Where To Watch The New Year's Eve Fireworks In London 2026

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By Kiera Chapman • Editor Food, drink and nightlife specialist with 8+ years in journalism, including bylines at The Sunday Times and Marie Claire. Last updated on 5th November 2026

Celebrate the start of 2027 with incredible places to see the New Year's Eve fireworks in London. From rooftop NYE events boasting stunning 360-degree panoramas from above to boat parties doubling as epic river cruises with prime views of the London Eye, our list of recommended events has been handpicked to give you the best experience and even better views.

Kicking off at the stroke of midnight—with Big Ben's iconic bongs echoing out across the River Thames—and usually lasting around 20 minutes, the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks display is shown across our screens both here in the UK and globally. But you can also experience it in real life, either with tickets for the official event on Ticketmaster, by booking an alternative event with its own display or views of the Mayor's fireworks, or by heading to a free viewing area in select parks and on hills around London. Find all your options in one handy place on DesignMyNight. Make sure to check back too, as we're updating this guide multiple times a week.

Curated by Lauren Cole, Lead Editor. Find out more about how we create our guides in our Editorial Policy. 

Tickets For The Official London New Year Fireworks 2026

  • Start date: Thursday 31st December 2026 at 8pm
  • End date: Friday 1st January 2027 at 12.30am
  • Location: ticketed access spanning Westminster Abbey, Victoria Embankment, Trafalgar Square, around Somerset House, Blackfriars, across Waterloo Bridge, next to the London Eye, and by Westminster Bridge
  • Nearest Stations: Waterloo, Westminster, Embankment, Charing Cross, Blackfriars, Temple, Southwark
  • Price: from £42.66 for non-residents; from £22.66 for London residents
  • Ticket release date: 23rd October 2026 (first batch) and TBC November (second smaller batch)
  • Travel: check our guide to how to get home on New Year's Eve

Free Places To See The Mayor Of London's New Year's Eve Fireworks

Central London Bridges

  1. Cannon Street Bridge
  2. Lambeth Bridge
  3. Millennium Bridge
  4. Southwark Bridge
  5. Vauxhall Bridge

Hills And Parks

  1. Alexandra Palace, Muswell Hill
  2. Hilly Fields, Ladywell
  3. Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath
  4. Primrose Hill, Camden
  5. Telegraph Hill Upper Park, Nunhead/Brockley

Top tip: if heading to a free, elevated viewing area or park to watch the fireworks, pack your blankets, picky tea and flasks to arrive by the late afternoon to guarantee yourself a good spot. We think it's worth it though, since you'll be rewarded with friendly vibes and, often, music from local musicians. Please check before travelling, as popular locations like Primrose Hill are sometimes closed to the public last minute.

Tickets For Alternative London New Year Fireworks Events

There are many other opportunities to see the display if you missed out on official tickets, or just fancy something different. Find tickets available to book below, handpicked by DesignMyNight's editors.




1. New Year's Eve 2026-2027

@ The Tattershall Castle on Thu, 31st Dec 2026 @ 19:00 - 3:00

If your priority this New Year's Eve is an uninterrupted view of London's fireworks, you can't go wrong with the Tattershall Castle. Docked directly opposite the London Eye, the 90-year-old paddle steamer gives you a front-row seat to the city's world-famous spectacular in the sky.

Back on deck, there are canapes served right through the night and live music to see you moving into 2027. Grab your tickets to party on the Thames, plus six drinks tokens, starting at just £499.

  • Location: Victoria Embankment, Westminster, SW1A 2HR
  • When: 7pm - 3am
  • Price: from £499 
  • Why we recommend: Tattershall Castle is a famous bar boat moored opposite the London Eye, for unbeatable views of the midnight fireworks and multiple ticket tiers covering everything from entry, drinks and live entertainment to all of that plus tables, club booths and spirit packages

2. Sky High New Year's Eve Party at Horizon 22

@ Horizon 22 Events on Thursday 31st December 2026

If your priority this New Year's Eve is ringing in the midnight moment from Europe's highest free-standing viewing platform, you can't go wrong with the Sky High New Year's Eve Party at Horizon 22.

