World Celebrates New Year 18 Hours Early, U.S. Left Waiting Like a Weirdo
KEY POINTS
- ā¢South Pacific countries like New Zealand welcomed the new year 18 hours before New York City's Times Square celebrated.
- ā¢Countries from Egypt to Iraq, Germany to the Philippines, and Qatar to Pakistan hosted vibrant fireworks and laser celebrations on January 1.
- ā¢Hundreds of thousands globally participated in New Year's Eve events across multiple time zones marking the symbolic arrival of 2026.
As the globe raced into 2026, New Zealand's Auckland boldly claimed 'first major city' swag on January 1st, while Egyptian pyramids lit the sky with fireworks so ancient even Cleopatra might've double-tapped. Iraq's Zakho and Germany's Brandenburg Gate hosted laser and firework shows, because why not compete for most over-the-top international celebration? Meanwhile, children in Makati, Philippines, wielded sparklers like tiny festival ninjas. Not to be outdone, Pakistanās Karachi and Vietnamās Hanoi honored the moment with explosive pyrotechnics near Hoan Kiem Lakeās The Huc Bridge, proving geography and time zones can't stop our global FOMO. The U.S.? Still prepping their iconic ball drop in Times Square, probably googling āhow to catch up with timeā as 2026 past laughed in 18-hour lead time.
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'The world rang in 2026, while the U.S. awkwardly waited for a dropping ball like a sad hot potato tossed 18 hours too slow.'
When the world hits January 1st and your timezone's still at '2019 patience mode,' you know US parties are from a different calendar conspiracy.
Auckland just moonwalked into 2026 like the coolest kid on the block; Meanwhile, NYC's Times Square is that friend who always shows up late to their own party.
Source: Axios | Published: 12/31/2025 | Author: Rebecca Falconer
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