On December 31, 2025, London will welcome the New Year with a spectacular display of lights and fireworks on the Thames. The epicenter of the celebration is between Big Ben, whose 12 solemn chimes will mark midnight, and The Shard, with its light display counting down the seconds to the New Year. In between is the London Eye, from which the fireworks will be launched. The excitement, needless to say, will be immense, mirroring the hope and anticipation for a wonderful 2026!
The New Year's Eve fireworks show on the Thames features over 12,000 fireworks launched from the foot of the London Eye and from rafts on the Thames at midnight. The fireworks light up the area around the Thames for about twenty minutes, making it a spectacular sight. For several years now, the fireworks show has been a ticketed event with limited entry (100,000 spectators). If you want to enjoy the beautiful fireworks, you have three options:
- Buy tickets to access the paid area TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE HERE
- Book a New Year's Eve Cruise
- Watch from a free, more distant area
Tickets for New Year's Eve Fireworks in London
Ticket sales for the 2025 New Year's Eve fireworks have not yet been announced. However, based on last year's timeline, we expect tickets to be released in two batches:
- First release in October
- Second release in December
Last year, individual ticket prices ranged between £20 and £50, depending on:
- the chosen viewing area
- whether the buyer lived in a London postcode (residents received a £15 discount per ticket)
Each person was able to purchase up to 4 tickets. For larger families or groups, another adult could buy up to the same number of tickets. To view the fireworks together, attendees had to travel as a group and ensure tickets were booked for the same area and entry gate. Moving between viewing areas on the night was not allowed.
As soon as ticket details for 2025 are officially confirmed, we'll update this section accordingly. In the meantime, you can still enjoy the fireworks by:
- Booking a New Year's Eve cruise for an unforgettable view from the Thames
- Finding a free viewing spot a bit further away from the main event zones (see below for details)
Access to Ticketed Areas
Keep in mind that you won't be able to enter the official viewing areas without a ticket, as security checks will be strict.
There are six official viewing areas along the Thames (based on last year's configuration, which is typically confirmed each year):
- Blue
- Red
- Pink
- Green
- White
- Orange (accessible)
Map and Entry Times
To find the best entry points and nearby Underground stations, download the official viewing area map (this was last year's map, which is usually updated and confirmed for the current year).
⚠️ Entry to ticketed areas is only allowed between 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM.
New Year's Eve Cruises on the Thames
Spending New Year's Eve on a Thames cruise offers a unique and enviable vantage point to fully enjoy the night of December 31st—arguably the best and most comfortable option. The various packages available allow you to choose between a New Year's Eve dinner onboard or spending the evening dancing at the onboard disco while waiting for midnight.
Before the clock strikes twelve, all boats will position near the London Eye, providing everyone with a perfect view of the fireworks display and an electric atmosphere. Cruise prices vary depending on the boat and the services included, with or without dinner. Seats are limited, so don't wait! Discover the New Year's Eve Cruises in London available and book your favorite today!
Free Viewing Areas to Watch London's NYE Fireworks
The best free spots to see the fireworks are the bridges near the London Eye, outside the ticketed area, but remember they will be very crowded:
- Lambeth Bridge and Vauxhall Bridge - These bridges, especially the first one, offer good views while being slightly farther from the city center.
- Millennium Bridge and Southwark Bridge - These bridges are not far from the epicenter of the celebrations but are behind a bend in the Thames, so the view is indirect.
Besides these bridges, there are other spots to watch the fireworks for free:
- Parliament Square - This area is very close to the London Eye, but some buildings slightly obstruct the view. However, these are impressive buildings like Big Ben or the grand Palace of Westminster, home to the Parliament. The skyline of these monuments will offer a great photo opportunity during the fireworks display.
- Trafalgar Square - This iconic central location offers a partial view of the fireworks display, but you will meet many festive people.
- Cannon Street - This central London location near the Monument is close to the action, though it will be very busy.
- Alexandra Palace - This venue in North London hosts its own impressive fireworks display that can be viewed alongside the city's display.
- Primrose Hill - This elevated vantage point in North London provides an unobstructed panoramic view of the city's fireworks.
- Greenwich Park - The expansive park offers a regal setting to view the fireworks with the backdrop of the Royal Observatory.
Other Tips
- Arrival Time: Plan to arrive at your viewing area between 8:30 pm and 10:30 pm.
- Bridge Closures: Some bridges will be closed to traffic, so plan your route accordingly.
- Alternative Options: If you didn't get a ticket, you can watch the fireworks on TV or celebrate at one of London's many bars, restaurants, pubs, and clubs.
Travel Information
Central London is very busy on New Year's Eve: plan your transportation in advance, as some roads will be closed to traffic. Read the guide New Year's Eve Transport: How to Get Around London for more information.
