New Year's Eve plans for tens of thousands of people have been thrown into disarray as authorities across the globe cancel major public celebrations due to a confluence of safety fears, terror threats, and recent tragedies.
Security Threats and Tragedies Prompt Cancellations
The chilling spectre of terrorism has directly impacted unofficial celebrations in Los Angeles. The FBI uncovered a planned bombing attack, leading to the arrest of four individuals during a rehearsal. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated that drone surveillance footage showed suspects attempting to assemble a bomb. The four named suspects are Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41, all from the Los Angeles area. Despite this, official city events are proceeding.
In Sydney, Australia, the shadow of the recent Bondi Beach shooting, which killed 15 and injured 40, looms large. In response, Waverley Council cancelled New Year's Eve events at Bondi Beach, including the elrow XXL Bondi party and Local's Lawn. Organisers cited "compassion and care for Sydney's Jewish community" as a key reason. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns acknowledged ongoing threats of antisemitism, stating many in the Jewish community do not feel safe. While Sydney's iconic harbour fireworks will continue, a moment's silence will be observed for the Bondi victims.
Authoritarian Crackdowns and Safety Measures
In Russia, the Kremlin has imposed severe restrictions, continuing a trend from recent years. Authorities in at least 64 of Russia's 89 regions have announced they will not hold official fireworks displays, with Red Square closed and guarded by police. The measures are officially linked to the war in Ukraine, but extend to mobile internet disruptions—citing drone strike fears—and sweeping alcohol bans in regions like Omsk, Irkutsk, and Abakan.
Elsewhere, crowd safety is the primary concern. In Paris, police urged Mayor Anne Hidalgo to cancel a popular music event on the Champs-Elysées over fears of dangerous crushes, though the main fireworks display continues. Similarly, Tokyo authorities cancelled the iconic countdown outside Shibuya Station due to crush risks and concerns about public drinking.
Solidarity and Mourning Shape Celebrations
Other cancellations are acts of solidarity or mourning. The Indonesian government is supporting regions forgoing fireworks in solidarity with victims of catastrophic floods and landslides in Sumatra, which killed over 900 people in Indonesia and more than 1,500 across parts of Asia.
In Hong Kong, the traditional fireworks display is cancelled following the city's deadliest fire in decades at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which claimed at least 160 lives. An alternative light show will be presented instead. Meanwhile, Belgrade has cancelled some events, including those for the Serbian New Year on January 14, citing safety concerns for children after previous incidents where barriers were breached.
The wave of cancellations underscores a sombre end to 2025, where global security anxieties, national tragedies, and authoritarian governance are significantly altering how the world rings in the new year.
