Celebrations are hitting full swing across the world, as the first nations begin to welcome 2026.
Australia and New Zealand are among the first to see in the new year, with thousands already flocking to their festivities for the evening.
It was the island of Kiritimati, in Oceania, that saw the new year first. They are 14 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
This was shortly followed by New Zealand’s remote Chatham Island (GMT +13:45).
Britons have been warned to wrap up if they are heading out to watch fireworks, with temperatures barely expected to break freezing as the clock strikes midnight.
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Sydney’s ‘family fireworks’
Sydney’s ‘Family Fireworks’
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Thousands of people who have flocked to the iconic Sydney Opera House have already been treated to a spectacular fireworks display.
The “family fireworks”, also known as the Country fireworks, are displayed three hours before midnight every year ahead of the main show at midnight.
It marks our first true fireworks show of the day.
Happy New Year!
The atoll Kiritimati – also known as Christmas Island – has officially become the first place in the world to welcome in 2026!
The Oceania island in the Pacific Ocean, Kiritimati sits 14 hours ahead of the UK.
It was shortly joined by New Zealand’s remote Chatham Island (GMT +13:45), who became the second place to celebrate the new year.
The island is home to around 600 people.
