Happy New Year 2025 LIVE: follow the countdown and celebrations around the world to say goodbye to the Old Year

Hawaii, one of the states of the United States, welcomed the New Year 2025 with celebrations and a spectacular fireworks show.

In Anchorage, Alaska, USA, residents are joyfully and enthusiastically celebrating the arrival of the New Year 2025. The city is filled with festive activities as fireworks light up the sky to mark the beginning of a new year.

With the traditional 'Fiesta a la Bandera', Santiago de Cuba, one of the cities in the country, welcomed 2025. The celebration was also accompanied by several fireworks that lit up the sky of the country.

Photo: X

Mexico welcomes 2025 with a spectacular light show. From Paseo de la Reforma, a crowd of 200,000 people gathers to celebrate the New Year, enjoying a festive atmosphere.

Photo: X

Peru joins other countries in welcoming the New Year 2025. With an impressive fireworks show, the streets of Lima are lit up, celebrating the arrival of the new year.

Photo: YouTube

Terranova y Labrador, one of the easternmost provinces of Canada, is next in line to welcome the New Year 2025. This festive moment will coincide with celebrations in other countries around the world that are also ringing in the New Year according to their respective time zones.

The last country in the world to welcome the New Year 2025 will be the Baker and Howland Islands. These uninhabited territories of the United States are located in the central Pacific Ocean. Due to their location west of the International Date Line, they are the last points on the planet to bid farewell to the “Old Year” and welcome 2025.
 

The Italian capital has been the scene of open-air concerts and fireworks shows, especially in emblematic areas such as the Circus Maximus and Piazza del Popolo. These events have brought together thousands of people, both locals and tourists, to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

Photo: CDN

Thousands of people gathered along the River Thames to witness the fireworks display around the London Eye, accompanied by music and lights that illuminated the sky over the British capital.

Photo: Cloud Front

Known for its spectacular fireworks in Auckland, New Zealand celebrates the New Year in the UTC+13 time zone. This nation maintains the tradition of using colorful lights that illuminate the skies.

Photo: Your News Portal

The Oceania country is vibrating with joy on New Year 2025 in cities such as Sydney, in UTC+11 time zone. This geographical space stands out for its impressive fireworks displays over the Opera House and the Bay Bridge.

Photo: CDN

The first country to celebrate the New Year is Kiribati, an island nation in the central Pacific Ocean. With a total of 33 islands, Kiribati has only 20 of them inhabited in its total recorded territory of 2,900 kilometers.

Photo: Free Press

One of Europe's largest open-air New Year’s Eve parties takes place at the iconic Brandenburg Gate. It features DJ performances, live music, light shows, and an impressive fireworks display at midnight.

Greece has already celebrated the New Year 2025. As the clock struck midnight, Athens and other cities across the country welcomed the new year with spectacular fireworks displays and celebrations full of hope and excitement.

Egypt has already celebrated the arrival of the New Year 2025. With a UTC+2 time difference, Egypt rings in the new year earlier than many other regions of the world. Festivities in cities like Cairo and Alexandria include fireworks, cultural events, and family gatherings to commemorate this special occasion.

France rings in the New Year 2025 with great enthusiasm, featuring fireworks all across the country, with Paris as the epicenter of the celebration.

The Acropolis of Athens is expected to be the backdrop for a spectacular fireworks display to welcome the New Year 2025. Main celebrations usually take place in Syntagma Square, featuring free concerts, DJ performances, and live acts culminating in the midnight countdown. As the clock strikes midnight, fireworks light up the sky over the Acropolis, providing an impressive view for both locals and visitors.

Israel already celebrates New Year 2025, and despite the political issues the country faces, they welcome it in the best possible way.

President Vladimir Putin told Russians in a New Year's speech that the country would move forward confidently in 2025, although he did not make specific promises about the economy or the war in Ukraine.

At a time when many ordinary people are concerned about rising prices and the central bank's 21% interest rate squeezing businesses and homebuyers, Putin assured Russians that their well-being was his top priority.

