As the world prepares to bid farewell to 2025, an extraordinary 24-hour spectacle of global celebrations is set to unfold, with LiveNOW from FOX streaming New Year’s Eve festivities from across the planet beginning at 5 a.m. ET on December 31, according to the network’s programming schedule.
Red, White, and Blue Ring in 2026
This year’s celebrations carry special significance in the United States, where the iconic Times Square ball drop will feature a patriotic red, white, and blue theme honoring the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. “This year’s ball drop has a patriotic twist to kick off months of celebrations leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary,” noted Fox News in its coverage of the preparations.
The crystal-covered ball destined to descend above the crowds in Manhattan underwent final testing on December 30, with technicians ensuring everything runs smoothly for the momentous occasion. “I’m Stephanie quid. You are watching live now from Fox. I did want to share this. Live look here,” a presenter stated during coverage of the ball test.
Fox News Channel has lined up special programming for the occasion, including Jimmy Failla’s All-American New Year’s Bash 2026, as party preparations sweep across cities nationwide and around the world, reveals the network’s schedule.
Around the Globe: A 24-Hour Celebration
Where will the first fireworks of 2026 appear? The global celebration kicks off in the Pacific, with New Zealand among the first nations to welcome the new year, followed by a rolling sequence of midnight moments that will continue westward across time zones for nearly a full day.
“Watch New Year’s Eve celebrations unfold around the world as cities welcome 2026 with fireworks and light shows,” explained one broadcast, which noted that festivities would be visible from Taipei starting around 11:00 a.m. EST.
In the Middle East, Iraq joined the worldwide celebration with fireworks illuminating the night sky over Irbil, as crowds gathered to welcome 2026 with optimism and joy, shows footage from the celebrations.
LiveNOW from FOX has taken a unique approach to its coverage, interspersing the global fireworks displays with viewer-submitted reflections on their proudest moments from 2025, creating a personalized retrospective alongside the traditional countdown festivities, indicates the network’s programming guide.
A Year to Remember
Looking back on 2025 while anticipating the symbolism of America’s quarter-millennial year ahead, these celebrations mark not just the turning of a calendar page but a significant historical milestone.
From Sydney’s harbor to London’s Thames, from Tokyo’s skyline to Rio’s beaches, and ultimately to the shores of San Francisco, the transition to 2026 promises to be a continuous stream of jubilation circling the planet—a reminder that despite our differences, the human tradition of marking time’s passage unites us all, if only for one glittering, explosive moment.
