See what New Year’s Eve superstitions that may bring luck in 2026
USA TODAY reporter Julia Gomez breaks down some of the superstitions you can take part in on New Year’s Eve that may bring you good fortune in 2026.
For some locations around the world, residents are already celebrating the start of 2026.
Just like there are time zones across the United States, there are time zones around the world to reflect the Earth’s rotation around the sun. So as Georgians slowly start their final day of 2025 and watch the ball drop into the new year, here’s an explanation of what’s happening where and when:
What is the international date line?
The international date line is the conceptual “line” that runs through the middle of the Pacific Ocean located halfway around the world from the prime meridian, which is located at zero degrees longitude in Greenwich in England, according to NOAA. It marks the “line of demarcation” which separates two consecutive calendar dates. Move west of the line and you’ve moved forward a day.
Established in 1884, the line actually has no legal international status and countries are free to choose the dates to observe. That’s why the international date line actually zig zigs — instead of being a straight line from pole to pole — through the Pacific.
What country changes dates first?
That would be the Republic of Kiribati.
Where is Kiribati?
Kiribati straddles the equator and is located in the central Pacific Ocean, roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia, northeast of the Solomon Islands.
It’s made up of 33 islands that stretch across about 2,400 miles of the Pacific. Twenty islands are inhabited, according to The Commonwealth.
Where is it 2026 now?
As of 9 a.m. here in Georgia, residents of Kiribati, along with New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, Micronesia, the far eastern areas of Russia and Sydney, Australia, have celebrated New Year’s Eve and flipped their calendars to 2026.
What time is the New Year around the world?
Here’s a look at what time for us it will be when some popular international cities will be entering 2026:
- Beijing: noon New Year’s Eve
- London: 7 p.m. New Year’s Eve
- Mexico City: 1 a.m. New Year’s Day
- New Delhi: 1 p.m. New Year’s Eve
- Paris: 6 p.m. New Year’s Eve
- Rio de Janeiro: 10 p.m. New Year’s Eve
- Rome: 6 p.m. New Year’s Eve
- Tokyo: 11 a.m. New Year’s Eve
You can check out more using Time and Date’s online interactive map.
What places will be last to enter 2026?
Baker Island and Howland Island in the Pacific Ocean will be the last locations on Earth to enter 2026.
Where is Baker Island and Howland Island?
Baker Island and Howland Island are in the central Pacific Ocean about halfway between Hawaii and Australia. Because of how the international date line zigs and zags, the islands actually are west of Kiribati.
Both islands are unincorporated, unorganized territories of the United States, forming part of the Phoenix Islands. For statistical purposes, Howland is grouped as one of the United States Minor Outlying Islands, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at [email protected].
