Auckland, New Zealand, was the first major city to welcome 2026, lighting up the night with a five-minute firework show from the 240-meter Sky Tower. The event launched 3,500 fireworks despite forecasted rain and canceled smaller gatherings on New Zealand's North Island. Two hours later, Sydney held New Year's celebrations under heavy police presence after the nation's worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years. On December 14, two gunmen attacked a Hannukah event at Bondi Beach, killing 15 and injuring 40. Before fireworks over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a moment of silence was observed with candlelight in memory of the victims. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said, "We can't be in a situation where this horrible, criminal, terrorist event changes the way we live in our beautiful city," urging people to show defiance against terror. Nearby Indonesia and Hong Kong marked New Year with subdued events out of respect for recent tragedies. Indonesia cut back festivities after floods killed over 1,100 people. Jakarta focused on prayer events, and Bali replaced fireworks with traditional dance shows. Hong Kong canceled fireworks after a deadly November fire, planning a music concert and light shows on landmark buildings instead. In Asia, Japan and South Korea kept to traditional bell-ringing ceremonies welcoming the new year. Chinese President Xi Jinping used his New Year's address to boast of China's tech advances and renewed forceful warnings about Taiwan, calling for reunification. Meanwhile, Berlin celebrated 2025's end in snowfall, with festive crowds at major landmarks. In Greece and Cyprus, celebrations were quieter with low-noise fireworks and drone shows to protect children and pets from loud sounds. This global mix of bright sparks, solemn moments, and peaceful prayers marks a New Year shaped by recent tragedies and resilience.