Happy New Year (in some parts of the world)!
Though the hours are still ticking away until 2026 is celebrated in the United States, part of the world has already rung in the new year. Located in the Pacific Ocean, Kiribati, also known as Christmas Island, is the first country to ring in the new year, bright and early at 5 a.m. ET. Auckland, New Zealand is the first major city to celebrate the new year each January.
For those looking to celebrate the new year earlier than America's festivities kick off, take a look at New Year's Eve celebrations around the globe by tuning in to the USA TODAY livestream at the top of this story or reading below.
Dubai rung in 2026 at 4 p.m. ET with glorious fireworks shot high from around Burj Khalifa, the more than 2,700-foot-tall skyscraper.
All of Asia has officially celebrated the New Year. Videos from Taipei, Taiwan; Beijing, China; Hong Kong and Seoul, South Korea show fantastical firework and projection displays and dancing performances.