Perched high above the city, this sleek venue gives you an unbeatable front-row seat to London's iconic fireworks spectacular lighting up the horizon. Back inside, the luxury Searcys Platinum package keeps the party soaring with unlimited Champagne, wine, and beer until midnight, alongside gourmet food offerings, live DJs, dynamic dancers, and party mash-ups to keep you moving well into 2027.

  • Location: 22 Bishopsgate, City of London, EC2N 4BQ
  • When: 9pm - 2.30am
  • Price: £371
  • Why we recommend: you can welcome 2027 from 58 floors up with bottomless Champagne, wine and beer, live entertainment, and unmatched skyline views of the fireworks across the City of London

3. NEW YEAR'S EVE on the Thames | Aboard Dixie Queen & Elizabethan

@ Dixie Queen & Elizabethan | Butler’s Wharf Pier on Thursday 31st December 2026

Watch the New Year Eve fireworks in London 2026 in exceptional style aboard Thames Luxury Charters' two iconic vessels. Your night begins at Butler's Wharf Pier, where you'll board the magnificent Dixie Queen for dinner and champagne. 

After a spectacular cruise through London, you'll hop aboard the Elizabethan for the second phase of the evening: an open-roof celebration complete with DJ sets by Ten Events Productions, late-night bites and a prime position for the capital's midnight fireworks.

  • Locations: Dixie Queen & Elizabethan, Butler's Wharf Pier, Shad Thames, London, SE1 2YE
  • When: 6.30pm - 1am
  • Price: from £583.00
  • Why we recommend: from the Champagne reception, dinner and Tower Bridge lift to front-row seat for the fireworks, everything about this NYE event is gearing towards having the best party on the Thames river

4. NEW YEAR'S EVE on the Thames | Aboard Edwardian

@ Edwardian | Butler’s Wharf Pier on Thu, 31st Dec 2026 @ 21:00 - 1:00

See London sparkle from the water as the Edwardian hosts a luxurious end-of-year party departing near London Bridge. Admission is £383 per guest, bundling together a welcome glass of Champagne, tempting nibbles, substantial dishes, after-hours bites and an unlimited bar.

Strictly limited numbers, onboard entertainment and a prime vantage point for the capital's famous display make this an exclusive alternative to the usual street scrum.

  • Location: Butler's Wharf Pier, Shad Thames, Tower Bridge, SE1 2YE
  • When: 9pm - 1am
  • Price: from £383
  • Why we recommend: The Edwardian offers an intimate alternative to crowded street parties, combining limited capacity with exceptional views of London's midnight fireworks, over two hours of unlimited drinks, food, entertainment and more for an all-inclusive experience

5. BOTTOMLESS NEW YEAR'S EVE 2027: INCLUDING DRINKS, CHAMPAGNE, FOOD, DJs AND VIEWS

@ London Bridge Rooftop on Thu, 31st Dec 2026 @ multiple start times (see ticket info)

You can't go wrong with the Bottomless New Year's Eve 2027 at London Bridge. Perched in the heart of the city, this vibrant space places you right in front of the Shard to take in the midnight countdown and fireworks across the capital.

A mammoth five-hour bottomless package (8pm–1am) keeps the spirits high with free-flowing Champagne, Aperol spritzes, and seasonal canapés, all soundtracked by live house, garage, and electro DJs.

