How to attend the New Year's Eve fireworks in London?

How to attend the New Year's Eve fireworks in London?

Discover our guide  New Years in London

The New Year's Eve fireworks in London - first initiated in 2003 - is an iconic event held every year on December 31st to mark the transition to the new year. It is organized by the Mayor of London and attracts around 100,000 spectators along the Thames, near the London Eye. The show, known for its 12,000 fireworks, begins precisely at midnight, accompanied by the famous "bongs" of Big Ben.

This event has become a staple of the capital's festivities, drawing not only Londoners but also visitors from around the world. If you wish to attend in person, be aware that it has been a ticketed event since 2014, with tickets limited to around 100,000 each year.

The televised broadcast allows millions of viewers to watch the show live on the BBC. It is one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the UK and a great way to experience the unique atmosphere of a London New Year's Eve.

The New Year's Eve fireworks in London is a major spectacle that has evolved over the years. Before 2014, the event was free, but with increasing crowds (sometimes exceeding 500,000 people), it became necessary to charge for entry to ensure safety and an enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Book your tickets for the New Year's Eve fireworks 2024-2025 in London

Where to buy tickets

New Year's Eve fireworks tickets in London are exclusively available for purchase on the Ticketmaster platform, and will not be available on the night of the event. You can purchase up to 4 tickets per order (if you are a larger group, another adult can purchase tickets for other group members).

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  • First batch of tickets: on sale from Friday, October 18, 2024, at 12 PM.
  • Second batch of tickets: on sale in December (date to be confirmed).

If you can no longer attend the event, you can resell your tickets at face value on the Fan-to-Fan resale platform by Ticketmaster, but no direct refunds will be possible.

It is recommended to book your tickets as early as possible as they sell out very quickly.

Beware of unofficial resellers, as tickets purchased outside the Ticketmaster platform will not be valid.

Ticket prices

New Year's Eve fireworks tickets in London are priced between £20 and £50 per person depending on the viewing area chosen and whether the buyer is a London resident or not:

  • Rate for non-London residents:
    • Blue, Pink, White zones: £50 per ticket
    • Red, Green, Orange (accessible) zones: £35 per ticket
  • Rate for London residents (discount of £15):
    • Blue, Pink, White zones: £35 per ticket
    • Red, Green, Orange (accessible) zones: £20 per ticket

This discount for London residents is subject to address verification at the time of booking. It is crucial to enter your postcode correctly without spaces and provide a valid billing address matching this code.

Ticket prices include VAT and have increased in 2024 to enhance security and crowd management around the event.

Viewing areas

There are 6 different viewing areas for the fireworks, each offering specific features and views of the London Eye:

  1. Blue (Victoria Embankment): direct view of the London Eye, accessible from Victoria Station or Charing Cross (entrances: Gate 1 and Gate 2)
  2. Red (Victoria Embankment): side view of the London Eye, accessible from Holborn or Blackfriars (entrances: Gate 4 and Gate 5)
  3. Pink (Waterloo Bridge): side view from the bridge, accessible from Southwark (entrance: Gate 6)
  4. Green (behind the London Eye): very close view, accessible from Waterloo Station (entrance: Gate 7)
  5. White (Westminster Bridge): side view, accessible from Waterloo Station (entrance: Gate 8)
  6. Orange (accessible): dedicated area for those with accessibility needs, located on Albert Embankment, opposite St Thomas' Hospital. Partial view of the London Eye (entrance: Gate 9)

The first 5 zones - offering an immersive experience with live music from the show - provide a stunning view of the fireworks, directly near the main stage.

It is essential to book the same zones if you are coming with friends or family, as you will not be able to change zones once inside.

New Year's Eve 2024-2025 fireworks zone map in London

Accessible zone (Orange)

The Orange zone is reserved for individuals with specific accessibility needs. It is located at Albert Embankment and offers a partial view of the fireworks. It features:

  • Accessible toilets, including a unit with a changing table.
  • Hearing loop and first aid stations.
  • Seating provided, but you can bring your own folding chair.
  • Access close to a drop-off point for vehicles (approximately 700 meters).

This area is designed for those who wish to avoid large crowds while enjoying the event.

