Scale-Back of New Year’s Eve Celebrations Worldwide

New York | Los Angeles | Paris | Tokyo

December 22, 2025

As the world prepares to welcome 2026, several countries and major cities have cancelled or restricted New Year’s Eve celebrations, citing elevated global security threats following the FBI’s disruption of a major bombing plot in the United States. Recent arrests, and the symbolic nature of New Year gatherings have prompted governments to prioritize public safety over large-scale festivities.

FBI Foils New Year’s Eve Bomb Plot in the United States

U.S. federal authorities confirmed that the FBI disrupted a planned New Year’s Eve bombing attack in Southern California, arresting multiple suspects accused of preparing improvised explosive device (IED) attacks timed for midnight celebrations. According to prosecutors:

• The suspects allegedly planned coordinated backpack bomb attacks targeting multiple public locations in Los Angeles and Orange County
• Investigators recovered bomb-making materials, test devices, and detailed planning documents
• Officials described the threat as credible and said the arrests likely prevented a mass-casualty incident
• U.S. authorities emphasized that the case reflects a growing concern around small domestic extremist cells, rather than foreign-directed terrorism.
• Federal agencies warned that New Year’s Eve remains a high-risk period, prompting nationwide security reinforcements.

Major Cities Tighten Security or Cancel Celebrations

United States: New York City will proceed with the Times Square ball drop but under maximum-level security including bomb-sniffing dogs, aerial surveillance and extensive checkpoints. Several U.S. cities have quietly scaled down fireworks and street events as a precaution.

France: Paris cancelled large public concerts along the Champs-Élysées, citing a “very high terror alert level”. Fireworks near the Arc de Triomphe will continue under heavy military and police protection. French officials confirmed multiple terror plots were disrupted in 2025 reinforcing the decision to limit crowds.

Japan: Tokyo authorities cancelled or restricted the famous Shibuya Crossing countdown citing public-safety and crowd-control risks. Officials’ emphasized prevention after past crowd-related tragedies is combined with global security warnings.

Other Countries: Serbia (Belgrade) announced no official New Year or Serbian New Year celebrations, Hong Kong replaced large fireworks with smaller light displays and several European and Asia-Pacific cities have adopted scaled-down or decentralized celebrations rather than mass gatherings.

Is This a Global Terror Alert?

Security agencies have been careful to avoid panic as no evidence suggests a single coordinated international terror plot. The California bombing case is not linked to cancellations in Europe or Asia. However, intelligence agencies note that major holidays are symbolic targets, prompting heightened caution.

A senior European security official stated “When threats are intercepted, it is safer to reduce exposure than assume the danger has passed.”

Looking Ahead

Despite cancellations, officials’ worldwide stress that daily life continues and many New Year celebrations will still occur in controlled and secure environments. As December 31 approaches, authorities say vigilance not fear is the goal.

Updates will follow as security advisories evolve.