrotechnics show and a new time zone countdown at the Sphere venue. Pasadena hosted the Rose Parade and a midnight 5K race, while Nashville featured a five-hour country music show. American Samoa would be the last to ring in 2025, 24 hours after New Zealand.