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TourismLondon New Year’s Eve Fireworks 2026-2027: Tickets, Times and Best Viewing Spots
Discover our guide New Years in London
The New Year's Eve fireworks in London are one of the city's biggest events on 31 December. Every year, during the night of 31 December to 1 January, the display lights up the sky around the London Eye and the River Thames, as the twelve chimes of Big Ben mark the start of the new year.
Presented by the Mayor of London, the event attracts thousands of spectators along the river and is watched around the world. Since 2014, access to the main viewing area has required advance booking: you need a ticket to enter the official viewing zones.
Tickets, prices, viewing zones, free viewpoints, transport and practical tips: here is everything you need to know to watch the London New Year's Eve fireworks 2026-2027.
New Year's Eve in London 2026-2027: the fireworks are scheduled for 31 December 2026 near the London Eye to welcome 2027. The exact ticket sale date and 2026 ticket prices have not yet been announced. A first wave of tickets is usually released in October, followed by a smaller second release in November. This page will be updated as soon as official information is published.
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At the previous edition, around 100,000 ticket holders watched the display from the banks of the Thames.
Tickets for the London New Year's Eve fireworks 2026-2027
Where can you buy official tickets?
Tickets for the official London New Year's Eve fireworks viewing zones are traditionally sold through Ticketmaster, the event's official ticketing partner.
At the previous edition, tickets were available only through the official sales channel and no tickets were sold at the venue on 31 December.
Once the next ticket sale opens, you will be able to check availability on the official Ticketmaster website.
Beware of fake tickets: avoid unauthorised resale platforms and private listings. At the previous edition, City Hall reminded visitors that only tickets bought through the official seller were accepted at the entrance.
When will tickets go on sale?
The 2026-2027 ticket sale date has not yet been announced.
In recent years, a first wave has generally been released in October, followed by a smaller second wave in November. This remains only an indication until City Hall publishes the dates for the 2026 edition.
Tickets can sell quickly. If watching the display from an official viewing zone is a priority, it is best to book as soon as sales open.
How much do tickets cost?
Ticket prices for 2026-2027 have not yet been published.
Prices generally vary depending on the viewing zone and may change from one edition to another. You should therefore not assume that last year's prices will apply to the next event.
What if you can no longer use your ticket?
At the previous edition, Ticketmaster offered an official Fan-to-Fan resale platform allowing some tickets to be put back on sale. The rules for the 2026-2027 edition will need to be checked once ticket sales open.
If the event sells out, avoid buying from an unauthorised seller. An official resale option, if available, or another New Year's Eve experience is safer than buying a ticket whose validity cannot be guaranteed.
Date, time and schedule of the London New Year's Eve fireworks
The London New Year's Eve fireworks take place during the night of 31 December to 1 January. The display begins around midnight, following the famous chimes of Big Ben.
Launched around the London Eye, the show combines fireworks, lights and music along the Thames. The main display lasts for around ten minutes.
At the previous edition, more than 12,000 fireworks and over 400 lighting effects were used around the London Eye.
The New Year's Eve fireworks are launched around the London Eye and the banks of the River Thames.
Can you watch the fireworks on television?
Yes. The display is traditionally broadcast live by the BBC in the United Kingdom. It is a useful alternative if you do not want to deal with the crowds or if you were unable to get a ticket.
The exact broadcasting arrangements for the 2026 edition should be checked closer to 31 December.
Official viewing zones for the London New Year's Eve fireworks
At the previous edition, the official event area was divided into six viewing zones. Each required a ticket matching the correct colour and offered a different perspective over the London Eye and the Thames.
The layout for the 2026-2027 edition has not yet been published. The information below therefore reflects the latest official arrangement and is intended to help you understand how the system generally works.
Travelling as a group? When booking, choose tickets in the same zone. The sectors are separated, and it may be impossible to meet friends or family in another zone once security checks have been passed.