He framed Russia's challenges as part of a broader historical mission, evoking past victories, including its role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II.

Russia, he said, has overcome trials, achieved great goals, and strengthened its unity in the first quarter of the 21st century, a period that coincides exactly with his time as its supreme leader.

"And now, on the threshold of the new year, we are thinking about the future. We are confident that everything will be fine, we will just keep moving forward. We know for sure that the absolute value for us was, is, and will be the fate of Russia, the well-being of its citizens," he said.

Syria welcomes the New Year with parties and concerts in various locations across the country. Here is an image of people celebrating.

In Chinese culture, Lunar New Year celebrations, known as the 'Spring Festival", include elements such as red lanterns, fireworks, and lion dances, which are rich in symbolism to attract good luck, prosperity, and happiness. If heart-shaped balloons have been adopted in some regions, it is likely a cultural fusion or a modern trend to add a romantic or emotional touch to the festivities.

Images of Dubai celebrating New Year 2025 from the world's tallest building.

India celebrates the arrival of New Year 2025. Photos show a crowd celebrating and capturing the fireworks with their phones.

Vietnam celebrated the arrival of the New Year 2025 with colorful and joyous festivities across the country. Major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City were lit up with spectacular decorations and fireworks, while thousands of people gathered on the streets to welcome the new year with hope and optimism.

Image: AFP

Puerto Rico suffered a widespread blackout affecting 80% of the population (more than 1.3 million customers) due to a failure in the infrastructure of a power plant on the southern coast. The incident, which occurred in the early morning, was attributed to a damaged underground cable, which caused a cascading effect that impacted several generating plants, according to LUMA and the Electric Power Authority. Work to restore service has already begun, although it is estimated that the process could take between 24 and 48 hours.

Read the full article HERE.

- Red: Symbolizes love and passion. Ideal for those who want to attract love, strengthen relationships and enjoy life with positive energy.

- Yellow: Represents prosperity and economic success. Associated with money and abundance, it is perfect for attracting financial security and new job opportunities.

- White: Symbolizes peace and harmony. Ideal for those seeking balance, tranquility and strengthening the family unit.

- Green: Associated with health and well-being. Represents renewal, healing and commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

- Blue: Represents tranquility and protection. Ideal for those seeking emotional stability, peace of mind and clarity in their decisions.

- Pink: Symbolizes self-love and positive relationships. Ideal for cultivating healthy friendships and strengthening the emotional connection with others.

- Black: Represents elegance and protection. Associated with empowerment and the closing of cycles, it projects authority and control.

Thailand joins the Asian countries that welcomed the New Year 2025.

Image: CNN

- Jimmy Carter funeral services: Will be held from January 4 to 9 and will conclude with a private burial in Georgia.

- Bronx shooting: Six people were injured, including a Hispanic woman.

- Security in Times Square: Special measures have been deployed to ensure security during the New Year celebrations.

Image: composition by Gerson Cardoso/La República/AFP/Andina

Ukraine was hit by heavy Russian strikes early Tuesday, involving 61 missiles and numerous drones, while Russia claimed to have downed 68 Ukrainian drones. Regions impacted include Sumy in northern Ukraine and the capital Kyiv, where a house was damaged and a woman was injured by debris. The Ukrainian air force stated it had shot down 1 supersonic missile, 5 guided missiles, and 16 drones during the attack.

Concurrently, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that its forces conducted precision weapon and drone strikes, targeting a Ukrainian military base and a gunpowder factory. Both sides continue their intensive operations, underscoring the conflict's persistence on multiple fronts and the ongoing use of advanced aerial weaponry.

Image: LR composition

At 12:02 a.m. on January 1, China, Taiwan and Singapore are celebrating the arrival of 2025 in grand style.

Image: Global News

- "As the year ends, may you find peace, joy, and fulfillment. Have a wonderful 2025, filled with blessings and endless happiness!"

