New York: The World Ushered in New Year 2025 with Stunning Celebrations, beginning in the South Pacific and Culminating in the Americas.
New Zealand led the festivities, with thousands gathering in Auckland to witness spectacular fireworks displays from volcanic peaks.
Meanwhile, American Samoa prepared to be among the last to greet the new year, a full 24 hours after New Zealand.
In New York, the Times Square ball drop, a tradition spanning nearly 120 years and interrupted only in 1942 and 1943 due to World War II nighttime dimouts, marked the arrival of 2025.
A Waterford crystal-encrusted, five-tonne ball, illuminated by over 30,000 LEDs, descended a specially-designed flagpole to the cheers of thousands.
This iconic event has inspired unique New Year’s Eve customs across the U.S., such as in Vincennes, Indiana, where residents celebrate by dropping watermelons from great heights, adding a local twist to the nationwide festivities.
Welcome 2025! pic.twitter.com/EkFw5O2PsS
— Times Square (@TimesSquareNYC) January 1, 2025
Despite heavy rain, thousands of revellers braved the weather to cheer, celebrate, and enjoy performances by TLC, Jonas Brothers, Rita Ora, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
In London, a dazzling fireworks display lit up the skies, though some events elsewhere in the UK were cancelled due to inclement weather.
Damascus celebrated its first New Year since President Bashar al-Assad’s removal, with crowds enjoying fireworks and lively DJ sets.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi joined the global festivities with breathtaking midnight displays, showcasing the United Arab Emirates’ signature grandeur.
These celebrations united millions worldwide, marking the hopeful start of 2025 with joy and dazzling spectacles.
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