For those heading to the accessible zone or needing a vehicle drop-off point, it is recommended to arrive before 8 PM. Many roads around the site will be closed after this time, limiting car access options.

Practical information

Event dates and times

The New Year's Eve fireworks in London will take place on the night of December 31, 2024 to January 1, 2025. The show starts at midnight, but the festivities and preparations on site begin much earlier in the evening, usually around 8 PM.

The fireworks last about 12 minutes, with dazzling explosions synchronized to carefully selected music, creating a breathtaking display over the Thames and iconic landmarks such as the London Eye and Big Ben. It's a truly magical moment to celebrate the arrival of 2025.

The fireworks will be launched from the London Eye, offering a spectacle visible for miles around.

To secure a good spot, it is recommended to arrive early, as the gates usually open in the afternoon, and the viewing areas fill up quickly.

New Year's Eve fireworks in London
New Year's Eve fireworks in London

How to get there

Several bridges will be closed, including Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge. Plan your route carefully and expect to walk more after the event to reach public transport, which will be very busy.

Looking back at the New Year's Eve fireworks 2023-2024

The New Year's Eve 2023-2024 in London offered a grand spectacle, with the largest fireworks, lights, and drone show ever organized in the city. Over 100,000 spectators attended the event live around the London Eye, while millions more watched the live broadcast on BBC worldwide.

For the first time, the show combined fireworks and drones, creating a unique visual experience, accompanied by light displays, and sending a message of unity and celebration to the world. The show also paid tribute to significant moments of 2023, such as the coronation of King Charles III, the 75th anniversary of the NHS, the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush, and the 10th anniversary of the legalization of same-sex marriage.

The soundtrack of the show was varied, including vocal excerpts from personalities such as Dame Helen Mirren, Bella Ramsey, Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley, George the Poet, and Baroness Floella Benjamin. The London sky was illuminated by more than 12,000 fireworks, 600 drones, and 430 light displays.

To relive this magical night, you can watch the show on YouTube:

Since its modest beginnings in 2003, the New Year's Eve fireworks in London have continued to grow in scale and sophistication. Each year, the show has been enriched, not only in terms of the quantity and quality of the fireworks but also by the integration of modern technologies such as lasers and, more recently, luminous drones. These elements have allowed for increasingly impressive and complex shows, combining pyrotechnic art, cutting-edge technology, and musical performances.

 

In 2013, to mark the 10th anniversary of the event, the show was renamed "Mayor of London's New Year's Eve Fireworks" and began to include specific themes celebrating national and international events, thus adding a narrative and symbolic dimension to the show. For example, the show celebrated the London 2012 Olympics and royal anniversaries.

The best places to watch the fireworks without a ticket

One of the benefits of attending the New Year's Eve fireworks in London is the variety of locations from which you can enjoy the show, whether you have a ticket or not. Indeed, besides the official viewing areas, there are several other strategic spots to watch the fireworks without a ticket:

  • Primrose Hill: this hill in north London offers a panoramic view of the city, ideal for watching the fireworks from afar.
  • Parliament Hill: located in Hampstead Heath, this area is a popular alternative, although it often gets crowded on New Year's Eve.
  • Alexandra Palace: known for its stunning view of London, "Ally Pally" is a good choice for those who want a more distant but clear perspective.
  • Victoria Embankment: for a unique perspective on the Thames.
  • Millennium Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge: both offer excellent views of the Thames while being less crowded than the main areas.
  • Cannon Street and South Bank: these areas are also good options for viewing the fireworks from a distance.

Check out our map of London's best panoramic views to find the perfect spot.

Cruises, bars and restaurants

  • Thames cruises: another option to enjoy the fireworks is to book a Thames cruise. These cruises offer a direct view of the show, with options including gourmet dinners or evenings with live music. Prices vary depending on the services offered.

River Thames Cruise in London

From 18.60 € (or £15.50)

From £15.50 (or 18.60 €)

  • Bars and restaurants with a view: many London establishments offer special evenings with views of the fireworks. These options can be more expensive, but they provide comfort and a festive atmosphere to beautifully mark the start of the new year.

Practical tips

To fully enjoy the New Year's festivities in London, it's essential to follow some practical tips.

