World Celebrates the Arrival of 2024

New Year’s Day arrived to the sound of cheers, well wishes, and reflections upon the year gone by.
World Celebrates the Arrival of 2024
Revelers celebrate New Year's in Times Square in New York on Jan. 1, 2024. Adam Gray/Getty Images
Melanie Sun
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The world has celebrated the arrival of 2024 with fireworks, concerts, and messages of hope in anticipation for what we will make of the gift of a new year.

At midnight along the eastern seaboard, thousands of Americans came together under the heavens to awe at New Year’s Eve fireworks displays, as the rest of the nation readied to welcome in 2024 with their own displays of light, loud noise, and sparkle.

Tens of thousands came together in New York’s Times Square to be showered with confetti and hugs and kisses as New Year’s Day arrived with the descent of the colorful ball marking the birth of 2024.

“It’s beautiful,” Corin Christian of Charlotte, North Carolina, said seconds past midnight as Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” blared from speakers in the square known as the Crossroads of the World.

“It’s going very well so far,” said Jacob Eriksson of Salt Lake City, Utah, with the earliest assessment of the new year.

Tyrell Jacobs, 27, and Sarah Crayton, 26, arrived in Time Square from New Orleans 15 hours before midnight and got engaged in streets packed with tens of thousands of people counting first the hours and then the minutes until midnight.

Revelers celebrate New Year's in Times Square in New York on Jan. 1, 2024. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
Revelers celebrate New Year's in Times Square in New York on Jan. 1, 2024. Adam Gray/Getty Images
Revelers wait for the New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square in New York City on Dec. 31, 2023. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
Revelers wait for the New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square in New York City on Dec. 31, 2023. Adam Gray/Getty Images
Revelers celebrate New Year's in Times Square in New York on Jan. 1, 2024. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
Revelers celebrate New Year's in Times Square in New York on Jan. 1, 2024. Adam Gray/Getty Images
Fireworks explode around the Statue of Liberty during New Year's Eve celebrations in New York City on Jan. 1, 2024. (CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP)
Fireworks explode around the Statue of Liberty during New Year's Eve celebrations in New York City on Jan. 1, 2024. CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP
Fireworks go off during New Year's Eve celebrations in New York City on Jan. 1, 2024. (CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)
Fireworks go off during New Year's Eve celebrations in New York City on Jan. 1, 2024. CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP
Atmosphere seen for New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville, Tenn., on Dec. 31, 2023. (Jason Davis/Getty Images)
Atmosphere seen for New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville, Tenn., on Dec. 31, 2023. Jason Davis/Getty Images

Around the World

There were snapshots of joy from country to country as the new year was welcomed with optimism as to what its days will bring.

New Zealanders were among the first in the world to celebrate the arrival of 2024 with a fireworks display in Auckland on Monday, which was 6 a.m. ET. The fireworks illuminated the cloudy night sky and were accompanied by a laser light and animation show. Islanders in the small island nations dotted across the Pacific, like Tonga, Fiji, and Guam, were also among the earliest to usher in the new year.

Australia welcomed in 2024 with dazzling fireworks displays across its various cities. The famous Sydney Harbour fireworks featured silver and gold pyrotechnics to mark the 50th anniversary of its iconic Opera House. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in his new year’s message acknowledged the financial squeeze felt by many Australians in 2023, saying that the government’s top priority in 2024 will be to reduce cost-of-living pressures.

