People celebrated the start of New Year's Eve, but because of the international date line, it takes 25 hours for all inhabited places to complete a day and welcome 2026. Let's have a look to discover the first and last countries to celebrate the New Year.

Which country celebrates the New Year first and which is the last? Check inside

New Year 2026: It's finally the new year. The world rang in 2026 under the shadow of war, grief, and uncertainty. Let's have a look at how fireworks lit the skies even as conflicts, political shocks, and climate extremes shaped an uneasy start.

Last places to enter 2026: Baker Island & Howland Island

China celebrates the New Year in iconic way

Egypt celebrates new year with fireworks over the pyramids in Giza

Fireworks light up the sky above Burj Khalifa

Ukrainians celebrates 4th New Year’s Eve since Russia’s invasion 

Fireworks light up Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Beach on New Year

Sri Lanka Prez calls for unity to rebuild country

New York rings in 2026 with iconic Times Square ball drop

Chandrababu Naidu shares visuals of first sunrise of 2026 from 'The Sunrise State'

Trump takes aim at Clooney and others, tells rivals "rot in hell"

Recap: Trump returns, trade shake

Sudan violence continues

Indian President Droupadi Murmu extends New Year wishes

Gaza ceasefire remains fragile

Ukraine war looms over New Year

Indian PM Narendra Modi prays for 'peace and happiness' 

Hong Kong cancels fireworks after deadly fire

Sydney pauses to remember shooting victims

Pacific nations first to enter 2026

New Year 2026 LIVE: New York rings in 2026 with iconic ball drop at Times Square

Nations around the world welcomed the New Year as midnight struck across different time zones. Across continents, New Year celebrations blended tradition and spectacle with fireworks, light shows, and music as people embraced the chance to start 2026 with hope and unity.

Happy New Year! World rings in 2026 with celebrations, stunning moments

Happy New Year! From New Zealand to Fiji to Sydney. See how these countries welcomed 2026 in style

With major occasions such as Makar Sankranti and Republic Day, along with regional festivals and regular weekend breaks, the month offers several opportunities to turn scheduled holidays into extended time off.

January 2026 holiday calendar: Festivals, public holidays, and long weekends you shouldn’t miss