New Year 2025: Which Are The First And Last Countries On Earth To Welcome The New Year?

As the sun sets on December 31, the world embarks on a 24-hour journey of celebration, bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new one. But the New Year doesn’t arrive everywhere at once—it sweeps across time zones. Each country adds its own unique twist to the festivities, from intimate cultural traditions and communal feasts to spectacular fireworks. Uncover these first and last countries on Earth to welcome the New Year 2025 and the fascinating ways they make the moment unforgettable.

First And Last Countries On Earth To Welcome New Year 2025

First Countries To Welcome The New Year

1. Kiribati

Kiritimati (Christmas Island), one of Kiribati’s Line Islands, is renowned for being the first place on Earth to greet the New Year. With their distinctive cultural fusion of Polynesian and Micronesian influences, the islands in the Pacific Ocean celebrate with traditional songs, dances, and feasts. Since midnight arrives here before anywhere else in the world, the experience is made even more magical by the remote beauty of the islands.

2. New Zealand

After Kiribati, New Zealand—specifically, the North Island city of Gisborne—is the first major landmass to celebrate the New Year. As the first sunrise of 2025 approaches, the beaches of Gisborne are filled with people eager to celebrate. Magnificent fireworks over iconic locations like the Sky Tower light up big cities like Wellington and Auckland. New Zealand offers the chance to celebrate the New Year your own way, whether you wish to relax on a beach or party the night away.

3. Fiji

With more than 300 islands, Fiji is a tropical paradise that comes alive with celebrations as the year comes to a close. Locals enjoy traditional festivities like Meke dances and Lovo feasts, while resorts throw lavish parties to welcome the New Year. The friendly people of Fiji guarantee a genuinely wonderful beginning to 2025 amid lush jungles, crystal-clear lagoons, and starry skies.

4. Eastern Australia

After Fiji, Sydney and Melbourne, as well as other parts of Eastern Australia, get to celebrate the New Year. These cities are well known throughout the world for their lavish New Year’s festivities. One of the most spectacular ways to start the year is with Sydney’s famous fireworks show over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It draws millions of visitors from all over the world, eager to ring the new year with extravagance. Family-friendly events, rooftop parties, and beach parties all contribute to the festive mood in Australia.

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Last Countries To Welcome The New Year

5. Alaska And French Polynesia

The secluded and natural beauty of Alaska provides a calm and unique way to say goodbye to 2024. Under the ethereal Northern Lights, towns like Nome and Barrow blend traditional festivities with outdoor experiences. On the other hand, French Polynesia brings together peace with tropical charm to celebrate the New Year with lively beach parties and Polynesian cultural performances.

6. Hawaii, Tahiti And Cook Island

The idyllic islands of Hawaii, Tahiti, and the Cook Islands are among the last places in the world to welcome 2025. Tahiti and the Cook Islands have a more relaxed approach to this celebration with beachside parties. However, Hawaii celebrates its multicultural heritage with luaus, fireworks displays, and hula performances. The warm temperatures and island vibes make these locations ideal for a laid-back yet joyous New Year’s celebration.

7. American Samoa

Just east of the International Date Line, American Samoa is among the last places to celebrate the New Year. With its lush mountains, pristine waters, and vibrant coral reefs, the island’s natural beauty provides the perfect setting for the festivities. Both residents and tourists come together for lively performances, traditional feasts, and family get-togethers. Because the Pacific island is so remote from the world’s events, it is the ideal location to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025 away from the bustle of the world.

8. Baker Island And Howland Island

Unincorporated U.S. territories Baker Island and Howland Island are special because they are among the last locations on the planet to experience the start of the New Year. But since these islands are uninhabited and only open to scientists, they are more symbolic than celebratory sites. The New Year’s journey around the world comes to an end on these islands in the central Pacific Ocean.

Each of these countries offers a unique way to usher in the New Year.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva and Wikimedia Commons