Fireworks explode over the Sydney Opera House and on the Harbour Bridge as part of New Year's Eve celebrations in Sydney on Jan. 1, 2024. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP Image via AP)
Fireworks explode over the Sydney Opera House and on the Harbour Bridge as part of New Year's Eve celebrations in Sydney on Jan. 1, 2024. Dan Himbrechts/AAP Image via AP
Fireworks explode over the city to usher in the New Year, as revelers gather around at the lit National Monument of Indonesia in Jakarta on Jan. 1, 2024. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP via Getty Images)
Fireworks explode over the city to usher in the New Year, as revelers gather around at the lit National Monument of Indonesia in Jakarta on Jan. 1, 2024. Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP via Getty Images
Fireworks explode over skyscrapers during New Year's celebrations in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines, on Jan. 1, 2024. (Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Fireworks explode over skyscrapers during New Year's celebrations in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines, on Jan. 1, 2024. Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
People prepare to release balloons in front of the Tokyo Tower, Japan, during a NYE countdown event on Dec. 31, 2023. (Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)
People prepare to release balloons in front of the Tokyo Tower, Japan, during a NYE countdown event on Dec. 31, 2023. Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images

In Asia, revelers enjoyed fireworks at their landmarks, like the National Monument of Indonesia in Jakarta and the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan. Celebrations continued with concerts and various events and traditions. Shrines and temples across Japan sounded their bells to mark the arrival of 2024.

However, not everyone was able to enjoy a fireworks display. Despite origins in China, fireworks were banned in most major Chinese cities for safety and reducing pollution. But locals gathered for dance performances in Beijing and other cities, while a crowd released wish balloons in Chongqing. Those in Hong Kong enjoyed the city’s famous fireworks on Victoria Harbour.

Fireworks explode over Victoria Harbour to celebrate the new year in Hong Kong on Jan. 1, 2024. (Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images)
Fireworks explode over Victoria Harbour to celebrate the new year in Hong Kong on Jan. 1, 2024. Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images
A reveler wearing a 2024 headband looks on during a New Year countdown event in Beijing on Dec. 31, 2023. (Pedro Pardo/AFP via Getty Images)
A reveler wearing a 2024 headband looks on during a New Year countdown event in Beijing on Dec. 31, 2023. Pedro Pardo/AFP via Getty Images
People release balloons during a New Year celebration in Nanjing, in eastern China's Jiangsu province on Jan. 1, 2024. (AFP via Getty Images)
People release balloons during a New Year celebration in Nanjing, in eastern China's Jiangsu province on Jan. 1, 2024. AFP via Getty Images

Chinese leader Xi Jinping attempted to reassure the nation about China’s economic situation in a televised speech marking the new year, saying that the Chinese Communist Party will consolidate and enhance the “positive trend” of its economic recovery in 2024, and sustain long-term economic development with deeper reforms.

Chinese state media reported that he had exchanged new year’s greetings with U.S. President Joe Biden, as well as North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

Moscow canceled its new year’s fireworks display and Red Square concert for the second year in a row amid its war effort in Ukraine.

Pedestrians pose in front of a New Year 2024 numerals decoration in central Moscow on Dec. 31, 2023. (Alexander Nemenov/AFP via Getty Images)
Pedestrians pose in front of a New Year 2024 numerals decoration in central Moscow on Dec. 31, 2023. Alexander Nemenov/AFP via Getty Images

Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the government banned new year celebrations, calling on Pakistanis to “show solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza.”

Indians in New Delhi enjoyed fireworks but also the haze of pollution that may linger through the morning due to its poor air quality. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his new year’s wishes for “happiness and lots of success” to his fellow compatriots in a post on X.

Vehicles travel through dense fog on a cold winter morning in New Delhi, India, on Dec. 27, 2023. (Arun Sankar/AFP via Getty Images)
Vehicles travel through dense fog on a cold winter morning in New Delhi, India, on Dec. 27, 2023. Arun Sankar/AFP via Getty Images
A woman applies colored powder to a "rangoli" design to usher in the new year in front of a home in Hyderabad, India, on Jan. 1, 2024. (Noah Seelam/AFP via Getty Images)
A woman applies colored powder to a "rangoli" design to usher in the new year in front of a home in Hyderabad, India, on Jan. 1, 2024. Noah Seelam/AFP via Getty Images
Fireworks explode next to the Lotus Tower during New Year's Eve celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Jan. 1, 2024. (Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP)
Fireworks explode next to the Lotus Tower during New Year's Eve celebrations in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Jan. 1, 2024. Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP
People release lanterns to mark the arrival of the New Year, at a beach in Sihanoukville, the coastal capital of Preah Sihanouk province, on Jan. 1, 2024. (TANG CHHIN SOTHY/AFP)
People release lanterns to mark the arrival of the New Year, at a beach in Sihanoukville, the coastal capital of Preah Sihanouk province, on Jan. 1, 2024. TANG CHHIN SOTHY/AFP

Celebrations were muted in Gaza. Gazans sheltering in Rafah near the territory’s border crossing with Egypt expressed hope to return to their homes in the new year.

