From Times Square to Australia and beyond, the world welcomed in 2022 in style! See photos from around the globe on New Year’s Eve!
1 of 13New Year’s Eve Celebrations Around The World: Photos
Happy New Year – and boy, do we need a happy one! The world is ready to put 2021 to bed, in hopes that 2022 will usher in lighter, more carefree days, and hopefully, a true end to the coronavirus pandemic we’ve all been desperately hoping for over the last two years. Celebrations kicked off at the stroke of midnight around the globe, with the first nations to celebrate being Tonga,New Zealand, and Australia, seen here.
But soon, the rest of the globe joined in on the party. From Paris to London, to Milan to New York, where the famous Times Square celebration returned after being canceled last year, the world was counting down the seconds to bid farewell to 2021 with fireworks, champagne, and hope that 2022 will truly be better than the last.
New York City
Last year, the ball dropped in Times Square without the massive crowds it’s come to be known for. This year, the party returned to the streets, albeit in a smaller way, but the vibe was still electric as folks rang in 2022.
Sri Lanka
Happy New Year, Sri Lanka! Beautiful midnight fireworks were seen over the Colombo skyline during New Year’s Eve celebrations Sri Lanka, lighting up the sky to welcome in 2022!
Baghdad, Iraq
People watch fireworks light up the night sky during New Year celebrations in Baghdad, Iraq on December 31. The lights flashing red and green give a festive glow!
Maasdam, Netherlands
Shine bright like a diamond. Folks in Maasdam, the Netherlands looked up to the sky to enjoy New Year’s Eve Fireworks that filled the entire sky. So pretty!
London, UK
Much like NYC, London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations were scaled back dramatically due to Covid. Still, all across the city, lights and festivies were enjoyed in the UK to usher in 2022.
Seoul, Korea – 31 Dec 2021
The home of BTS rang in the new year with lights and prayer. South Korean Buddhist devotees pray at the Jogyesa temple in Seoul, South Korea just as they said goodbye to 2021.
Sydney, Australia
Hello from down under! New Year’s Eve shone bright at midnight in Australia as fireworks lit up the night sky behind the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia.
Canberra, Australia
A quieter, but just as exciting affair, people watched fireworks near Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, Australia, on Dec. 31, 2021 on the warm, welcoming evening.
Lahore, Pakistan
So many different ways to celebrate, but the hopes for the new year are all the same. Students hold candles during a rally to pray for peace in year 2022 on New Year’s Eve in Lahore, Pakistan.
Zinal, Switzerland
I say, BRRR! It’s cold out here! People watch fireworks in the snow in front of alpine mountains during New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Alpine resort of Zinal, Switzerland. Braving the elements for the new year? Nice!
Hong Kong
Taking it to the streets! People in Hong Kong celebrate the holiday with a New Year’s Eve concert on December 31. What fun!
Beijing, China
Though many cities canclled New Year’s Eve celebrations amid rising concerns over the coronavirus disease, people gather outside — and masked up — for a New Year’s Eve countdown event outside a shopping complex in Beijing, China. Making it work!
