"The Pacific will be the first and last part of the world to welcome the New Year, with fireworks and public gatherings planned across several countries. Kiribati's largest island, Kiritimati (also known as Christmas Island), is the first inhabited place to enter the New Year, but with only about 5,000 people, it is not planning major events. Meanwhile, American Samoa will be the last to welcome in 2026."
"As one of the first major cities to ring in 2026, landmarks in New Zealand's Auckland are due to light up, with images of "special moments" from 2025 submitted by the public projected onto the Sky Tower. A light and sound show on the Auckland Harbour Bridge is set to count down to midnight before fireworks launch from the Sky Tower at 1100 GMT Wednesday. New Zealand's capital, Wellington, is also planning fireworks and live music at its inner-city lagoon."
"Sydney, two hours behind New Zealand, is expected to draw global attention with celebrations at its iconic harbor. More than 1 million people are expected to attend as over 9 tons of fireworks are launched during the night. Parties will pause for a minute of silence at 11 p.m. (1200 GMT) as the famed Sydney Harbour Bridge is bathed in white light to symbolise peace after a mass shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah festival on Bondi Beach killed 15 people."
Pacific islands and Oceania cities will lead New Year 2026 celebrations, with Kiritimati in Kiribati first and American Samoa last. Kiritimati has about 5,000 residents and is not planning major events. Samoa and Tonga will follow an hour later with church bells, community celebrations and fireworks. Auckland will project public-submitted images onto the Sky Tower and host a light and sound show on the Harbour Bridge before fireworks at 1100 GMT. Wellington will stage fireworks and live music at its inner-city lagoon. Sydney will attract global attention with over 1 million attendees, more than 9 tons of fireworks, and a one-minute silence at 11 p.m. to symbolise peace after a mass shooting.
Read at www.dw.com
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