Event Details
Welcome to the London New Year's Eve Fireworks 2026
On the night of December 31, 2026, London bids farewell to the old year with its famous fireworks display over the River Thames. More than 12,000 fireworks are launched from the London Eye and from barges on the river, timed to Big Ben's twelve chimes at midnight.
Highlights and Attractions at London's New Year's Eve Fireworks
- A twelve to fifteen minute fireworks display fired directly over the Thames around the London Eye
- Big Ben's iconic chimes marking the exact moment midnight arrives
- A live musical soundtrack synchronized with the display
- Ticketed official viewing areas along Victoria Embankment with a direct view of the show
- Alternative viewpoints such as a Thames river cruise with an open view of the display
- The Shard lighting up its facade as part of the midnight celebrations
- A backdrop that takes in Westminster, the London Eye and the skyline along the South Bank
Find Accommodation in London
Compare the best hotel prices for this event and secure your accommodation in time.
Free cancellation on most hotels
Program and Schedule: What to Expect in 2026
The official riverside viewing areas usually open in the early evening so visitors can secure a good spot in advance. Right at midnight, the fireworks begin immediately after Big Ben's twelve chimes and last around twelve to fifteen minutes. As an alternative, the show can also be watched from a boat on the Thames or from one of the many free viewpoints slightly further from the centre.
Tickets and Admission for London's New Year's Eve Fireworks
Access to the official riverside viewing areas has been ticket only since 2014, with capacity capped at around 100,000 places. For the previous edition, prices depending on category and residency ranged from roughly 23 to 63 euros when converted; the final prices and exact sale date for this edition had not yet been officially confirmed at the time of research. Tickets are traditionally sold through Ticketmaster, usually from autumn onward.
Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in London
- Secure a ticket for the official riverside areas early, as demand is traditionally very high
- Plan public transport around Westminster, Waterloo, Embankment and Blackfriars in advance, since some roads and stations may be closed or extremely busy on the night
- Without a ticket, avoid the closed off riverside areas and instead pick a free viewpoint or a Thames river cruise
- Bring warm clothing and expect long waits and dense crowds along the river
- Book accommodation in central areas around Westminster and the South Bank early given the high demand