“In 2024, I wish to go back to the wreckage of my home, pitch a tent, and live there,” said Abu Abdullah al-Agha, a middle- aged Palestinian man whose house in Khan Younis was destroyed and who lost a young niece and nephew in an Israeli air strike.

Meanwhile, Israeli President Isaac Herzog in a message on the X platform urged world leaders and people around the world to demand Hamas immediately return all hostages taken from Israel who are still being held in Gaza.

“As we enter 2024, I call on the entire family of nations, on all world leaders, to demand and work for the immediate, unconditional release of our 133 hostages. Babies, the elderly, women, men, are being held in brutal captivity by Hamas, without vital medication or visitation from the Red Cross. Their immediate release is at the core of our battle with Hamas terrorists in Gaza. May the light dispel the darkness, and may the New Year bring peace, hope, and healing for all.”

The United Arab Emirates was illuminated as its fireworks display was reflected off the sleek glass walls of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, in its most populous city Dubai.

Fireworks explode at the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, during the New Year's Eve celebration, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Jan. 1, 2024. (Kamran Jebreili/AP Photo)
Fireworks explode at the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, during the New Year's Eve celebration, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Jan. 1, 2024. Kamran Jebreili/AP Photo
Fireworks light up the sky above Baghdad's Seventeen Ramadan Mosque in the Iraqi capital's landmark Fardous (Firdous) Square on Jan. 1, 2024. (AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP via Getty Images)
Fireworks light up the sky above Baghdad's Seventeen Ramadan Mosque in the Iraqi capital's landmark Fardous (Firdous) Square on Jan. 1, 2024. AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP via Getty Images
A woman looks on at the crossover service held at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic church in Ijebu Imushin, Nigeria, on Dec. 31, 2023. (Samuel Alabi/AFP via Getty Images)
A woman looks on at the crossover service held at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic church in Ijebu Imushin, Nigeria, on Dec. 31, 2023. Samuel Alabi/AFP via Getty Images
Fireworks explode over the city skyline during the New Year's Eve celebrations in Nairobi, Kenya, on Jan. 1, 2024. (Luis Tato/AFP via Getty Images)
Fireworks explode over the city skyline during the New Year's Eve celebrations in Nairobi, Kenya, on Jan. 1, 2024. Luis Tato/AFP via Getty Images
Fireworks explode over the Acropolis during New Year celebrations in Athens, early on Jan. 1, 2024. (Angelos Tzortzinis/AFP via Getty Images)
Fireworks explode over the Acropolis during New Year celebrations in Athens, early on Jan. 1, 2024. Angelos Tzortzinis/AFP via Getty Images

Stunning fireworks displays bloomed at the iconic Acropolis in Athens, Greece.

In Germany, fireworks displays were seen all around the country at midnight. German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz noted the difficulties facing the world. “So much suffering, so much bloodshed. Our world has become a more unstable and harsh place. It is changing at an almost breathtaking speed,” Mr. Scholz said.

But he was optimistic about how we can overcome any obstacles. “Our strength lies in our willingness to compromise—in the efforts we make for each other,” he said.

Fireworks in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany, to usher in the New Year early on Jan. 1, 2024. (Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images)
Fireworks in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany, to usher in the New Year early on Jan. 1, 2024. Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images

In Paris, over 1.5 million people gathered on the Champs-Elysees for fireworks and video projections on the Arc de Triomphe showcasing the history of Paris and sports on the menu for next year’s Summer Olympics in the city. In his new year’s message, French President Emmanuel Macron predicted that the 2024 European Parliament elections will be crucial to Ukraine’s future and the fate of democracy across Europe.

