On December 31, 2026, London will once again light up the sky to welcome the New Year with one of the world’s most iconic celebrations — the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks. Between the majestic Big Ben, whose twelve chimes will mark midnight, and The Shard, illuminated by its spectacular countdown lights, lies the heart of the celebration — the London Eye, from which thousands of fireworks will burst into the night sky. The energy, excitement, and emotion of this moment make it an unforgettable way to welcome the start of 2027.
The New Year’s Eve fireworks on the Thames are a breathtaking twenty-minute show featuring more than 12,000 fireworks launched from the London Eye and nearby barges, lighting up the riverbanks and filling the air with music, light, and celebration. In recent years, this world-famous event has required tickets, with limited capacity (100,000 spectators). If you would like to be part of this magical night, you have three options:
- Buy tickets for the official viewing areas along the Thames TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE HERE
- Book a New Year’s Eve cruise for an exclusive view from the water
- Watch from a free viewing spot a little further away in central London
Tickets for New Year’s Eve Fireworks in London
Ticket sales for the 2026 New Year’s Eve fireworks have not yet been announced. However, based on last year’s timeline, tickets are expected to be released in two phases:
- First release in October
- Second release in December
Last year, individual ticket prices ranged between £20 and £55, depending on:
- the selected viewing area
- whether the buyer lived in a London postcode (residents received a £20 discount per ticket)
Each person could purchase up to 4 tickets. For larger families or groups, another adult could buy up to the same number of tickets. To watch the fireworks together, attendees needed to arrive as a group and ensure their tickets were booked for the same viewing area and entry gate. Moving between viewing areas on the night was not permitted.
As soon as official details for 2026 are confirmed, this section will be updated 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 slightly further away from the main event zones (see below for details)
Map & Viewing Areas
There are six official viewing areas along the Thames: Blue, Red, Pink, Green, White, and the accessible Orange zone. To locate your entry points, nearby stations, and the best access routes, download the official map of viewing areas and arrival routes (this is last year’s map, which is usually updated and confirmed for the current year).
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
When do London New Year’s Eve Fireworks 2026 tickets go on sale?
Ticket sales for the London New Year’s Eve Fireworks 2026 have not yet been officially announced. Based on previous years, tickets are typically released in October (often followed by a second, smaller release closer to the event). Availability is usually limited (around 100,000 people), and tickets can sell out quickly once sales open.
-
How much are the London Fireworks 2026 tickets?
Official prices for the London New Year’s Eve Fireworks 2026 have not yet been confirmed. As a reference, for the 2025 event, prices were £55 for Category A (Blue, Pink, White) and £40 for Category B (Red, Green, Orange), with discounted prices available for London residents. A small booking fee applied. We will update this section as soon as 2026 ticket prices are announced.
-
Where is the best place to watch the London New Year fireworks?
The best and closest views are from the official ticketed viewing areas along the Thames. For maximum comfort and panoramic visibility, a New Year’s Eve cruise offers the most exclusive viewing experience, with unobstructed sightlines of the London Eye.
-
Are there free places to watch the fireworks?
Yes, several free spots are available, including Lambeth Bridge, Vauxhall Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and Alexandra Palace. These areas become extremely crowded and views may be partially obstructed.
-
What time do the fireworks start on New Year’s Eve?
The fireworks begin exactly at midnight, following Big Ben’s iconic chimes. Ticketed areas allow entry only between 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM, so plan to arrive early to avoid queues and closures.
-
What is the best alternative if tickets are sold out?
If tickets are unavailable, the best alternative is a New Year’s Eve cruise on the Thames, offering an exclusive vantage point away from the crowds. Otherwise, consider popular free areas or watching the display on TV.
-
Can tourists buy London New Year’s Eve fireworks tickets?
Yes. Tickets are available to both UK residents and international visitors. Only Londoners may access the discounted price, but all standard tickets can be purchased globally through Ticketmaster, the official vendor.
-
Are the viewing areas accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes. The Orange Viewing Area is fully dedicated to spectators with access needs and includes reduced crowding, accessible toilets, a Mobiloo unit, first aid, and nearby drop-off points.
-
What can I bring into the viewing areas?
Small bags, warm clothing, and sealed non-alcoholic drinks are generally allowed. Large bags, alcohol, and dangerous items are prohibited. Security checks are carried out on entry to ensure safety.
-
How long do the London New Year’s Eve fireworks last?
The show lasts around twelve to fifteen minutes, featuring more than 12,000 fireworks launched from the London Eye and barges on the Thames.