December 31, 2025 | 08:12 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - When fireworks fade across Asia, Europe, and much of the Americas, New Year’s Eve is far from over in every corner of the world. Thanks to Earth’s time zones, some destinations welcome January 1 far later than others, revealing which will be the last countries to celebrate the New Year.
So, where are the places where the new chapter begins the latest? Here’s how the final countdown unfolds, according to Parade.
What are the Last Countries to Celebrate the New Year?
1. East Coast USA, Peru, Ecuador, Montreal & Havana - 12:00 a.m. EST
The New Year begins at midnight Eastern Standard Time in major East Coast cities like New York and Washington, D.C. At the same time, parts of South and Central America, along with Canada and the Caribbean, also welcome January 1.
2. Select Regions of the US, Mexico City & Costa Rica - 1:00 a.m. EST
Just an hour later, other regions in the US, such as Chicago and Dallas, enter the New Year. They will also be joined by cities like Mexico City and destinations across Costa Rica.
3. Southwestern US, Parts of Canada & Mexico - 2:00 a.m. EST
By 2:00 a.m. EST, parts of the southwestern United States, including Utah and Arizona, ring in the New Year, along with select regions in Canada and Mexico.
4. Pacific Coast US, Vancouver & Pitcairn Islands - 3:00 a.m. EST
The New Year reaches the US West Coast at 3:00 a.m. EST, with Los Angeles and nearby cities welcoming January 1. Vancouver, Canada, and the remote Pitcairn Islands also join the festivities.
5. Alaska & French Polynesia - 4:00 a.m. EST
At 4:00 a.m. EST, Alaska finally welcomes the New Year, along with several islands in French Polynesia.
6. Marquesas Islands - 4:30 a.m. EST
The Marquesas Islands celebrate the New Year slightly later than neighboring regions.
7. Hawaii & Cook Islands - 5:00 a.m. EST
Hawaii rings in the New Year at 5:00 a.m. EST, joined by New Zealand’s Cook Islands, becoming one of the last countries to celebrate the New Year around the globe.
8. American Samoa & Pago Pago - 6:00 a.m. EST
The last populated places to celebrate the New Year are American Samoa and its capital, Pago Pago. Their midnight arrives at 6:00 a.m. EST, officially closing out the world’s New Year celebrations.
As the world welcomes the New Year in waves, American Samoa stands as the final place to turn the page. While uninhabited islands like Baker Island and Howland Island technically follow, American Samoa remains the last populated destination to ring in the New Year. In stark contrast to this timeline, Kiribati holds the distinction of being the first country to celebrate the New Year.
Read: 2026 Guide: Best Places to Go for New Year's Celebrations Around the World
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