Who rings in 2025 first — and last? Time zones surprise
The journey into 2025 begins on the remote Pacific islands
As the clock ticks closer to midnight on December 31, 2024, the world gears up for its most synchronised celebration: the New Year.
But did you know the party doesn’t start at the same time everywhere?
The journey into 2025 begins on the remote Pacific islands of Kiribati, a small nation that holds the unique distinction of being the first to greet the New Year.
The unassuming Kiritimati Island – or Christmas Island, along with its neighbouring Line Islands – bathes in the world’s earliest rays of 2025 – thanks to a curious twist of time zones placing it at UTC+14 (also GMT+14).
As fireworks light up skies from Auckland to Sydney to Tokyo, each country’s countdown reminds us of our planet’s shared excitement — and its fascinating differences.
In stark contrast to the joyous cheers in Kiribati and bustling cities worldwide, the last echoes of 2024 linger in the silence of Baker Island and Howland Island, two desolate US territories southwest of Hawaii.
Here, in the farthest corners of UTC-12 (GMT-12), the final whispers of the old year quietly give way to the new.
This journey, from the earliest celebrations to the last, showcases Earth’s interconnected yet wonderfully varied embrace of the future. So, where will you be when the clock strikes midnight?
Below is a sequence of notable cities that will ring in the New Year, many with fireworks displays:
Cities and fireworks sequence for January 1, 2025:
Kiritimati, Kiribati (UTC+14): The first to welcome 2025 with low-key celebrations.
Auckland, New Zealand (UTC+13): Famous for its grand fireworks from the Sky Tower and surrounding harbor.
Sydney, Australia (UTC+11): Known worldwide for its dazzling fireworks over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Tokyo, Japan (UTC+9): Celebrations feature temple bells ringing 108 times to symbolize cleansing from past year's sins.
Seoul, South Korea (UTC+9): Iconic celebrations include fireworks at Gwanghwamun Square and traditional bell-ringing ceremonies.
Beijing, China / Manila, Philippines (UTC+8): Fireworks displays in major public spaces expected.
Bangkok, Thailand (UTC+7): Fireworks by the Chao Phraya River, accompanied by lively festivals.
Abu Dhabi | Dubai, UAE (UTC+4): Spectacular shows at landmarks like the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Yas Island, Burj Khalifa and The Palm.
Moscow, Russia (UTC+3): Fireworks light up Red Square and the Kremlin.
Berlin, Germany (UTC+1): The Brandenburg Gate hosts fireworks and street parties.
London, UK (UTC+0): Iconic fireworks over the Thames River, with Big Ben signaling midnight.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (UTC-3): Massive beach parties and fireworks at Copacabana Beach.
New York City, USA (UTC-5): The world-famous ball drop and fireworks in Times Square.
Baker Island and Howland Island (UTC-12): It's the furthest time zone behind GMT. These islands are uninhabited (US territories southwest of Hawaii), making them the very last locations where 2024 transitions to 2025.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