- "May this new year be as bright as your smile and as joyful as your spirit. Wishing you a prosperous and happy 2025!"

- "Sending you my warmest wishes for a year filled with love, laughter, and new memories. May 2025 bring you everything you desire."

- "May the new year bring peace to your life, success in your career, and abundance in your personal life. Happy New Year 2025!"

- "Out with the old, in with the new. May you be blessed with everything you desire in 2025!"

- "Cheers to a year of happiness, joy, and all the amazing things life has to offer. Happy New Year!"

- "Happy New Year! May the coming year bring you all the success and happiness you deserve"

- "Sending you all my love and best wishes for a prosperous and healthy 2025. May this year bring endless joy into your life"

Read more phrases and wishes HERE.

Image: AI/Freepik

Gastronomy is an essential part of the celebration, and these are some of the most common searches:

- Traditional dishes such as roast suckling pig, cakes, and rice with pigeon peas.

- Desserts such as tembleque and rice pudding.

- Drinks such as the traditional coquito, perfect for toasting the New Year.

The Island of Enchantment offers fireworks shows in emblematic places such as:

Old San Juan: a show that lights up the bay and brings together thousands of people in Plaza Colón.

Beaches in the metropolitan area: Condado and Escambrón are perfect options for those who want to enjoy the ocean view and fireworks.

Towns like Mayagüez or Ponce: these towns organize traditional celebrations with unique festive touches.

Imagen: CDN

Puerto Ricans celebrate the New Year with rituals that combine superstitions, culture and joy. Among the most sought-after traditions are:

- Eating twelve grapes to make wishes.

- Throwing water to cleanse bad energies.

- Wearing colorful underwear to attract prosperity, love or peace.

- Enjoying the traditional 'asopao' in the early hours of January 1.

Some of the most curious traditions are:

Colombia (and other Latin American countries): Carry an empty suitcase around the house or neighborhood at midnight to attract travel and adventure in the new year.

Catalonia (Spain): The figure of the "Home dels Nassos", a character with as many noses as there are days in the year, which symbolizes the passing of time. At the end of the year, anyone could represent this figure.

Denmark: At the stroke of midnight, people jump from a chair or sofa, symbolizing a leap into the new year as a wish for luck and happiness.

For those eager to witness the iconic ball drop in Times Square this New Year's Eve, here’s how to do it:

Time: The New Year’s Eve ball ascends to the top of the pole at One Times Square around 6 p.m. ET and begins its 60-second descent at 11:59 p.m. ET to mark the new year.

How to stream: You can watch the live webcast onTimesSquareNYC.orgfrom your computer or mobile device.

Where: Access to Times Square will be available from 6th Avenue or 8th Avenue only on the afternoon of Dec. 31, on a first-come, first-served basis until the viewing areas are full.

Hosts: Actor Jonathan Bennett and co-host Jeremy Hassell.

Performances & more: Performances by Mark Ambor and Mickey Guyton, and the traditional singing of John Lennon's "Imagine" moments before the ball drop, will continue this year as per the official Times Square website.

Image: India Today

'A Toast to 2024!'

    - Time: 9 p.m. ET

    - Channel: NBC

'The Day Drinking with Seth Meyers New Year’s Special'

     - Time: 11:30 p.m. ET

     - Channel: NBC

'Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve'

     - Time: 8 p.m. ET

     - Channel: ABC

'New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen'

     - Time: 8 p.m. ET

     - Channel: CNN

'New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash'

     - Time: 8 p.m. ET

     - Channel: CBS

New Year has arrived in Japan, South Korea and North Korea. With low temperatures, citizens celebrate the arrival of 2025.