People watch a light show projected on the Arc de Triomphe as they celebrate New Year's on the Champs Elysees in Paris, France, on Dec. 31, 2023. (Aurelien Morissard/AP Photo)
People watch a light show projected on the Arc de Triomphe as they celebrate New Year's on the Champs Elysees in Paris, France, on Dec. 31, 2023. Aurelien Morissard/AP Photo
Fireworks explode as the New Year is heralded in on the Maas over the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam in the Netherlands on Jan. 1, 2024. (Marten van Dijl/Belga/AFP)
Fireworks explode as the New Year is heralded in on the Maas over the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam in the Netherlands on Jan. 1, 2024. Marten van Dijl/Belga/AFP
Fireworks during the celebrations on New Year's Eve in Brussels on Dec. 31, 2023. (NICOLAS MAETERLINCK / BELGA MAG / Belga via AFP)
Fireworks during the celebrations on New Year's Eve in Brussels on Dec. 31, 2023. NICOLAS MAETERLINCK / BELGA MAG / Belga via AFP

Thousands in London gathered along the banks of the River Thames to watch the city’s new year fireworks display. The 12-minute extravaganza illuminated the London Eye and Big Ben. Fireworks also drew in a crowd of thousands in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a video from 10 Downing Street that his new year’s resolution was to “keep driving forward.”

“We’re going further to grow our economy by reducing debt, cutting taxes, rewarding hard work, building secure supplies of energy here at home, backing British business and delivering world class education,” he said, while thanking the British Armed Forces, NHS staff, tech experts, scientists, and innovators.

Fireworks light-up the sky over the London Eye in central London to celebrate the New Year on Jan. 1, 2024. (Alberto Pezzali/AP Photo)
Fireworks light-up the sky over the London Eye in central London to celebrate the New Year on Jan. 1, 2024. Alberto Pezzali/AP Photo
The clock strikes midnight on the face of Queen Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, as fireworks erupt from the London Eye in London, England, on Jan. 1, 2024. (Leon Neal/Getty Images)
The clock strikes midnight on the face of Queen Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, as fireworks erupt from the London Eye in London, England, on Jan. 1, 2024. Leon Neal/Getty Images

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his new year’s address to his warring country praised his army and repeated his pledge that 1 million drones would be built in the war effort. “Next year, the enemy will feel the wrath of domestic production,” he said.

Ahead of 2024 arriving across the United States, billions to the south celebrated the arrival of 2024, including those in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro who were gathered on Copacabana beach to watch 12 minutes of fireworks.

A man holds up his mobile phone as he watches the traditional New Year's fireworks from the water at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Jan. 1, 2024. (Tercio Teixeira/AFP via Getty Images)
A man holds up his mobile phone as he watches the traditional New Year's fireworks from the water at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Jan. 1, 2024. Tercio Teixeira/AFP via Getty Images
Fireworks during New Year's Eve Celebration at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Dec. 31, 2023. (Lucas Figueiredo/Getty Images)
Fireworks during New Year's Eve Celebration at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Dec. 31, 2023. Lucas Figueiredo/Getty Images
A woman holds a sparkler during the concert of Panamanian musician, singer, and politician Ruben Blades at the monument Angel de la Independencia during the New Year 2024 celebration in Mexico City on Dec. 31, 2023. (Ivan Castaneira/AFP via Getty Images)
A woman holds a sparkler during the concert of Panamanian musician, singer, and politician Ruben Blades at the monument Angel de la Independencia during the New Year 2024 celebration in Mexico City on Dec. 31, 2023. Ivan Castaneira/AFP via Getty Images

Many outlying islands of the United States will be among the last places to celebrate the new year, along with Hawaii and American Samoa.

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Melanie Sun
Melanie Sun
Author
Melanie is a reporter and editor covering world news. She has a background in environmental research.
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