  • Location: Colechurch House, London Bridge Walk, SE1 2SX
  • When: 7pm - 2am (daytime tickets available 2pm - 6pm)
  • Price: £10 - £200
  • Why we recommend: bringing you unlimited Champagne and Aperols, this covered rooftop offers five full hours of bottomless cheer and sweeping views of the iconic Shard countdown to the fireworks

6. New Year’s Eve at 1 Leicester Square Rooftop: Canapés, Countdown & Fireworks with a View

@ 1 Leicester Square Rooftop on Thu, 31st Dec 2026 @ 20:00 - 2:00

Where sky-high views meet bottomless drinks, New Year's Eve at 1 Leicester Square Rooftop is treating guests to a luxurious affair, with all food and drink included in the ticket price. Sip on free-flowing beer, wine, spirits and prosecco throughout the night, with complimentary cocktails available on arrival and after the countdown. 

You'll be entertained by the DJ and house music, and commercial pop tunes are spun in a bid to fill the dancefloor. Dancing will be briefly interrupted by the midnight fireworks display, which you'll be able to view on the open-air terrace or from inside thanks to the venue's wraparound windows. 

  • Location: 1 Leicester Square, WC2H 7NA
  • Time: 8pm - 2am
  • Price: from £399 per person
  • Why we recommend: you'll want for nothing at this all-inclusive rooftop event – where all guests will be well and truly spoilt with unlimited drinks, amazing food, and brilliant views of the iconic fireworks display from a West End perch

7. London Party Boats Ltd

Head to one of London Party Boats' exciting New Year's Eve events to enjoy unrivalled views of the fireworks while cruising down the Thames. Hop aboard the M.V Jewel or the Pearl of London to enjoy a party from this company that's been in business for over 30 years.

You'll cruise by major landmarks on your trip. But that's not all, as you'll also be treated to unlimited drinks and a fun-loving DJ spinning throwback tunes and party classics, as well as a prime position for the midnight display.

  • Location: boarding from Bankside Pier SE1 9DT
  • Time: 8pm - 1am
  • Price: from £240 per person
  • Why we recommend: we think seeing the New Year fireworks from right on the Thames is something everyone should experience at least once, and London Party Boats have two vessels primed and ready for such an occasion. You'll also get unlimited drinks as part of your ticket price

8. NYE on The Bar At Temple with bottomless drinks 2026

@ The Bar At Temple on Thursday 31st December 2026

See the New Year fireworks in London from the Thames itself. Head to New Year's Eve at The Bar at Temple, a permanently moored Dutch barge that has been beautifully restored and transformed into a floating bar.

There's a fully stocked bar on board, providing unlimited beer, wine, prosecco and spirits as part of your ticket price. You'll also receive a hot meal of chilli con carne, before boogieing to live DJs and soaking up views of the fireworks.

  • Location: Temple Pier, Victoria Embankment WC2R 2PN
  • Time: 9pm - 1am
  • Price: from £175 per person
  • Why we recommend: we think there's no better way to see the fireworks than from on the Thames itself. Across the river from South Bank, within one of the Mayor's restricted viewing areas, you'll find 1911 Dutch barge The Bar At Temple, waiting to give you a great view, bottomless drinks and a hot meal too

9. Fireworks on the Thames this New Years Eve 2027

@ Crown Pier on Thursday 31st and Friday 31st December 2027

Ditch the crowds and sail across the Thames for a five-hour cruise with this wild boat party. Serving drinks at pub prices and tunes that will have you on the dance floor all night long, you can't go wrong with this party on the water. 

Your experience will be complete with spectacular city views from the top deck, and of course the fireworks when the clock strikes midnight. And once you're back on land, expect exclusive access to a secret late-night after-party with your boat wristband. 

  • Location: Crown Pier, Between Temple & Blackfriars tube (opposite OXO tower), Victoria Embankment, EC4Y 0HJ
  • Time: 7.30pm - 6am
  • Price: from £148.35 per person
  • Why we recommend: featuring two dancefloors and two bars promising drinks at pub prices, this is one of the more affordable boat cruise options for New Year's Eve fireworks viewing - plus, it includes an on-land after-party until 6am

10. New Year's Eve at The Lookout 2026

@ The Lookout on Thursday 31st December 2026

Boasting panoramic views of the entire city, The Lookout can be found 50 floors up in a City skyscraper. You'll be able to see the fireworks from above, as DJs and live entertainment keep the party going.

