Kiribati And New Zealand Lead The World Into 2025 With Spectacular Celebrations

Kiribati and New Zealand made global headlines as they welcomed the New Year 2025 ahead of the rest of the world.

Kiribati: The First to Enter 2025

The Pacific island nation of Kiribati, particularly Kiritimati Island (also called Christmas Island), became the first to celebrate January 1, 2025. At midnight local time, residents gathered for festive fireworks, upbeat music, and community celebrations, kicking off global New Year’s festivities with joy and anticipation.

Located in the central Pacific Ocean, Kiritimati operates 14 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), positioning it to ring in the New Year before any other location worldwide.

New Zealand: One of the First Major Nations to Celebrate

Following closely, New Zealand also marked the start of 2025 at 11:00 GMT. Cities such as Auckland and Wellington illuminated the night with breathtaking fireworks displays. Auckland’s Sky Tower, a landmark of the city, captivated spectators with a dazzling show of vibrant pyrotechnics.

Celebrations across New Zealand included lively gatherings, champagne toasts, and an overall atmosphere of excitement. The country welcomed 2025 a full 13 hours before London’s Big Ben chimed in the New Year and 18 hours before the iconic ball drop in New York’s Times Square.

From Kiribati’s remote island shores to New Zealand’s bustling cities, the early New Year celebrations set a vibrant tone for the global countdown into 2025.