Authorities around the world are cancelling New Year’s Eve celebrations due to heightened terror threats. Cities from Sydney to Paris have taken drastic measures as reports of potential attacks surfaced, leaving thousands of revelers without plans just days before December 31, 2025.
The wave of cancellations began following the FBI’s announcement of a thwarted bombing plot in Los Angeles. Four suspects were arrested during a rehearsal for the attack in the Mojave Desert. Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, presented surveillance footage showing the suspects attempting to assemble a bomb. The arrested individuals, identified as Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Tina Lai, 41, are all residents of the Los Angeles area.
While Los Angeles has not officially cancelled its New Year’s Eve events, other cities have not shared the same fate. Following a tragic shooting at Bondi Beach that resulted in 15 deaths and 40 injuries, Sydney has scrapped its fireworks display. The Waverley Council confirmed the decision, stating, “Due to the current situation on the ground, Waverley Council has decided to cancel New Year’s Eve events at Bondi Beach, including elrow XXL Bondi and Local’s Lawn.” This decision was made with “compassion and care for Sydney’s Jewish community” in light of the recent violence.
In Paris, officials have cancelled a popular music event on the Champs-Élysées after police raised concerns about crowd safety. The authorities urged Mayor Anne Hidalgo to cancel the concert, which typically attracts tens of thousands, due to fears of overcrowding and potential crushes. Despite the cancellation of the concert, the city’s main fireworks display is set to proceed as planned.
Tokyo also joined the list of cities cancelling events, with the countdown celebration outside the iconic Shibuya Station being called off. Local reports indicated that concerns about possible stampedes and public drinking influenced the decision, echoing similar fears seen in Paris. The Mayor of Shibuya, Ken Hasebe, confirmed the cancellation, prioritizing public safety.
As celebrations across the globe face these unprecedented cancellations, the focus remains on ensuring safety while trying to maintain some semblance of festivities. With only days left until the new year, many are left wondering how local authorities will adapt to these ongoing threats and what measures will be taken to protect the public during this traditionally celebratory time.