Enjoy a welcome glass of bubbles on arrival, alongside roaming canapes throughout the night. Turn things up a notch with their open bar package, which promises unlimited drinks for the entire evening.

  • Location: 8 Bishopsgate, City of London, EC2N 4BQ
  • Time: 9pm to 2am
  • Price: from £210
  • Why we recommend: views of the fireworks don't get much better than this, as you'll be 50 floors up above the City of London at this luxurious rooftop event, complete with fantastic entertainment and bottomless drinks if you want to upgrade

11. New Year’s Eve Party with London Fireworks Views

@ The Riverside on Thu, 31st Dec 2026 @ 21:00 - 1:00

The Riverside is offering up its stylish bar for late-night revellers to dance, drink, socialise and catch the London fireworks in all their glory. Primely located right by the water, guests are in a great position to view the midnight spectacle from the warmth of a dimly-lit hangout. 

Whether you're sitting outside on the covered terrace or inside on the sofas, you'll be able to enjoy festive drinks including mulled wine and a DJ set that will keep going strong until 1am. 

  • Location: Hamilton House, 5 St George's Wharf, SW8 2LE
  • Time: 9pm to 1am
  • Price: from £22
  • Why we recommend: position yourself in one of the best venues with views across the Thames towards the centre of the Mayor's fireworks display, with mulled wine served on the outdoor terrace and DJ sets inside just adding to the experience

12. Golden Jubilee Bottomless NYE Boat Party Cruise 2026

@ Golden Jubilee Party Boat on Thursday 31st December 2026

Grab one of the best seats in the city for the midnight fireworks on the Golden Jubilee. After setting sail from Temple Pier, you'll make your way through London's most legendary landmarks. 

Back on deck, there's DJs to keep you moving into the early hours and street food to fuel up your dancing feet. Tickets to this epic night of NYE entertainment start from just £185.50 and include a welcome glass off fizz, bite to eat and bottomless beer, wine and premium spirits.

  • Locations: Golden Jubilee Party Boat, Temple Pier, Victoria Embankment, WC2R 2PN
  • When: 9pm - 1am
  • Price: from £185.50
  • Why we recommend: say so long to 2026 with spectacular views of the city as the night sky lights up with epic fireworks - bottomless booze is a brilliant added bonus

13. New Year’s Eve Boat Party on Tamesis Dock with firework views!

@ Tamesis Dock on Thu, 31st Dec 2026 @ 20:00 - 4:00

Take to the Thames and join a boat party that's putting land-bound venues to shame; Tamesis Dock is throwing a huge DJ-led bash aboard their historic barge with a mix of nostalgic tracks playing out to both decks. Ticket holders will get to enjoy up to five drinks included with their ticket. Along with a selection of pizzas that will be available until 10:30pm.

End things on a high in your best sparkly outfit as you watch the London fireworks before returning on the dancefloor for a few more twirls until 3.30am. 

  • Location: Tamesis, Albert Embankment, SE1 7TP
  • Time: 8pm to 3.30am
  • Price: from £104.94
  • Why we recommend: this is a way to tick off all the best parts of a night out – drinking, dancing and pizza – with the added bonus of being within view of the London fireworks

14. Golden Star New Years Eve Boat Party Cruise 2026

@ Golden Star boat on Thu, 31st Dec 2026 @ 21:00 - 1:00

Setting off from Central London, the Golden Star PAYG Boat Party Cruise gives you a good shot of getting a front row seat for the New Year's fireworks in London. As you make your way past some of London's most legendary landmarks, the city will come alive in celebration around you. 

Back on deck, DJs will keep the disco vibes in full flow right through to the early hours. Grab your spot at this epic NYE night out from just £116.60; it's a favourite of London New Year Fireworks tickets.

