{"id":3915,"date":"2026-09-23T14:33:33","date_gmt":"2026-09-23T12:33:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/"},"modified":"2026-10-29T10:03:20","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T09:03:20","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\u2019s Eve London 2026: Fireworks, Tickets & Best Spots"},"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

In short:<\/strong> London\u2019s New Year\u2019s Eve fireworks go off at midnight over the Thames by the London Eye. Riverside viewing is ticketed \u2013 \u00a355 or \u00a340 at the last edition, sold via Ticketmaster; for a free but distant view, head to Primrose Hill, Parliament Hill or Greenwich Park. On New Year\u2019s Day, the London New Year\u2019s Day Parade sets off at noon in central London.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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 December 31, 2026, the first sale took place on Friday, October 23 at noon UK time on Ticketmaster. A second sale is planned for November, on a date yet to be announced. Tickets cost \u00a355 in category A (blue, pink, and white zones) and \u00a340 in category B (red, green, and orange zones), excluding booking fees. Londoners benefit from a reduced fare of \u00a335 and \u00a320.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each buyer can purchase a maximum of four tickets, and each spectator must have their own, regardless of age. The show runs from 8:00 PM to 12:30 AM in the ticketed areas. Also, avoid unofficial resale sites: tickets resold outside of official channels may be refused entry.<\/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