As the world gears up to bid farewell to 2024, the transition to a new year will be marked by celebrations sweeping across time zones. From the Pacific Islands to bustling metropolises, here’s how the global New Year’s festivities will unfold, starting with Christmas Island and ending at the remote Baker and Howland Islands.
First to celebrate: Christmas Island and Samoa
The Republic of Kiribati’s Christmas Island (Kiritimati) will be the first to welcome 2025 at 5:00 am EST. The Chatham Islands in New Zealand will follow shortly at 5:15 am EST. Soon after, major New Zealand cities like Auckland and Wellington will celebrate at 6:00 am EST.
Pacific wave: Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji
The Pacific festivities will continue in Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji, followed by Australia. Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra will light up with dazzling fireworks at 9:00 am EST, while other Australian regions like Queensland and the Northern Territory will ring in the new year by 9:30 am EST.
East Asia joins in: Japan, Korea, and China
As the celebrations progress westward, East Asian nations will begin their countdown. Japan, South Korea, and North Korea will mark the moment at 10:00 am EST. Western Australia, including Perth, will follow at 10:15 am EST.
China, the Philippines, and Singapore will join the festivities by midnight local time, featuring vibrant fireworks and cultural displays.
South and Southeast Asia festivities
Southeast Asia will ring in 2025, with Indonesia, Thailand, and Myanmar celebrating first. Bangladesh and Nepal follow closely, while India and Sri Lanka will welcome the New Year at 1:30 pm EST. Pakistan and Afghanistan will then bid adieu to 2024 as the celebrations continue westward.
Final stop: Baker and Howland Islands
The last places on Earth to welcome 2025 will be the uninhabited Baker and Howland Islands, located southwest of Hawaii. These remote islands will officially conclude the global celebrations at 7:00 am EST on January 1, 2025.
A global wave of celebrations
From the Pacific Islands to the heart of Asia, Europe, and the Americas, the New Year’s transition reflects the Earth’s diversity and shared joy. As each region welcomes 2025, the spirit of hope and renewal unites people across time zones in a truly global celebration.