  • Locations: Golden Star Boat, Blackfriars Pier, White Lion Hill, EC4V 3QR
  • When: 9pm - 1am
  • Price: from £116.60
  • Why we recommend: atop the Thames, you've got one of the best seats in the city for the night's celebrations 

15. New Year's Eve Cruises

@ Tower Millennium Pier on Thu, 31st Dec 2026 @ 21:30 - 1:00

Cruise down the Thames in complete luxury with New Year's Eve Cruises; lit up by the glow of the city landscape, spend your final evening of 2026 on a dazzling vessel decked out with white tablecloths and twinkly lights for a dining experience that those left on land will envy. 

There are six different ticket options of varying prices, all including something a little different – from snacks and a small bottle of bubbly to a full-on four-course meal with canapés and a bottle of wine per person – but no matter what ticket you hold, you'll have full access to the entertainment and views of the London fireworks. 

  • Location: Lower Thames Street, EC3N 4DT
  • Time: 9:30pm to 1am
  • Price: from £379
  • Why we recommend: with six ticket types available, you're free to tailor your experience to fit your preference and budget, so no one has to miss out on this luxurious celebration 

16. New Year Eve on the Thames

@ Viscount / Clifton Castle on Thu, 31st Dec 2026 @ 20:00 - 1:15

Make midnight memorable aboard the Clifton Castle, combining a lively party atmosphere with glittering sights along the River Thames. Packages cost between £127.20 and £180.20, giving you a welcome serve as standard and the option to upgrade for a selection of food too.

Two bars, several levels to discover and an expansive outside viewing area keep the celebrations flowing throughout this over-18s cruise.

  • Why we recommend: few New Year's Eve parties can rival sailing past London's illuminated landmarks before seeing the city burst into colour at midnight
  • Location: Blackfrier Pier, White Lion Hill, EC4V 3QR
  • Price: from £127.20
  • Time: 8pm to 1am

 

17. New Years Eve 2026 at Kitty Hawk - CANAPES & ROOFTOP VIEW OF THE FIREWORKS!!

@ Kitty Hawk on Thu, 31st Dec 2026 @ 21:00 - 3:00

Situated right in the bustling heart of Covent Garden, Kitty Hawk is hosting one of the West End's most sought-after New Year's Eve parties. This exclusive affair offers luxury dining nibbles and brilliant entertainment.

You'll spend the early evening indulging in flowing Champagne and delicious canapés before taking to the rooftop terrace for a breathtaking look at London's midnight firework extravaganza. 

  • Location: St. Martin's Place, Covent Garden, WC2N 4JH
  • Time: 9pm - 3am
  • Price: from £150 per person
  • Why we recommend: driven by top-tier DJs playing crowd-pleasing commercial and pop hits until 3am, it is the ideal spot for revellers seeking a glamorous, centrally-located party to close out 2026

18. NEW YEAR'S EVE BY THE THAMES AT COTTONS VAUXHALL

@ Cottons Vauxhall on Thursday 31st December 2026

Can't choose what to do for NYE? Do it all at Cottons; start off the night with an hour of bottomless rum punch or prosecco, followed by a Caribbean buffet feast to see you through until the party ends at 4am. 

The amazing DJ and entertainment will be bringing the fun factor, keeping the party vibes strong in between the fascinating fireworks display – which you'll be able to view from the venue's perfectly-placed Thameside terrace. 

  • Location: Flagstaff house , Unit 12, St. George Wharf, London, sw82le
  • Time: 7pm - 4am 
  • Price: from £22 for afterparty only tickets. (extra cost for buffet meal) 
  • Why we recommend: incorporating every aspect of the ultimate New Year's Eve party, you'll get the chance to eat in abundance and indulge in unlimited drinks, on top of world-class entertainment and views of the London fireworks

19. 8 at The Londoner

What better place to catch the city's dazzling fireworks than at sky-high bar 8 at The Londoner? While you enjoy the views, tuck into a signature small plates experience for tables of two, four or six, eight and fourteen guests with a £400 minimum spend per person, including Japanese dishes, a signature cocktails each and Dom Pérignon Brut Vintage.

