{"id":3915,"date":"2026-09-23T14:33:33","date_gmt":"2026-09-23T12:33:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/"},"modified":"2026-09-24T11:00:13","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T09:00:13","slug":"new-years-eve-london","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/en\/guides\/new-years-eve-london\/","title":{"rendered":"New Year's Eve in London: fireworks, tickets and tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Celebrate the New Year in London<\/strong>, It's about witnessing one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in Europe, launched over the Thames at the foot of the London Eye. On December 31, 2026, the entire city will be preparing from the afternoon onwards. Having lived in the UK since 2012, we'll tell you how to get tickets, where to watch the show, and what to do on January 1st.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Year's fireworks in London<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At midnight, the bells of Big Ben ring in the new year. The fireworks display then begins on the River Thames, around the London Eye, accompanied by music. British television broadcasts the show live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hundreds of thousands of people flock to the riverbanks every year. That's why the City of London has set up paid viewing areas with a limited number of spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Year's Eve tickets in London<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Without a ticket, it is impossible to enter the areas located along the banks of the Thames. London City Hall website<\/a> details six zones, including one zone accessible to people with reduced mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the last edition, tickets cost \u00a355 in category A and \u00a340 in category B, excluding fees. A reduced rate was also available for Londoners. Sales are conducted through Ticketmaster, usually in several waves during the autumn, and tickets sell out within hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pricing and sales dates for December 31, 2026 have not yet been announced. Sign up for alerts now. Also, avoid unofficial resale sites: only official resale at the original price is valid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where can I see the fireworks without a ticket?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Several hills offer distant views of the city lights and illuminations. Primrose Hill and Parliament Hill, on Hampstead Heath, are particularly popular. To the east, Greenwich Park also offers a lovely panorama of the City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For added comfort, some restaurants and bars with a view host a New Year's Eve party. Thames cruises also offer dinner on board. However, these options must be booked several months in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to do in London on January 1st?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On January 1st, a grand parade winds its way through central London from noon, featuring marching bands, dancers, and floats. Afterwards, you can stroll along the still-decorated south bank of the Thames. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park also remains open until early January. For a more relaxed visit after the holidays, consider booking the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum<\/a>, on display until July 11, 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the following days, explore the London's off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods<\/a>, or treat yourself to a afternoon tea in London<\/a>. If you arrive before Christmas, our Christmas markets in London<\/a> They are also waiting for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our tips for New Year's Eve in London<\/h2>\n\n\n\n