A wave of high-profile New Year's Eve celebrations is being canceled across the globe, turning what is usually a night of global revelry into one of heightened caution and scaled-back festivities. Authorities in major cities from Australia to France to Japan have scrapped fireworks displays, concerts, and public gatherings due to a combination of credible terrorism threats and crowd safety concerns.
The precautionary measures intensified after a critical intervention by the FBI earlier this month. U.S. authorities arrested four individuals—Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41—in the Mojave Desert outside Los Angeles. The suspects were allegedly rehearsing a bomb attack planned for New Year's Eve in L.A., with drone footage capturing them attempting to assemble an explosive device. While Los Angeles itself has not yet officially canceled its events, the foiled plot has cast a long shadow over international security preparations.
Sydney: Healing After Tragedy
In Sydney, Australia, the devastating December 14th terrorist shooting at Bondi Beach, which killed 15 people, has led to the cancellation of major events at the iconic location. Waverley Council announced the cancellation of the "elrow XXL Bondi" concert and the "Local's Lawn" event, stating the decision was made with "compassion and care for Sydney's Jewish community." The popular fireworks display on the beach, which typically draws over 15,000 spectators, has also been axed.
Paris and Tokyo: Fears of Crushing Crowds
Safety concerns of a different nature have led to cancellations in Paris and Tokyo. In the French capital, police urged Mayor Anne Hidalgo to cancel the massive outdoor concert on the Champs-Élysées, citing significant fears of dangerous crowd crushes. The city's main fireworks display, however, is still scheduled to proceed.
Similarly, Tokyo authorities have canceled the iconic New Year's countdown event outside Shibuya Station, a gathering that traditionally attracts hundreds of thousands of people. Mayor Ken Hasebe cited overwhelming concerns about the risk of stampedes in the dense crowds. Reports also indicate the decision was influenced by worries over public disorder and excessive drinking.
This global trend of canceling major public events underscores the complex security landscape facing world cities. Authorities are now forced to balance the public's desire for celebration with the paramount need to ensure safety, leading to a much quieter and more subdued welcome for 2026 in many parts of the world.
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