How to attend the New Year's Eve fireworks 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.
How to book your tickets for the 2025-2026 New Year's Eve fireworks in London?
Where and how to buy your tickets for the New Year's Eve fireworks in London?
Official tickets for the 2025-2026 New Year's Eve fireworks in London are available exclusively on Ticketmaster. No tickets will be sold on-site on 31 December - online booking is therefore essential.
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Each person can purchase up to 4 tickets per order. If you're attending in a larger group, another adult will need to place a separate order.
Ticket release dates
- First ticket release: on sale from Friday 17 October 2025 at 12pm.
- Second ticket release: on sale from Monday 25 November 2025 at 12pm.
If you can no longer attend the event, you can resell your tickets at face value through Ticketmaster's Fan-to-Fan platform. No direct refunds are available.
Book your tickets as soon as sales open - they sell out very quickly every year.
Beware of unauthorised resellers: only tickets purchased via Ticketmaster are valid and guarantee entry to the event.
What are the ticket prices for London's 2025-2026 New Year's Eve fireworks?
Ticket prices for the London fireworks depend on two main factors:
- the viewing area you choose,
- and your place of residence (within London, elsewhere in the UK, or abroad).
All prices include VAT.
London residents can save up to £20 per ticket thanks to a special discount.
Prices for non-London residents
- Blue, Pink and White areas: £55 per ticket
- Red, Green and Orange areas (accessible zone): £40 per ticket
Prices for London residents (with £20 discount)
- Blue, Pink and White areas: £35 per ticket
- Red, Green and Orange areas (accessible zone): £20 per ticket
To benefit from this discount, you must enter a valid London postcode when booking. Make sure to type the postcode without spaces and that it matches your billing address.
In 2025, ticket prices increased slightly to enhance safety and improve event organisation.
What are the viewing zones for the New Year's Eve fireworks in London?
There are six official viewing zones, each offering a unique perspective of the London Eye and the fireworks display. Access is strictly controlled, and each ticket grants entry to a specific zone:
- Blue Zone - Victoria Embankment
- View: direct view of the London Eye
- Nearest stations: Victoria, Charing Cross
- Entrances: Gate 1 and Gate 2
- Red Zone - Victoria Embankment
- View: side view of the London Eye
- Nearest stations: Holborn, Blackfriars
- Entrances: Gate 4 and Gate 5
- Pink Zone - Waterloo Bridge
- View: side view from the bridge
- Nearest station: Southwark
- Entrance: Gate 6
- Green Zone - behind the London Eye
- View: very close, immersive view
- Nearest station: Waterloo
- Entrance: Gate 7
- White Zone - Westminster Bridge
- View: side view of the London Eye
- Nearest station: Waterloo
- Entrance: Gate 8
- Orange Zone - Albert Embankment (accessible area)
- View: partial view of the London Eye
- Location: opposite St Thomas' Hospital
- Entrance: Gate 9
The first five zones offer an immersive experience with the show's soundtrack broadcast live. The Orange Zone is reserved for people with disabilities or specific accessibility needs.
If you're coming as a group, make sure to book the same zone: once inside, it's not possible to move between zones.
Orange Zone (accessible): a comfortable alternative to enjoy the fireworks
The Orange Zone is specially designed for visitors with specific accessibility needs. It is located on Albert Embankment, opposite St Thomas' Hospital, and offers a partial view of the London Eye.
A great alternative to avoid large crowds while still enjoying the event in comfort:
- Accessible toilets, including a unit with a changing table
- Hearing loop available for hearing‑impaired visitors
- First aid points nearby
- Seating provided, with the option to bring your own folding chair
- Drop‑off point approximately 700 metres from the area
If you plan to use the drop‑off point or access the accessible zone, it's recommended to arrive before 8pm. Many roads will close after this time, making car access more difficult.
Practical information about the event
Dates and times
The London New Year's Eve fireworks will take place during the night of 31 December 2025 to 1 January 2026. The main display begins exactly at midnight, but preparations and on‑site animations usually start from 8pm.
Lasting around 12 minutes, the fireworks transform the London sky into a luminous tableau, perfectly synchronised with a carefully curated soundtrack. The London Eye and Big Ben provide an iconic backdrop for this magical moment.
The fireworks are launched from the London Eye, offering exceptional visibility across central London.
Arrive early: gates open in the afternoon and the best viewing areas fill up quickly.
Access and transport
Several bridges - including Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge - will be closed to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Expect detours and plan to walk more than usual to reach viewing areas or open Underground stations after the event.
Looking back at the 2024-2025 edition
To welcome 2025, London delivered an exceptional fireworks display: more than 12,000 rockets and 420 lighting effects, all perfectly synchronised with a soundtrack mixing timeless classics and contemporary hits.
A major first: the show incorporated a holographic Hologauze projection screen, creating a unique visual experience that combined pyrotechnics, projections and immersive special effects.
As every year, the fireworks were launched around the London Eye and Big Ben, within official viewing areas restricted to ticket holders. Entry was not permitted for those without a ticket.
Most Tube and bus lines operated throughout the night, although some central stations and roads were temporarily closed for safety reasons.
Want to relive this magical night? You can watch the full display on YouTube:
Past editions offer a good idea of what to expect this year - the overall format remains similar, with a few new elements introduced each time.
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.
- 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.