On December 31, 2024, 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 2025!
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
- Book a New Year's Eve Cruise
- Watch from a free, more distant area
New Year's Eve London Tickets
Tickets are available on the official website, with 100,000 tickets available. The first batch of 50,000 tickets typically goes on sale in October, and the second batch in early December. Last year, the price was £20 per person. There are six official viewing areas along the River Thames, including Blue, Red, Pink, Green, White, and Orange (the accessible viewing area). If you want to get an idea of the entry points and the tube stations useful for reaching the paid area, download last year's map, which is usually confirmed. To make this night truly special, you can also enjoy the fireworks show during a New Year's Eve Cruise on the Thames.
New Year's Eve Cruises on the Thames
Spending New Year's Eve on a Thames Cruise offers an enviable vantage point to make the most of the night of December 31, probably the best considering the comfort. You can indulge in the New Year's Eve dinner aboard the boat or spend the evening dancing as you wait for midnight. Before midnight, the boats will approach the London Eye to allow everyone to admire the fireworks display, and the excitement will be truly intense. Cruise prices vary depending on the vessel and included services, with or without dinner. Seats are limited and sell out quickly each year, so don't wait: discover the best New Year's Eve cruises and book your favorite evening.
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.