What were the different viewing zones?
| Zone | What to know |
|---|---|
| Blue | Victoria Embankment, with a front-facing view of the London Eye. |
| Red | Victoria Embankment, farther east, with a slightly angled view. |
| Pink | Panoramic views from Waterloo Bridge. |
| Green | Area located behind the London Eye. |
| White | Westminster Bridge. |
| Orange | Accessible viewing zone on Albert Embankment. |
The 6 zones used at the previous edition
- Blue Zone - Victoria Embankment
- View: front-facing view of the London Eye.
- Area: between Westminster Bridge and Golden Jubilee Footbridge.
- Red Zone - Victoria Embankment
- View: slightly angled.
- Area: between Golden Jubilee Footbridge and Temple Avenue.
- Pink Zone - Waterloo Bridge
- View: panoramic view from the bridge.
- Green Zone - behind the London Eye
- View: very close to the main event site.
- White Zone - Westminster Bridge
- View: across the Thames towards the London Eye and Westminster.
- Orange Zone - Albert Embankment
- Special feature: accessible viewing area designed for visitors with specific access needs.
Entrance gates, recommended stations and any restrictions specific to each zone can change from one year to another. Wait for the official 2026 map before planning your exact route.
What if the tickets are sold out?
If the official viewing zones sell out, there are still several ways to enjoy New Year's Eve in London: book a New Year's Eve cruise on the Thames, choose an event with a view, watch the fireworks from a more distant viewpoint or follow the broadcast.
If seeing the fireworks is your main priority, choose an official viewing zone or an experience that clearly advertises a view of the display. A restaurant or rooftop in central London does not automatically guarantee a view of the London Eye.
Where can you see the London New Year's Eve fireworks for free?
Without a ticket for the official event area, it may still be possible to see the fireworks from certain elevated viewpoints across London. The view will be much more distant, however, and depends on the weather, surrounding buildings and any access restrictions in place.
Do not try to enter the official event area without a ticket. Central London is subject to major restrictions on 31 December, and several bridges or roads may be closed.
Some free viewpoints
| Location | Type of view | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Parliament Hill | Panoramic view over London | The fireworks may be visible in the distance when conditions are favourable. |
| Alexandra Palace | Panoramic view over the London skyline | Very far from the London Eye, but outside the main central event area. |
These viewpoints are mainly useful for seeing the fireworks within the London skyline. They do not offer the same proximity, sound or overall experience as the official viewing zones along the Thames.
Can you see the fireworks from Westminster Bridge?
At the previous edition, Westminster Bridge formed part of the White Zone and was therefore reserved for people holding the corresponding ticket.
For 2026-2027, check the official map before travelling: Westminster Bridge should not be treated as a free viewing point until the year's layout has been confirmed.
Practical information for 31 December
Central London becomes extremely busy on New Year's Eve. Security checks, diversions and road closures can make journeys much longer than usual.
What time should you arrive?
If you have a ticket for an official viewing zone, plan to arrive well before midnight. Gate opening and closing times will be confirmed with the information for the 2026 edition.
Do not leave your arrival until the last minute. Walking routes can be considerably longer than on a normal day because of barriers and one-way pedestrian routes around the event area.
How do you get to the fireworks?
The viewing zones are generally located around the London Eye, Westminster, Waterloo and the banks of the Thames.
The route you need to follow depends above all on the zone printed on your ticket. Do not automatically choose the station closest to the London Eye: some stations may be closed, operate as exit-only or be unsuitable for your particular entrance.
Does public transport run all night?
The special transport arrangements for 31 December 2026 have not yet been published.
In previous years, Transport for London has adapted its network to handle the New Year's Eve crowds, with service changes and temporary closures at some central London stations.
Check the latest information from Transport for London (TfL) a few days before travelling for confirmed operating hours, station closures and recommended routes.
What traffic restrictions are in place?
A large security perimeter is set up in central London. Several streets and bridges may be progressively closed to manage the movement of spectators.
If your hotel or event is in central London, allow extra time and bear in mind that a route which is normally straightforward may require a substantial detour.
Road, bridge and station closures change according to the arrangements put in place each year. Always check the official information published closer to 31 December.
What items are prohibited?
Security checks are carried out at the entrance to the official viewing zones, and restrictions apply to luggage and certain items.
