Viral posts claimed Paris, New York and Australia canceled New Year's Eve fireworks for 2025, but the reality is different.Online reactions were split. Some users accused officials of "giving in to fear," while others supported the move, saying public safety comes first. One comment summed it up simply: "Scaling back is not canceling."
Claims that New York has canceled its New Year's Eve celebrations are false. The iconic Times Square Ball Drop is happening as usual on December 31, complete with live performances, confetti, massive crowds and the countdown into 2026. Times Square has never been centered around fireworks, so rumors about fireworks cancellations misunderstand how the event works.
Some smaller fireworks shows in New York City parks have faced changes in past years due to weather or environmental issues, not security concerns. None of those affect the main New Year's Eve celebration.
Many New Yorkers pushed back online. "Times Square never had fireworks to begin with," one user wrote. Another joked, "People believe anything if it sounds dramatic enough."
Sydney's world famous New Year's Eve fireworks were never canceled. Earlier in December, there were concerns about possible transport disruptions due to planned strikes. Those issues were resolved, and the celebrations moved forward as planned.
The Sydney Harbour fireworks lit up the Opera House and Harbour Bridge at both the family friendly evening show and the midnight display. Millions watched in person, with global broadcasts reaching billions.