Stick around after your meal of lobster gyoza tacos, sashimi platters, robata-grilled black cod and more, to take in the views all the way across Trafalgar Square to the London Eye - meaning fireworks aplenty - and grab drinks at the bar. You can also upgrade your food to the omakase tasting menu experience.

  • Location: The Londoner, 38 Leicester Square, Covent Garden WC2H7DX
  • Time: 8pm onwards
  • Price: starting at £800 for a two-person table
  • Why we recommend: from the 8 Tastes of Japan cocktail menu to a choice between Japanese small plates or the full omakase tasting experience, 8 at The Londoner is all about celebrating in style with the panoramic views of the midnight fireworks to match

20. All Bar One Waterloo

Graduation Sharing Plates and 7 other offers

Located close to the banks of the Thames, All Bar One in Waterloo offers an amazing view of the fireworks without having to brave the crowds. Not only does their outdoor terrace provide a prime position, but the lively interiors promise to host a cracking party as well.

Boogie all night long to the best dancefloor fillers, while sipping creative cocktails from their extensive list - we recommend the dragon fruit cooler.

  • Location: 1-3 Chicheley Street, Waterloo SE1 7PY
  • Time: any time
  • Price: free entry
  • Why we recommend: close to the official viewing areas without having to pay for a wristband, All Bar One Waterloo has the feeling of being among the action but without the price tag. It's free entry and there's an outdoor terrace for viewing the fireworks once the time comes

21. New Year's Eve - Fireworks On The River Terrace 2026

@ Setlist on Thu, 31st Dec 2026 @ 19:30 - 1:00

A roaring party is set to commence as Fireworks On The River Terrace 2026 hits Setlist – the riverside bar at Somerset House. Not only will you get to witness up-close views of the legendary fireworks display thanks to an outlook towards the London Eye, but you'll also be treated to unlimited beers, house wine, soft drinks and house spirit mixers, on top of free-flowing canapés. 

Street food in the form of burgers and fries will be available to purchase on the night, in between hardcore dancefloor sessions courtesy of the live music and resident DJ. 

  • Location: Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA
  • Time: from 7:30pm
  • Price: £265
  • Why we recommend: if you're not prepared to cut corners this NYE, this is your opportunity to go all out while still getting to watch the fireworks in person as oppose to a live stream

22. New Year's Eve at Wahaca Southbank

@ Wahaca Southbank on Thu, 31st Dec 2026 @ 19:00 - 1:00

Playful dining spot Wahaca is attracting hungry crowds to its Southbank outpost this New Year's Eve with a bottomless feast that involves stepping outside to watch the London fireworks in between courses. 

Begin with welcome drinks, Mexican canapés and live music from our mariachi band, before sitting down for the banquet of taquitos, tacos and a range of sides and desserts, including churros and mango sorbet. Tacos come filled with everything from pork to plantain and baja fish, with a platter provided that's big enough to satisfy everyone at the table. 

Free-flowing drinks come in the form of margaritas, cocktails, wine, beer, along with a DJ set and opportunity to catch close-up views of the fireworks at midnight.

  • Location: Wahaca Southbank, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London, SE1 8XX
  • Time: from 7pm
  • Price: £250
  • Why we recommend: as a venue that's super close to where the fireworks are set off, this is a smart way to go if you want to catch the display while avoiding the crowds

23. New Year's Eve at All Bar One with London Fireworks

@ All Bar One Waterloo on Thu, 31st Dec 2026 @ 17:00 - 3:00

Say goodbye to 2026 and hello to 2027 at New Year's Eve at All Bar One with London Fireworks. Taking place at All Bar One Waterloo, this late-night celebration puts you right in the heart of the action. You'll get to dress up, enjoy a live party mash-up sound system, and sip premium drinks before stepping outside with your included wristband to watch London's iconic midnight fireworks display.

