There was a heavy security presence throughout the festivities, with thousands of armed police in attendance to ensure the crowds were safe.
In Melbourne, hundreds of thousands braved a cold evening to watch fireworks displays across the city to ring in the new year.
The seven-minute fireworks shows lit up the sky across Melbourne, first at 9.30pm then the main show at midnight – a spectacular display along the Yarra River.
Tokyo
People strike a giant bell to celebrate the New Year at the Zojoji Buddhist temple in Tokyo.Credit: AP
In Japan, where fireworks aren’t a traditional part of festivities, temple bells rang across the country. Others ate noodles in a traditional wish for long life because of the noodle’s shape.
Seoul
People gathered to celebrate at the annual bell-tolling ceremony at the Bosingak Pavilion in Seoul.Credit: Getty Images
Thousands gathered at the Bosingak bell pavilion, where a bronze bell was struck 33 times at midnight – a tradition rooted in Buddhist cosmology, symbolising the 33 heavens.
The chimes are believed to dispel misfortune and welcome peace and prosperity for the year ahead.
Hong Kong
People pose for photographs at Lan Kwai Fong to celebrate the start of 2026 in the Central district of Hong Kong.Credit: AP
Hong Kong rang in 2026 without the usual fireworks spectacle over Victoria Harbor after the massive fire in November.
Facades of landmarks instead were turned into countdown clocks that presented a light show at midnight.
Beijing
Drummers ring in the new year at the Juyongguan Great Wall on the outskirts of Beijing, China.Credit: AP
There were celebrations at the Juyong Pass, at the Great Wall of China just outside Beijing, with drummers and a display of computer-generated horses shown over part of the Wall
Revellers wore headgear and waved boards emblazoned with “2026” and the symbol of a horse.
February will mark the arrival of the Year of the Horse on the Chinese lunar calendar.
Revellers film falling balloons as they celebrate the countdown in Beijing.Credit: AP
Jakarta and Bali
Cities around Indonesia scaled back festivities in solidarity with communities devastated by floods and landslides in parts of Sumatra island a month ago, claiming more than 1100 lives.
Concerts and fireworks on the tourist island of Bali were replaced with a cultural event featuring traditional dances.
Still to come
Elsewhere, preparations are under way for the more traditional midnight toast.
In subzero temperatures in New York, organisers began putting up security barriers and stages ahead of the crowds that will flock to Times Square for the annual ball drop.
Similarly, on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro – albeit with warmer weather – staging was being set up for a massive music and fireworks party known as Reveillon. Organisers were hoping to beat their 2024 Guinness World Record for the biggest New Year’s Eve celebration.
In snowy Kyiv, Ukrainians prepared to see in the new year clinging to hopes of peace, although many lamented that after nearly four years of conflict with Russia, it still seemed elusive.
