As the world celebrated the arrival of 2026, several major cities hosted extravagant displays of fireworks, light shows, and unforgettable moments. London, the United Kingdom's capital, claimed the title of hosting Europe's largest annual fireworks display, dazzling an audience of 100,000 ticketholders along the iconic River Thames. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi, set multiple Guinness World Records with their breathtaking firework and drone displays. Across mainland Europe, cities like Paris, Rome, and Berlin also marked the occasion with significant events, though some faced heightened security and scaled-back plans due to safety concerns.
From the grandeur of London's "best-ever" display to the innovative drone formations in Ras Al Khaimah, and Paris's heartfelt tribute to peace at the Arc de Triomphe, the first hours of 2026 were celebrated across the globe in extraordinary ways. Let's take a closer look at how the world's biggest cities welcomed 2026 with fireworks, music, and record-breaking spectacles.
What Happened in London? A Spectacular Display Across the River Thames
London's New Year celebration was nothing short of a visual masterpiece. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, hailed it as the "greatest in the world." Approximately 100,000 ticketholders gathered along the River Thames, where the London Eye and surrounding barges lit up the night sky with over 12,000 fireworks and 400 lighting effects. The dazzling spectacle, which has become an annual tradition, was a vibrant display of color, creativity, and unity.
The theme for the 2026 fireworks display centered around "togetherness," reflecting a year of national triumphs. The show celebrated England's Women's Rugby World Cup victory and the Lionesses' continued dominance in European football. As the fireworks exploded in the air, a unique segment of the show paid tribute to the musical "Wicked," thanks to a collaboration with Universal Pictures. This segment featured a heartfelt message from star Cynthia Erivo and was highlighted by pink and green fireworks that mirrored the iconic colors of the show.
The soundtrack for the evening included hits from Raye, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran, and Coldplay, creating a perfect blend of music and fireworks for the thousands gathered along the banks of the River Thames.
UAE: A Record-Breaking Celebration with Drones and Fireworks
In the United Arab Emirates, the 2026 New Year's celebrations aimed to make history by securing multiple Guinness World Records. Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), known for its ambitious aerial displays, broke the world record for the "Largest aerial display of a phoenix formed by multirotor drones." This record-breaking show, held at Al Marjan Island and Al Hamra waterfront, featured an incredible 2,300 drones. Among them were 1,000 pyro-drones, which illuminated the phoenix's wings in a fiery blaze, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.
Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba set out to break five world records, including the longest continuous fireworks display in the region's history. The 62-minute marathon fireworks display was divided into five distinct phases, keeping the excitement building throughout the entire duration. Additionally, Abu Dhabi saw the launch of the world's largest drone performance, involving a fleet of 6,500 drones taking to the skies to form stunning 3D aerial formations.
In Dubai, the skyline was illuminated with 48 separate fireworks displays across 40 locations, including the iconic Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. The city also featured narrative drone shows at Bluewaters and The Beach JBR, with mesmerizing displays such as "The Dragon" and "The Pearl" lighting up the sky.
What Happened in Europe? Paris, Rome, and Berlin Light Up the Night
While London's fireworks stole the spotlight as Europe's largest display, several major European cities followed suit with their own unique celebrations.
Paris: The City of Lights ushered in 2026 with a show at the Arc de Triomphe on the famed Champs-Élysées. The video-mapping show was a visual marvel, featuring a 100% female playlist and concluding with a powerful tribute to peace set to John Lennon's iconic "Imagine." Although Paris had planned to host a live concert, it was canceled due to concerns over "unpredictable crowd movements." Despite the setback, the light show was a stunning tribute to the city's New Year spirit.
Rome: Rome celebrated 2026 with a free concert at Circo Massimo, featuring Italian superstars Alessandra Amoroso and Fabri Fibra. The concert was followed by a midnight toast, and the city's panoramic viewpoints were illuminated by fireworks. While not as large as some of its European counterparts, Rome's festivities exuded the charm and vibrancy that the Italian capital is known for.
Berlin: Berlin's New Year's celebration, titled "Yeah 2026," took place at the Brandenburg Gate, where 20,000 people gathered for a free party. The 7.5-minute fireworks display was broadcast live on German television (ARD), adding to the excitement. The event adhered to strict safety measures, with private fireworks prohibited in key areas like Alexanderplatz to ensure the safety of attendees.
The Global Countdown: A Comparison of Fireworks and Drones
How Did Each City Celebrate? Key Highlights from the Global New Year 2026
Each city celebrated the new year with its own unique flair, creating a colorful mosaic of global festivities. From London's massive fireworks show on the River Thames to Ras Al Khaimah's record-breaking drone spectacle, the early hours of 2026 were filled with visual wonder.
Conclusion: A World United by Fireworks and Festivities
As cities around the globe celebrated 2026, from the dazzling fireworks on the River Thames in London to the world-record drone displays in Ras Al Khaimah, the New Year was ushered in with spectacular displays that spanned continents and cultures. While each city had its own style of celebration, the common thread was the global spirit of togetherness, as fireworks, drones, and music brought people together to mark the start of a new year.
In London, the largest fireworks display in Europe set the bar high, while in the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah's record-breaking drone show and Abu Dhabi's marathon fireworks display added a high-tech flair to the festivities. Paris, Rome, and Berlin each offered their own special celebrations, from Paris's peaceful tribute to John Lennon's "Imagine" to Berlin's free party and Rome's musical evening. The contrasts between these celebrations, from massive pyrotechnic displays to more intimate events, highlighted the diversity of global New Year's celebrations, making 2026's arrival an unforgettable global journey.