As midnight approaches on December 31, millions worldwide are gearing up to usher in the new year. The shift to 2025 will unfold in a stunning wave of celebrations, occurring at different times due to Earth’s rotation and varying time zones. From remote Pacific islands to bustling cities, here’s how the world will welcome the new year.
The celebrations begin on Christmas Island (Kiritimati) in the Republic of Kiribati, the first to ring in 2025 at 5 am EST (3:30 pm IST). Shortly after, the Chatham Islands of New Zealand will follow at 5:15 am EST (3:45 pm IST), with major New Zealand cities like Auckland and Wellington celebrating at 6 am EST (4:30 pm IST).
In the Pacific, the celebrations will continue across Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji, joining the festivities right after New Zealand. Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra in Australia will soon follow with dazzling fireworks displays. The celebrations will then spread across smaller Australian cities, including Adelaide, Broken Hill, and Ceduna, with Queensland and Northern Australia ringing in 2025 later.
As the clock ticks further, Japan, South Korea, and North Korea will begin their celebrations at 10 am EST (8:30 pm IST), followed by Western Australia, with Perth leading the way at 10:15 am IST (8:45 pm IST). As midnight approaches in China, the Philippines, and Singapore, their streets will come alive with fireworks, lanterns, and festive cheer.
Southeast Asia will join the celebrations as the day progresses, with Indonesia, Thailand, and Myanmar celebrating first, followed by Bangladesh and Nepal. India and Sri Lanka will mark the new year at 1:30 pm EST (11 pm IST), and Pakistan and Afghanistan will follow soon after.
Finally, the uninhabited Baker and Howland Islands, located southwest of Hawaii, will be the last to greet 2025. These remote islands will be the final places to celebrate the new year at 5:30 pm IST on January 1.