A light show illuminates the Arc de Triomphe as fireworks are set off during new year celebrations at the Champs-Elysees in Paris on Jan 1. THIBAULT CAMUS/AP
As the clock struck midnight across different time zones, celebrations erupted around the world. From dazzling fireworks to heartfelt embraces, communities everywhere kicked off 2025 with unforgettable moments of joy and hope.
Auckland, the first major city to celebrate, saw thousands gathering downtown or ascending the city's volcanic peaks for a prime view of the fireworks.
People gather to mark New Year's Eve in Damascus, Syria. AMR ABDALLAH DALSH/REUTERS
In Asia, preparations were underway for the Year of the Snake, with Chinese New Year just around the corner. The Year of the Snake under the traditional Chinese zodiac symbolizes rebirth, echoing the snake's ability to shed its skin. Across China, Japan and other Asian countries, snake-themed products flew off the shelves.
Paris wrapped up 2024 with its iconic countdown and a spectacular fireworks display along the Champs-Elysees. The summer's Olympics and Paralympics in the French capital had brought the world together for a few brief but unforgettable weeks.
Fireworks are seen above one of Cairo's pyramids amid new year celebrations on Dec 31. KHALED DESOUKI/AFP
Cairo transformed into a spectacle of light and sound. The air was crisp, filled with the aroma of seasonal treats from bustling street vendors. New year fireworks were displayed at the pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza.
On Brazil's Copacabana Beach, crowds joined the main New Year's bash, with at least 10 ferries offshore hosting a 12-minute fireworks show. Thousands of tourists on six cruise ships watched from the water.
A woman wears glasses as part of new year celebrations in Rio de Janeiro on Dec 31. DANIEL RAMALHO/AFP
As revelers packed Times Square in New York for the countdown, 2025 had arrived in most corners of the world.
The celebrations were held even as the year was marked by ongoing conflict, accidents and the growing impact of climate change. Amid these concerns, people came together to usher in 2025 with hope, resilience and a shared desire for a better future.
Residents view fireworks as they celebrate the new year at Ancol Beach in Jakarta on Jan 1. YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP
Hours before Germany rang in the new year, Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on its 84 million residents to stick together despite the many global crises and wars, the country's ailing economy and a deadly Christmas market attack that shocked the nation.
With a storm forecast to bring bitter weather in the north of the United Kingdom, festivities in Edinburgh — including the renowned Hogmanay street party, garden concert and castle pyrotechnics show — were canceled in advance.
Fireworks are seen at the harbor area of Sydney on Dec 31. BIANCA DE MARCHI VIA REUTERS
In South Korea, celebrations were cut back as the country observed a period of national mourning following the Sunday crash of a Jeju Air flight at Muan that killed 179 people.
Muted start
In regions affected by conflict, the celebrations marking the arrival of 2025 were subdued.
"The year 2024 was one of the worst years for all Palestinian people. It was a year of hunger, displacement, suffering and poverty," said Nour Abu Obaid, a displaced woman from northern Gaza.
Children play with fireworks at the Bureij camp for displaced Palestinians on Dec 30. EYAD BABA/AFP
Obaid, whose 10-year-old child was killed in a strike in Al-Mawasi in Rafah, said she did not expect anything good in 2025.
"The world is dead," she told AP. "We do not expect anything, we expect the worst."
Lebanon is in the grip of a severe economic crisis and many areas were heavily damaged during the conflicts, which ended with a shaky cease-fire.
People take part in an annual tar barrel festival in Allendale, Britain, on Dec 31. LEE SMITH/REUTERS
In Syria, people expressed mixed emotions and cautious hopes for the coming year after the unexpected ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad. While crowds gathered in Damascus for fireworks, residents reflected on a country still recovering from war and ongoing crises with many cautiously optimistic about the future.
Sudan marked its second new year under the shadow of war between the regular army and paramilitary forces, with many voicing their hopes for peace.
Tourists take photos with new year decorations in Hanoi on Dec 31. NHAC NGUYEN/AFP
Violent conflict has continued to devastate the northern African country since 2023, deepening the humanitarian crisis that has claimed nearly 30,000 lives and displaced more than 14 million — about onethird of Sudan's population — since the brutal clashes.
"We hope to come back to our houses safe and sound this year, for this war to end and just to be able to see home once more," Fatma Mohamed, a local resident, told AFP in Port Sudan.
Agencies contributed to this story.
