People around the world will be celebrating the start of the New Year, but due to the time difference, we won’t all be doing so at once.

Here’s what time it will be in the UK when the clocks strike midnight in different countries, signalling the start of 2021.  When will the rest of the world celebrate the New Year? It might not be your average New Year’s Eve for many, but among the first to welcome 2021 will be Christmas Island (Kiritimati), Samoa and Tonga – it’s midnight in these places at just 10am on 31 December in the UK.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – JANUARY 01: Crowds watch fireworks from the SkyTower during Auckland New Year’s Eve celebrations on January 01, 2020 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images)
Australia, and much of Europe and Asia bring in the new year ahead of the UK – always useful to know for those with family or friends who might welcome a ‘Happy New Year’ phone call.  Then, long after the UK has waved goodbye to 2020, countries including the US, Canada and Argentina will start their celebrations.  American Samoa is among the last, with an 11-hour time difference with the UK.

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