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

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By Lauren Cole Lead Editor, DesignMyNight Our Lead Editor, Lauren, has written about the UK's best restaurants, bars and experiences on DesignMyNight since 2021. Bylines in What's On Media Group. Last updated on 22nd July 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, we've left no party behind.

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 (TBC from Ticketmaster), by booking for an alternative event with its own display or views of the Mayor's fireworks, or by heading to a free viewing area like select parks and hills.

Tickets For The Official London New Year Fireworks 2026

  • Start date: Thursday 31st December 2026 at TBC
  • End date: Friday 1st January 2027 at TBC
  • Location: TBC - ticketed access areas usually 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: TBC (last year £20 - £55 per person, plus booking fee)

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
  2. Hilly Fields
  3. Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath
  4. Primrose Hill
  5. Telegraph Hill

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. 

Tickets For Alternative London New Year Fireworks Events

There are many other opportunities to see the display if you missed out on official tickets, so find recommendations handpicked by our editors (and prices for all experiences) below to book on DesignMyNight. 




New Year's Eve 2026-2027

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

  • Locations: Victoria Embankment, Westminster, SW1A 2HR
  • When: 7pm - 3am
  • Price: £499 
  • Why we recommend: hop aboard for an unforgettable evening of epic fireworks, exquisite canapés and live entertainment

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's 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, for just £499.

London Party Boats Ltd

  • 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

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.

Golden Jubilee Bottomless NYE Boat Party Cruise 2026

@ Golden Jubilee Party Boat on Thursday 31st December 2026

  • 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

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.

All Bar One Waterloo

Graduation Sharing Plates and 6 other offers

  • 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

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.

Golden Star New Years Eve Boat Party Cruise 2026

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

  • 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 

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.

NEW YEAR'S EVE aboard the DIXIE QUEEN

@ Dixie Queen & Elizabethan on Thursday 31st December 2026

  • Locations: Dixie Queen & Elizabethan, Butler's Wharf Pier, Shad Thames, London, SE1 2YE
  • When: 18:30 - 01:00
  • Price: from £583.00
  • Why we recommend: from the champagne reception and Tower Bridge lift to the front row seat for the fireworks, everything about this NYE is top notch

Watch the New Year Eve fireworks in London 2026 in exceptional style aboard Thames Luxury Charters' two iconic vessels. Your night begins with 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.

8 at The Londoner

  • 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

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.

NYE on The Bar At Temple with bottomless drinks 2026

@ The Bar At Temple on Thursday 31st December 2026

  • 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

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.

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 2025 event, non-London prices were £40 (Category B: red, green, orange zones) and £55 (Category A: blue, pink, white zones). London residents received a significant discount, paying £20 and £35 respectively.

Prices are confirmed each October when the first batch of tickets goes on sale via Ticketmaster. A small booking fee applies, and prices have increased in recent years to cover enhanced security and crowd management. Check back here for confirmed 2026 pricing as soon as it's announced.

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 — goes on sale in mid-to-late October via Ticketmaster. A second and final batch of around 50,000 tickets is released in November or early December. Both batches sell out quickly, often within days, so it's worth signing up for updates from the Mayor of London's website as soon as you start planning. Tickets are limited to four per transaction.

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.