Happy New Year: World Steps Into 2025 With Fireworks, Light Shows

What a show! Our 9pm Calling Country fireworks display was produced by We Are Warriors. It honoured the spirit of Barangaroo, and the deep connection of Eora women to the waterways of Sydney Harbour. #SydneyNYE #NewYearsEve #Sydney pic.twitter.com/hm2FAmk5Xm

— City of Sydney (@cityofsydney) December 31, 2024

The Church of Christ in Bocaue, Philippines made the Guinness World Record for the largest display of fireworks ever. The celebration consisted of 810,904 fireworks and lasted for 1 hour, 1 minute and 32 second. In capital Manila, Filipinos come out to the streets to celebrate with family and friends—singing on the karaoke and blowing their horns.

The British Royal Family was one of the first to post New Year Wishes as New Zealand celebrated the arrival of New Year.

✨🎆 Wishing you a Happy New Year! pic.twitter.com/SzYKzkqYuc

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 31, 2024

However, the celebrations were either muted or cancelled in South Korea as the country mourns the tragic Muan air crash on Sunday, which led to the deaths of 179 people. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said that through the period ending on January 4, its year-end events including the Seoul Winter Festa will be scaled back or postponed, while the city will mourn with the public while welcoming 2025. In Thailand, the people offered prayers to mark the new year during a merit-making ceremony.

In Vatican City, Pope Francis held the annucal traditional New Year’s Eve vespers service in St. Peter’s Basilica. During his address, he thanked Rome for the construction and renovation work that the city has undertaken over the past year to prepare for the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, when around 32 million tourists are expected to visit Rome next year.