At a Glance
- 5,000-crystal ball dropped in Times Square amid anti-terrorism measures
- Global celebrations spanned from Sydney’s armed police to Rio’s 4-km fireworks line
- Many cities toned down displays after recent tragedies
- Why it matters: People worldwide marked 2026 with fireworks, ball drops, and quiet reflections, while security and social issues shaped each celebration
The new year was celebrated in cities across the globe, from Times Square’s iconic ball drop to Sydney’s armed police presence and Rio’s extended fireworks show, with many places adjusting festivities after recent tragedies.
Times Square Ball Drop
The 12,350-lb ball, covered in 5,000 crystals, descended from a pole in frigid Times Square as anti-terrorism screening teams waited on the street. The ball rose again in a burst of red, white, and blue to honor the U.S. 250th birthday. A few miles away, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as mayor during a private event just after midnight.
Jessica Tisch stated:
> “It was not in response to a specific threat.”
Global Celebrations
Cities around the world lit up the night with fireworks, light shows, and countdowns, while some toned down displays in the wake of recent events.
| City | Main Event | Special Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Fireworks | Heavy police, rapid-fire rifles after Bondi attack |
| New York | Ball drop | 12,350-lb ball, 5,000 crystals, anti-terrorism screening |
| Rio | 12-min fireworks | 4 km of Copacabana, high tides, waves |
| Paris | Countdown on Arc de Triomphe | Large projection |
| Hong Kong | Light show, no fireworks | After November fire |
| Moscow | Snow celebration | People celebrated in snow |
| Dubai | Jet-ski light show | Somersaulting jet skis |
| Japan | Temple bells, sunrise | Climbing mountains for first sunrise |
Several cities, including Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Greece, scaled back fireworks or replaced them with low-noise displays in solidarity with recent tragedies.
Security and Tragedy-Affected Events
Security concerns and recent tragedies shaped celebrations in several cities.
- Sydney: Police carried rapid-fire rifles after the Bondi Beach attack.
- Indonesia: Fireworks replaced with traditional dances after flood-related deaths.
- Greece & Cyprus: Low-noise pyrotechnics used to protect children and pets.
Mirvat Abed Al-Aal said:
> “The war humiliated us.”
Chris Minns urged:
> “We have to show defiance in the face of this terrible crime.”
Key Takeaways
- The 12,350-lb ball dropped in Times Square, highlighted by 5,000 crystals, amid heightened security.
- Global celebrations varied, from Sydney’s armed police to Rio’s 4 km fireworks line.
- Many cities toned down displays after recent tragedies, with some opting for low-noise or dance performances.
The world welcomed 2026 with a mix of fireworks, ball drops, and quiet reflection, as security and recent events shaped each celebration.
Published by News Of Fort Worth
