Countries That Are First and Last to Celebrate New Year (Ranked)
Time zones create a thrilling global countdown as the world welcomes the New Year. While some countries are the first to embrace fresh beginnings, others hold on to the last moments of the old year. This unique sequence connects us all in celebration. Here are the countries that celebrate New Year, ranked from first to last.
Kiribati (Kiritimati Island)
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Kiritimati Island in Kiribati, situated in the Line Islands, celebrates the New Year first due to its UTC+14 time zone. Islanders gather for traditional feasts, community prayers, and cultural dances under the Pacific sky. As the clock strikes midnight, the islanders welcome the new year with fireworks and joyful celebrations.
Tonga
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Tonga marks the New Year shortly after Kiribati, operating in the UTC+13 time zone. Celebrations feature vibrant Polynesian dances, feasts of roasted pig and tropical fruits, and heartfelt church gatherings. Families and communities unite to welcome the new year with fireworks lighting up the serene Pacific backdrop.
Samoa (Excluding American Samoa)
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Samoa greets the New Year early, thanks to its UTC+13 time zone. The island nation celebrates with colorful cultural performances, family gatherings, and traditional ceremonies. Beaches come alive with bonfires and parties, blending Polynesian traditions with modern festivities to create a warm, spirited welcome to the new year.
Fiji
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Fiji rings in the New Year at UTC+12 or UTC+13, depending on daylight saving time. Residents celebrate with lively street parades, traditional “lovo” feasts cooked underground, and community gatherings. Fireworks illuminate the islands, creating a dazzling display of unity and joy that marks the beginning of a fresh year.
New Zealand (Chatham Islands)
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The Chatham Islands, part of New Zealand, are among the first to welcome the New Year at UTC+12:45. Islanders celebrate with intimate gatherings that mix traditional Maori customs and contemporary festivities. Midnight brings fireworks and songs that echo the rich cultural heritage of this remote Pacific community.
New Zealand (Mainland)
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Mainland New Zealand, operating at UTC+12 or UTC+13 with daylight saving, follows closely behind the Chatham Islands. Cities like Auckland and Wellington host large-scale events, including dazzling fireworks over iconic landmarks. Coastal communities enjoy beach celebrations, blending natural beauty with festive joy.
Australia (Eastern Time Zones)
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Eastern Australia, including Sydney, celebrates the New Year with breathtaking fireworks over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Operating on UTC+11 during daylight saving time, the region attracts global attention for its spectacular displays, live music performances, and lively street festivals that draw millions of attendees.
Russia (Far East)
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Russia’s far eastern regions, such as Kamchatka, celebrate the New Year at UTC+12. Despite their remote location, communities gather for traditional Russian feasts featuring salads, toasts, and fireworks. Locals embrace the new year with warmth, laughter, and a deep appreciation for their stunning natural surroundings.
Japan
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Japan welcomes the New Year at UTC+9 with a blend of tradition and celebration. Families visit temples for “Hatsumode,” the first shrine visit of the year, where they pray for blessings. Temples ring their bells 108 times to cleanse sins, while fireworks and festive meals mark the joyous occasion.
South Korea
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South Korea celebrates at UTC+9 with traditions like the sunrise-watching ceremony, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. Families gather for special meals, including rice cake soup (“tteokguk”), believed to add a year to one’s life. Fireworks and cultural events in cities like Seoul highlight the festive atmosphere.
United States (Baker Island)
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Baker Island, an uninhabited U.S. territory in the Pacific, is the last place on Earth to reach the New Year at UTC−12. While no celebrations occur here, its unique time zone places it at the end of the global countdown, making it a notable geographic milestone.
United States (American Samoa)
American Samoa
American Samoa, located at UTC−11, celebrates the New Year after its neighbor Samoa. Islanders enjoy cultural performances, feasts, and family gatherings. Traditional Polynesian customs blend with modern fireworks displays, offering a vibrant celebration despite being among the last to ring in the new year.
Niue
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Niue, a small island nation in the South Pacific, celebrates at UTC−11. Islanders host community gatherings featuring local music, dance, and shared meals. With its serene environment and strong cultural pride, Niue offers a unique and heartfelt way to welcome the new year.
Tonga (Niuafo’ou)
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While most of Tonga celebrates early, Niuafo’ou observes the New Year at UTC−11 due to its geographical location. The island marks the occasion with traditional Polynesian customs, including storytelling, communal feasts, and a focus on family bonds, creating a meaningful start to the year.
French Polynesia (Tahiti)
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Tahiti, operating at UTC−10, celebrates with vibrant beach parties, cultural dances, and fireworks reflecting on the ocean. Locals and visitors embrace the laid-back atmosphere, blending the island’s rich heritage with festive cheer. The celebration highlights Tahiti’s renowned warmth and hospitality.
Cook Islands
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The Cook Islands, also at UTC−10, welcome the New Year with traditional Polynesian music and dance performances. Celebrations include beachside feasts and fireworks displays that light up the tropical night. Islanders cherish the occasion as a time for community bonding and joyful reflection.
United States (Hawaii)
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Hawaii celebrates at UTC−10 with luau-style feasts, live music, and fireworks. Locals embrace the islands’ unique charm, incorporating traditional Hawaiian elements like hula dancing into the festivities. The celebrations capture Hawaii’s vibrant culture while offering a relaxed yet spirited start to the year.
Marquesas Islands
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Part of French Polynesia, the Marquesas Islands operate at UTC−9:30, celebrating with traditional music, dancing, and storytelling. The half-hour time zone difference adds a distinctive twist to their festivities. Islanders honor their heritage while ringing in the new year with unity and joy.
United States (Alaska – Aleutian Islands)
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The Aleutian Islands celebrate at UTC−10 or UTC−11, depending on the specific location. Residents embrace the new year with cozy family gatherings, fireworks, and traditional Alaskan dishes. The rugged beauty of the region adds a unique backdrop to these intimate celebrations.
Pitcairn Islands
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The Pitcairn Islands, at UTC−8, are one of the final places to welcome the New Year. With a small population, celebrations are community-focused, featuring shared meals, storytelling, and a quiet reflection of the past year. The simplicity of the occasion emphasizes togetherness and gratitude.