The detailed rules for 2026 have not yet been published. At previous editions, significant restrictions applied in particular to large bags and certain types of containers.
Travel light: check the official list of permitted and prohibited items before setting off. A small bag will also make security checks quicker.
How should you prepare for the evening?
- Wear warm clothes and bring a waterproof layer.
- Choose comfortable shoes: diversions and walking distances can be significant.
- Fully charge your phone before leaving.
- If you are travelling in a group, agree on a meeting point in case you become separated.
- Plan your route back before entering the viewing zone.
The fireworks themselves are relatively short. In practice, waiting, reaching the event area and travelling home after midnight take up a large part of the evening.
Where should you stay for the London New Year's Eve fireworks?
If you are planning to attend the London New Year's Eve fireworks, booking accommodation in advance can make the evening much easier. Hotels close to the London Eye, Westminster and Waterloo are particularly popular around New Year's Eve.
Stay close to the fireworks
South Bank, Waterloo and Westminster are among the most convenient areas if you want to minimise travel after midnight.
Bear in mind, however, that road and pedestrian restrictions may change access to your hotel on the night itself, even if it appears very close on a map.
Stay with a view of the Thames
Some hotels along the river have rooms or public areas with views over London. A Thames-side address does not, however, guarantee a view of the fireworks.
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If the view is important to you, check the exact orientation of the room or the details of any New Year's Eve package before booking.
Stay in a quieter area
Staying a little farther from central London may give you a wider choice of accommodation. In that case, pay particular attention to your route back after midnight and any changes to public transport.
Choose your accommodation according to your actual plans for the night: fireworks, cruise, dinner or party. Being close to where you finish the evening is often more useful than simply being close to the London Eye.
FAQ: London New Year's Eve fireworks
Will there be New Year's Eve fireworks in London on 31 December 2026?
The fireworks are currently scheduled for 31 December 2026 near the London Eye to celebrate the arrival of 2027. Detailed ticketing and event information will be published closer to the date.
Do you need a ticket to see the fireworks?
Yes, a ticket is required to enter the official viewing zones along the Thames. It may still be possible to see the fireworks from more distant parts of London or to choose another experience.
When will tickets for the 2026 fireworks go on sale?
The date has not yet been announced. Tickets are usually released in several waves, with a first sale generally taking place in October and a smaller additional release in November.
How much do tickets cost?
2026 ticket prices have not yet been published. Prices may vary depending on the viewing zone.
Can you see the fireworks for free?
It may be possible to see them from a distance from certain elevated viewpoints such as Parliament Hill or Alexandra Palace. The view is not comparable to the experience inside the official viewing zones.
Can you see the fireworks from Westminster Bridge?
At the previous edition, Westminster Bridge formed part of a ticketed viewing zone. You therefore need to wait for the 2026 map before knowing exactly which restrictions will apply.
Are the fireworks suitable for children?
Families can attend the event, but the crowds, cold weather, waiting time and noise levels can be difficult for younger children. An indoor event or another New Year's Eve option may be more comfortable for families with small children.
What can you do in London on 1 January?
The day after New Year's Eve, you can attend the New Year's Day Parade or continue exploring the city. Some opening hours are adjusted for the public holiday, so check before travelling.
Can the fireworks be cancelled?
Changes or cancellation remain possible in exceptional circumstances, particularly for safety reasons. Check official announcements before travelling to the event.
Summary
The London New Year's Eve fireworks 2026 are scheduled for 31 December 2026 around the London Eye and the River Thames. To enter the main event area, you will need a ticket for one of the official viewing zones.
The ticket sale date, prices and 2026 viewing-zone map have not yet been announced. A first wave of tickets is usually released in the autumn, so if the fireworks are central to your New Year's Eve plans, keep an eye on ticket sales and book quickly once they open.
If you cannot get a ticket, a New Year's Eve cruise on the Thames, an event with a view or certain elevated viewpoints around London can provide alternatives.
Planning your whole New Year's Eve in the capital? You can also read our guide to New Year's Eve in London, explore New Year's Eve cruises on the Thames and discover the best viewpoints in London.
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