Transport

  • Free public transport: on New Year's Eve, London's public transport, including the underground, buses, and trains, operates all night, often with free services for a few hours after midnight.
  • Allow time to get there: roads and public transport will be very busy on New Year's Eve, especially in areas close to the fireworks.
  • Plan your return: it's advisable to plan your return journey in advance, as some underground stations or bus stops may be closed for safety reasons. Check the Transport for London (TfL) website for real-time updates on station closures and special schedules.

Safety and guidelines

  • Prohibited items: for safety reasons, certain items are prohibited in viewing areas, including glass bottles, alcohol, and large bags or suitcases. Searches are conducted at the entrance, so it's best to travel light.
  • Follow safety guidelines: follow the instructions of authorities and organizers to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
  • Bring snacks: queues for food stalls can be long. Bringing some snacks and drinks with you can be handy.
  • Appropriate clothing: evenings in London can be particularly cold at the end of December, with temperatures often close to 0°C. Make sure to wear warm clothing, and consider bringing a blanket or throw to keep warm while waiting for the show to start.

If you need a break to warm up, several cafés and restaurants along the Thames stay open late.

What to do after the fireworks?

  • Go out to clubs or bars: after the fireworks, many London clubs and bars host special New Year's Eve parties. Areas like Shoreditch, Soho, and Camden are famous for their festive atmospheres until the early hours.
  • Restaurants and cafés open late: if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, several restaurants or cafés in central areas stay open late to continue the festivities in a more laid-back setting.

Accommodation near the fireworks

If you want to attend the New Year's Eve fireworks in London and stay nearby, it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance.

Luxury hotels

  • Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London: located just a few minutes' walk from the London Eye, this 4-star hotel offers a magnificent view of the Thames and the fireworks. It's one of the best choices for those who want to stay in close proximity to the spectacle.
  • The Savoy: this legendary hotel near the Strand is another excellent choice for a luxury stay. It offers incredible views of the city and impeccable service to celebrate the New Year in style.

Mid-range hotels

  • Premier Inn London County Hall: just steps from the London Eye, this hotel offers comfortable rooms at a reasonable price for those who want to stay close to the action without breaking the bank.
  • H10 London Waterloo: this modern 4-star hotel is located about a 15-minute walk from the fireworks site. It offers spectacular views of the city from its rooftop bar.

Budget accommodations

  • YHA London St Paul's: this youth hostel is a great option for budget travelers. Located not far from the Thames, it offers easy access to the city center while remaining affordable.
  • The Victoria Inn London: another budget choice located slightly further from the center, but well-served by public transport, allowing easy access to the festivities.

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Booking early is essential, especially in areas close to the city center, as hotels fill up quickly during festive periods.

Apartment rentals

For more accommodation options, there are also apartment rentals through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, which allow families or groups of friends to stay in more spacious and affordable places. It's an interesting alternative to hotels, especially during holiday periods when prices can significantly increase.

Neighborhoods like Southbank, Westminster, or Waterloo offer direct access to the festivities, and rentals in these areas can provide stunning views of the fireworks while remaining a bit more affordable than some hotels.

FAQ: New Year's Eve fireworks in London

  • Are there any age restrictions for attending the fireworks? No, there are no age restrictions for attending the event. However, it's important to note that the atmosphere can be intense for young children due to the crowds and the noise of the fireworks.
  • What if the tickets are sold out? If you can't get a ticket, you can still enjoy the show from other locations around London, such as Primrose Hill or Parliament Hill.
  • Can it be canceled due to bad weather? The fireworks display takes place regardless of the weather conditions, unless safety is compromised.
  • Is the fireworks display broadcast on television? Yes, the event is broadcast live on BBC One and available for streaming via BBC iPlayer, allowing everyone to enjoy the show from home.

 

The New Year's Eve fireworks in London is an unforgettable experience, marking the transition to the new year with a breathtaking display over the Thames. Whether you attend the event in person, from one of the official viewing areas, or watch from other points in the city or on television, this event remains one of the most anticipated of the year. Don't forget to book your tickets in advance, plan your journey, and bring warm clothing to fully enjoy this celebration.

Plan your evening well, whether to attend the show or to continue the festivities in the many bars and clubs in London. New Year's Eve in London is a unique opportunity to experience a memorable party in one of the most vibrant cities in the world.

Official sources