Image: Global News

1. New Year's Day – Wednesday, January 1, 2025

2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, January 20, 2025

3. Presidents' Day – Monday, February 17, 2025

4. Memorial Day – Monday, May 26, 2025

5. Juneteenth National Independence Day – Thursday, June 19, 2025

6. Independence Day – Friday, July 4, 2025

7. Labor Day – Monday, September 1, 2025

8. Columbus Day – Monday, October 13, 2025

9. Veterans Day – Tuesday, November 11, 2025

10. Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 27, 2025

11. Christmas Day – Thursday, December 25, 2025

Mumbai has stationed more than 14.000 police officers, including marshals and specialized units, to guarantee safety on New Year's Eve in high-traffic areas like the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, and beaches. Security measures involve increased patrols, camera monitoring, and checks for public intoxication and drink-driving.

Nearby regions like Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Raigad have also heightened security, while Railway Police have bolstered surveillance at stations, added staff in women's compartments, and limited ticket sales at key platforms to manage crowds.

As the world says goodbye to 2024 and ushers in 2025 with fireworks and celebrations, people reflect on a year marked by conflict and significant events. From Middle East tensions to Donald Trump's return to the White House, 2024 was fraught with political, climatic, and humanitarian challenges. The Paris Olympics, however, stood out as a symbol of global unity, while the crises in Gaza and Ukraine deeply affected millions.

According to INRIX, traffic in the US:

* Tuesday, December 31: Minimum traffic expected.

* Wednesday, January 1: Minimum traffic expected.

* Thursday, January 2:

     - Worst time to travel: Between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

     - Best time to travel: Before 3:00 p.m.

In Scotland, New Year's Eve, known as Hogmanay, features the tradition of first-footing. This custom requires that the first visitor after midnight should be a dark-haired man, who brings gifts like whisky, biscuits, or traditionally, coal, symbolizing warmth and prosperity for the new year.

Image: Unión Radio

The U.S. East Coast (UTC-5) is the first continental region of the country to ring in the New Year, including major cities such as New York, Washington D.C., Boston, and Miami.

The Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, in the UTC+10 zone, are the first US territories to welcome the New Year, 15 hours before New York.

Wake Island, in the UTC+12 time zone, is one of the easternmost territories of the United States, welcoming the New Year together with countries in Asia and Oceania.

Although Kiribati will have already rung in 2025, the Baker and Howland Islands, which are unincorporated U.S. territories, will remain in the UTC-12 time zone, waiting to conclude the festivities. These secluded islands, preserved as nature reserves, are seldom visited except by scientists and U.S. military personnel.

Interestingly, the time difference between Kiribati and the Baker and Howland Islands creates a 26-hour span of global celebrations. Thus, while some nations are already experiencing the first sunrise of the year, others are still counting down the final moments.

Read the full story HERE.

Image: La Brújula Verde

Chile, specifically the Easter Islands (Rapa Nui), is the first country in Latin America to welcome the New Year 2025, thanks to its location in the UTC-5 time zone.

Image: CDN

The traditional celebration in the Australian city costs 6.3 million dollars. The money comes from the coffers of the government of New South Wales. There is another striking fact about the party in front of the opera house: it is estimated that one million people participate in the ceremony.

On the last day of the year, Bangalore witnesses a vibrant sunset as the city prepares to welcome the new year, 2025.

Image: Times of India

In his New Year's address, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's unwavering commitment to reunification with Taiwan, highlighting the historical and cultural ties that unite both sides of the Strait. He stressed that this goal is an inevitable historical trend and called for strengthening national cohesion to ensure the country's stability and development.

Image: AFP

Adverse weather conditions in the UK, featuring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and the risk of snow, led to the cancellation of various New Year’s Eve events. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations ended early, and fireworks displays in cities such as Blackpool, Newcastle, and Ripon were also canceled for safety reasons. The Met Office issued warnings of gusts reaching up to 75 mph and forecasted a wet and windy New Year’s Day. Although London’s fireworks are still planned to proceed, other events like the Poole boat race and the Lyme Regis sea dip were also canceled.

Oceania and the famous Pacific island were the first to welcome the New Year 2025 with incredible fireworks show.

Image: AFP

HERE you can follow the arrival of the New Year 2025 minute by minute in every part of the world.