Ticket options range from £95 per person early bird or £110 standard for drinks and dancing (including queue-jump entry, fireworks access, and two post-midnight drinks tokens) to £200 for the ultimate dining experience featuring a glass of arrival Champagne, a table for the evening, and a three-course menu. Limited £25 door tickets are also available for spontaneous guests, though these omit fireworks access and drink tokens.

  • Location: 1-3 Chicheley Street, SE1 7PY
  • Time: 5pm - 3am
  • Price: from £95 per person
  • Why we recommend: we think this event takes the stress out of getting a coveted London fireworks view, providing a built-in party base right by Waterloo with queue-jump privileges and late-night dancing until 3am

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need tickets to watch the London New Year's Eve fireworks?

Yes — the Mayor of London's New Year's Eve Fireworks display has been a ticketed event since 2014. You cannot enter the official viewing areas without a valid ticket, and those without one will be turned away at the gates. Official tickets are sold exclusively through Ticketmaster; only tickets purchased there will be accepted on the night.

That said, there are plenty of ways to watch the display without an official ticket — from booking a ticketed event with fireworks views (like a Thames boat party or a riverside venue) to heading to a free elevated spot. See our full guide above for all your options.

How much are London New Year's Eve fireworks tickets?

Ticket prices vary depending on your viewing zone and whether you're a London resident. For the 2026 event, non-resident prices start at £42.66. London residents receive a significant discount, paying from £22.66. Prices have increased in recent years to cover enhanced security and crowd management.

On DesignMyNight though, you'll find plenty of other ways to watch the NYE fireworks, ranging from free-entry venues to experiences that include entry, food, drinks and entertainment for upwards of £580 per person.

When do official London New Year's Eve fireworks tickets go on sale?

Tickets are typically released in two batches. The first batch — usually around 50,000 tickets — went on sale on 23rd October 2026. A second and final batch of tickets is usually released in November or early December.

Both batches sell out quickly, often within days, so it's worth buying these as quickly as possible and signing up the Mayor of London's fireworks website to stay up to date on future releases.

What time do the London New Year's Eve fireworks start — and how long do they last?

The Mayor of London's New Year's Eve Fireworks display kicks off at the stroke of midnight, beginning with Big Ben's iconic chimes echoing across the River Thames. The display typically lasts around 20 minutes and is set to a music soundtrack.

If you're attending the official event, note that ticketed viewing areas only allow entry between 8pm and 10:30pm — so plan to arrive well before midnight to avoid being locked out.

Can you watch the London New Year's Eve fireworks for free?

Yes — if you don't have official tickets, there are several free elevated spots across the city where you can catch the display. High ground is your best bet: areas like Alexandra Palace, Hampstead Heath, and Parliament Hill offer views of the fireworks in the distance. Note that some popular free spots (like Primrose Hill) have been closed to the public on NYE in recent years, so always check ahead.

Central London areas like Lambeth Bridge and Vauxhall Bridge can also offer partial views, though they get extremely crowded. For a more comfortable experience with guaranteed fireworks views, the events featured in our guide above offer ticketed alternatives with food, drinks, and prime riverside or rooftop vantage points. Some venues just outside the official viewing area, like All Bar One Waterloo, offer free entry with views of the fireworks from their terrace, too.

What if I can't get official New Year's Eve fireworks tickets in London?

Selling out is almost guaranteed, but missing out on official tickets doesn't mean missing the fireworks. The events in our guide above offer some of the best alternative views in the city.

Permanently moored on the Thames directly opposite the London Eye, The Tattershall Castle offers what many consider the best seat in the city — with six drink tokens, canapés, and live entertainment included. For a restaurant experience, 8 At The Londoner has views from further afield but a rooftop location and Japanese food, cocktails and Champagne package to make any luxurious group outing or NYE date extra special. Other options in DesignMyNight's guide include river cruises with entertainment.