China, Malaysia, and the Philippines welcomed 2026 in spectacular fashion, lighting up the skies with fireworks, colourful projections, and the beat of drums as millions celebrated the new year.
In Beijing, crowds gathered in front of grand temples as giant drums signalled midnight, while dazzling lights illuminated the city. Residents captured the moment on phones and cameras, sharing in the joy of ushering in the new year.
In Metro Manila, revellers in Makati watched a glittering fireworks display, lighting up the night sky with bursts of colour that echoed across the city. Malaysia also celebrated with fireworks and cultural performances, marking the first day of 2026 with fanfare and excitement.
The celebrations follow earlier New Year festivities in Japan and South Korea, where the ringing of bells in Tokyo and Seoul marked the arrival of 2026. Across the globe, Sydney put on a grand fireworks display over its harbour, though the mood was tinged with sadness following the tragic Bondi Beach attack earlier this month.
Kiribati was among the first to welcome the new year, with one couple celebrating on a remote beach under a sky filled with stars—and countless crabs. Meanwhile, people in Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Guam, and New Zealand’s remote Chatham Island joined in the festivities, keeping local traditions alive.
In Singapore, families took part in government-sponsored celebrations, with children like twelve-year-old Jayden eagerly watching the countdown. “I’m excited for the new year and the performances,” he said, adding that he hoped 2026 would bring “peace for the world.”
In Japan, Shogatsu—the most important holiday of the year—saw families gather for traditional meals, including Osechi Ryori, colourful dishes prepared to last several days, and buckwheat noodles symbolising longevity. Homes were decorated with bamboo and pine ornaments, and businesses paused so families could celebrate together.
From the bustling streets of Beijing to remote islands in the Pacific, Asia has welcomed 2026 with fireworks, drums, and tradition, setting the tone for a year of hope, celebration, and colour
