Auckland ushered in the year 2026 with a dazzling display of fireworks launched from the iconic Sky Tower, the tallest structure in New Zealand. Despite the wet weather, the city became the first major city to celebrate the new year, setting the stage for celebrations worldwide.

New Zealand and other South Pacific nations are among the earliest to welcome the new year. As Auckland, home to 1.7 million residents, celebrated at midnight, it was still 18 hours before the famed ball drop in New York’s Times Square.

The impressive five-minute firework show in Auckland featured 3,500 fireworks set off from various levels of the 240-meter Sky Tower. However, inclement weather led to the cancellation of several smaller community events across New Zealand’s North Island, with forecasts predicting rain and potential thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, New Year’s Eve celebrations were notably subdued. In a show of solidarity with communities affected by devastating floods and landslides on Sumatra island, which claimed over 1,100 lives a month ago, many cities opted for toned-down festivities.

Jakarta, the capital, avoided its usual elaborate festivities, instead opting for a more solemn program focused on prayers for the flood victims, as announced by city Governor Pramono Anung last week.

Similarly, in Makassar, one of Indonesia’s largest cities, Mayor Munafri Arifuddin encouraged residents to forgo the usual parties. He emphasized the importance of empathy and reflection over the traditional fireworks and gatherings, advocating for community prayer and contemplation.

Makassar Mayor Munafri Arifuddin urged residents of one of Indonesia’s largest cities to forgo parties altogether, calling for prayer and reflection instead. “Empathy and restraint are more meaningful than fireworks and crowds,” he said.

Concerts and fireworks on Indonesia’s tourist island of Bali have been cancelled and replaced with a cultural arts event featuring 65 groups performing traditional dances.

Hong Kong, too, will ring in 2026 without the usual spectacular and colourful explosions in the sky over its iconic Victoria Harbor, after a massive fire in November killed at least 161 people.

The city’s tourism board will instead host a music show featuring soft rock duo Air Supply and other singers in Central, a business district. The facades of eight landmarks will turn into giant countdown clocks presenting a three-minute light show at midnight.

Many parts of Asia welcome the new year by observing age-old traditions.

In Japan, crowds will gather at a Buddhist temple in Tokyo for a bell striking at midnight. In the South Korean capital Seoul, a bell tolling and countdown ceremony will be held at the Bosingak Pavilion.