New Year's Eve Around the World

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Who Celebrates the New Year First and Last?

If you want to be among the first to welcome the new year, then you had better head to Kiritimati, or Christmas Island.  Located in the Indian Ocean, Kiritimati is the world's largest coral atoll and is the first inhabited landmass west of the International Date Line.  However, the first major city to celebrate the new year is Auckland, New Zealand.  Because New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, it is summertime and their celebrations include outdoor concerts and, as with most other major cities, a stunning fireworks display.  And, if you are curious about who is the last to ring in the new year worldwide, those who live in Honolulu, Hawaii; Adak, Alaska; Papetee, Tahiti; and Pago Pago, Samoa are the last.