As the clock struck midnight, millions across the United Kingdom and around the globe welcomed 2026 with spectacular displays and heartfelt wishes for a more peaceful future. The celebrations provided a poignant mix of joy and reflection against a backdrop of ongoing international conflict.
UK Celebrations: Fireworks and Frosty Festivities
In the capital, an estimated 100,000 people gathered along the River Thames to witness London's world-famous New Year's Eve fireworks display. Tickets for the official viewing areas had been sold out for weeks, prompting many to seek out elevated vantage points across the city. Authorities noted that Primrose Hill, which attracted over 30,000 revellers in 2024, was closed this year, with the Metropolitan Police warning the public not to attempt entry.
Further north, Edinburgh's iconic Hogmanay street party proceeded despite a biting Arctic chill and strong northerly winds, with tens of thousands expected to brave the elements for the traditional celebration. Major cities from Belfast and Cardiff to Manchester and Newcastle also hosted significant public events to ring in the new year.
A World of Contrast: Celebrations and Conflict
The festive spirit was not universal. In Ukraine and Russia, the shadow of the ongoing war led to subdued or cancelled festivities. In snowy Kyiv, a curfew in Lviv prevented public celebrations at midnight, and many citizens expressed despair that peace remained a distant dream. Yet, hope persisted, exemplified by nine-year-old Olesia at a Christmas tree near Saint Sophia Cathedral, who told reporters, "I think there will be peace in the new year."
In Moscow, a woman named Larisa, visiting from Altai Krai, voiced a common wish: "I wish for the war to end, I think that this is the main and most important topic for our country." Conversely, Russian President Vladimir Putin used his annual televised address to rally troops fighting in Ukraine, asserting that millions of Russians stood with them.
Global Spectacles and Solemn Tributes
Around the world, cities marked the transition with their own unique traditions. Sydney, Australia, kicked off 2026 with a breathtaking 7-kilometre fireworks display across its harbour, featuring a stunning waterfall effect from the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The event was held under heightened security following a tragic attack weeks earlier. Organisers held a minute's silence at 11 p.m., illuminating the bridge in white and projecting a menorah onto its pylons in tribute to the victims.
Other global highlights included:
- New York: Preparations in Times Square for the famous ball drop, despite subzero temperatures.
- Rio de Janeiro: Staging set up on Copacabana Beach for the massive 'Reveillon' party, with organisers aiming to break a Guinness World Record.
- Seoul: Thousands gathering at the Bosingak bell pavilion for the traditional 33 midnight chimes, symbolising the dispelling of misfortune.
- Busan, South Korea: A drone show creating an image of a red horse, the 2026 Chinese zodiac symbol of strength and perseverance.
The global tapestry of New Year's Eve 2025 ultimately wove together threads of exuberant celebration, resilient tradition, and a profound, shared yearning for a peaceful and prosperous year ahead.
