Two midnight ball drops, jumping over 7 waves: How some countries will ring in New Year 2026
Another new year is nearly upon us, and different countries are gearing up to celebrate the first moments of 2026 at a grand scale. Iconic monuments will be decorated, end-of-year discounts will take place, and countries will double down on celebrations to host record-breaking moments. While fireworks will light up the skies in most countries, here are some unique celebrations from around the world.Times Square ball dropThe iconic ball drop in America's Times Square will not happen just once, but twice, this year. Exactly one minute before midnight, the ball will make its 60-second descent. New York will have double the cheer this year, as four minutes after midnight, the ball will drop again.Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.The second drop is to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. The ball will be lit up in American colours, red, white and blue; confetti will burst into the air, accompanied by a video and a pyrotechnic finale set to Ray Charles’ rendition of “America the Beautiful”.Japan tolling bell 108 timesIn Japan, New Year's Eve is known as Omisoka. Misoka translates to thirtieth or the last day of the month, since the traditional lunar calendar had 30-day months. The last day of the year then became known as Omisoka, which means the great 'misoka'.On Omisoka, temple bells are struck 108 times, in a Buddhist ritual to cleanse oneself of 108 worldly attachments. Usually, monks perform the bell tolling, but ordinary temple-goers are allowed to participate in some places. Jumping over 7 sea waves in BrazilFesta de Iemanjá, a festival which has its roots in Africa, is celebrated in Rio de Janeiro on New Year's Eve. Yemanjá is considered the queen of the ocean, and Brazilians gather at midnight to honour her.People dress in white, and dance in water while praying and making wishes for the upcoming year. The custom also involves jumping over seven waves in the belief that the wishes will be heard by the deity. London waits for Big Ben to chimeBig Ben has been ringing since 1859. And every year, like clockwork, Londoners look to the giant tower to chime at midnight to let them know that the New Year is here. The clock is older than a century but is still known for its startling accuracy.Three technicians care for the tower full-time, and they say ear protection is a must. In 2025, Big Ben struck midnight within about five-thousandths of a second. The tower makes a deafening sound, reaching up to 110-115 decibels as the 200-kilogram hammer pulls back to hit the bell, Andrew Strangeway, Big Ben's youngest clockmaker, aged 39, told ABC News.World's longest dance floor2026 will begin with dance for Berliners as the area near Brandenburg Gate is transformed into what Berlin is calling the "world's largest dance floor" with a free DJ party for 20,000 people. The party will stretch from Brandenburg Gate to the Victory Column. 16 techno trucks and 100 DJs will provide the musical backdrop. Considered one of the largest NYE parties globally, seven-and-a-half-minute fireworks display will start at midnight, above the iconic Quadriga.From 7 countdowns to world record attempt: How UAE will ring in 2026 on New Year's EveHot air balloon to underwater parties: 5 unique UAE New Year’s Eve celebrations New Year's Eve 2026 in Dubai: Fireworks, road closures, metro timings, parking and safety
Another new year is nearly upon us, and different countries are gearing up to celebrate the first moments of 2026 at a grand scale. Iconic monuments will be decorated, end-of-year discounts will take place, and countries will double down on celebrations to host record-breaking moments.
While fireworks will light up the skies in most countries, here are some unique celebrations from around the world.
Times Square ball drop
The iconic ball drop in America's Times Square will not happen just once, but twice, this year. Exactly one minute before midnight, the ball will make its 60-second descent. New York will have double the cheer this year, as four minutes after midnight, the ball will drop again.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
The second drop is to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. The ball will be lit up in American colours, red, white and blue; confetti will burst into the air, accompanied by a video and a pyrotechnic finale set to Ray Charles’ rendition of “America the Beautiful”.
Japan tolling bell 108 times
In Japan, New Year's Eve is known as Omisoka. Misoka translates to thirtieth or the last day of the month, since the traditional lunar calendar had 30-day months. The last day of the year then became known as Omisoka, which means the great 'misoka'.
On Omisoka, temple bells are struck 108 times, in a Buddhist ritual to cleanse oneself of 108 worldly attachments. Usually, monks perform the bell tolling, but ordinary temple-goers are allowed to participate in some places.
Jumping over 7 sea waves in Brazil
Festa de Iemanjá, a festival which has its roots in Africa, is celebrated in Rio de Janeiro on New Year's Eve. Yemanjá is considered the queen of the ocean, and Brazilians gather at midnight to honour her.
People dress in white, and dance in water while praying and making wishes for the upcoming year. The custom also involves jumping over seven waves in the belief that the wishes will be heard by the deity.
London waits for Big Ben to chime
Big Ben has been ringing since 1859. And every year, like clockwork, Londoners look to the giant tower to chime at midnight to let them know that the New Year is here. The clock is older than a century but is still known for its startling accuracy.
Three technicians care for the tower full-time, and they say ear protection is a must. In 2025, Big Ben struck midnight within about five-thousandths of a second. The tower makes a deafening sound, reaching up to 110-115 decibels as the 200-kilogram hammer pulls back to hit the bell, Andrew Strangeway, Big Ben's youngest clockmaker, aged 39, told ABC News.
World's longest dance floor
2026 will begin with dance for Berliners as the area near Brandenburg Gate is transformed into what Berlin is calling the "world's largest dance floor" with a free DJ party for 20,000 people.
The party will stretch from Brandenburg Gate to the Victory Column. 16 techno trucks and 100 DJs will provide the musical backdrop. Considered one of the largest NYE parties globally, seven-and-a-half-minute fireworks display will start at midnight, above the iconic Quadriga.
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