December 28, 2025 | 10:00 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - One of the most anticipated moments on New Year's Eve is the fireworks show. In many countries, fireworks parties take over city centers and open spaces. Huge crowds gather to count down to the new year together. These attractions are more than just a tradition; they are major draws for global tourism. They light up the sky and bring people together in celebration.
In Jakarta and several other cities of Indonesia, the fireworks parties for the 2026 New Year have been canceled. This decision shows solidarity with regions hit by major floods over the past few weeks. While these cities remain quiet, other parts of the world are moving forward with their grand displays. Local authorities manage these events to ensure safety and spectacle.
Most Iconic Fireworks Shows in the World
Here are the most iconic fireworks shows in the world, as reported by Travel and Leisure Asia.
1. Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Ras Al Khaimah is preparing for the world's largest fireworks show this year. The event features more than 2,300 drones and light-illuminated lasers. This massive show symbolizes strength, renewal, and the spirit of progress in the region. The midnight display lasts for 15 minutes and stretches six kilometers from Al Marjan to Al Hamra. Families with children can also enjoy an earlier show at 8 p.m. above Corniche Al Qawasim.
2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai hosts one of the most stunning New Year's Eve fireworks shows on the planet. It features a 360-degree pyrotechnic display surrounding the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. The fireworks pair with laser shows, music, and reflections in the Dubai Fountain. To get the best view, find a spot on the terraces of Doors Dubai Mall, Atlantis The Palm, or Bluewaters Island. These locations offer a front-row seat to the record-breaking lights.
3. Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
New Year's Eve in Rio De Janeiro is more than just a party. It begins with the festive Reveillon celebration at sunset on December 31. Locals gather wearing white clothes to symbolize purity and spiritual renewal for the coming year. When the clock strikes midnight, amazing fireworks launch into the sky. The lights color the air and bounce off the waves of Copacabana Beach. It is a sensory experience that combines nature with celebration.
4. River Thames, London
As Big Ben rings at midnight, the London sky fills with color and music. The show uses iconic backdrops like the Houses of Parliament and St. Paul's Cathedral. Lights launch from the London Eye, and projectiles soar over the River Thames. If you want the best view of this party, book a riverside room at a nearby hotel. You can also take a cruise on the river for a unique perspective of the city's skyline.
5. Edinburgh, Scotland
New Year's Eve in Edinburgh is famous for the Hogmanay celebration. In Scotland, Hogmanay means New Year's Eve, and the festival lasts from December 30 to January 1. It begins with a Torch Procession from the Royal Mile to Calton Hill. On December 31, Princess Street hosts concerts and street parties with international stars. A stunning fireworks show launches from Edinburgh Castle exactly at midnight to welcome the New Year.
6. Paris, France
The fireworks show in Paris centers on the Champs-Elysees, one of the world's most famous streets. The event combines fireworks, light projections, and music to create a festive mood. Music and light animations play at the Arc de Triomphe before the countdown begins at 23:59. A spectacular 8-minute fireworks show then greets the new year. It is a refined and artistic display in the heart of the city.
7. Sydney Harbor, Australia
Produced by the City of Sydney, these fireworks are designed specifically for families. The celebration includes a light parade at 9 p.m. and a massive midnight finale. Many consider Sydney’s curated New Year's Eve celebration the best in the world. The lights launch from the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the Opera House, and nearby barges. The show even features a waterfall effect of fire dropping from the bridge, which was built in 1932.
Read: Dubai to Ring in 2026 With 48 Fireworks Shows Across 40 Locations: Here's Where to Catch Them
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