There’s nothing quite like a sky full of fireworks when it comes to New Year’s Eve in the UK! We’ll explain in detail the opening times, ticketing strategies and best viewing areas for the London New Years Eve fireworks which must be arranged!
Every year, tickets are sold out instantly. There’s a reason why it’s so popular. Although it’s only a short 10 minutes, it’s the result of months of careful preparation by thousands of staff. For all you po-boys planning to see the fireworks today, take note!
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Buy tickets London New Years Eve fireworks
- New Year’s Eve fireworks release date: 21 October, 12 noon first round release; early December second round release
- Ticket Price: £15. This covers all booking fees and VAT.
- Limit: Maximum of 4 tickets per person
- Tickets: note that there are no other channels to purchase tickets, only See Tickets on the official page.
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Your ID: You may be asked to show photo ID that matches the name printed on your tickets to get in. The best forms of photo ID are your passport or photo driving licence, or a good quality photocopy of either of these. If you don’t have either, stewards on the entry gates will decide whether to accept your alternative photo ID.
Tickets for this year’s London New Years Eve fireworks are still divided into six zones: Blue, Red, Pink, Green, White and an Accessible Viewing Area (Orange). Tickets are priced at a flat £15 per ticket, regardless of which zone you buy.
6 area viewing
All viewing areas have a specific entry point. You’ll be able to choose where you enter when you book your ticket, provided tickets are still available for this entrance. Your entry point will be printed on your ticket.
Blue Area
The best viewing area, directly opposite the London Eye, with a full view of the fireworks display without any buildings blocking the view. It is approximately from Westminster Bridge to Embankment Station and requires entry from the north bank of the Thames.
Red Area
You can see the side of the London Eye, which is a little less impressive than the Blue Area in terms of viewing. In the Embankment Station and Temple Station section, entry is from the north bank of the Thames.
Pink Area
Located on Waterloo Bridge, you can see the London Eye in an oval shape, but you can also see Big Ben if you choose the right angle. Note! The bridge is only accessible to Pink Area ticket holders and you cannot cross the bridge into other areas. You will need to enter through both the north and south entrances of the bridge.
Green Area

At the back of the London Eye. Unless you can squeeze into the front row, the view of the fireworks display is not as good compared to the other areas, as there are more buildings and trees. Entry is required from the south bank of the Thames.
White Area
This area is the closest to the London Eye and the fireworks display point, and is ideal for those who want to see the fireworks up close. One advantage of this area is that you can see Big Ben in addition to the London Eye, but the view of the fireworks is not complete. Entry is required from the south bank of the Thames.
Orange Area
This is an Accessible Viewing Area for people with disabilities (e.g. wheelchair users, people with mobility problems, etc.), covering the Albert Embankment, the banks of St. Thomas’ Hospital and the side of the London Eye. Entry is from the south bank of the Thames.
Entry to all areas is from 20:00 to 22:30, except for the Pink Zone, where entry is from 20:30 to 22:30.
If you plan to go with friends, make sure you buy your tickets in the same section as you cannot change sections on the night! Also note that you will not be allowed to cross the bridge before or after the event! Traffic will be unusually busy and congested at that time, so make sure you pick the right viewing area for your itinerary, otherwise you will really spend a long time in traffic.
From around 22:00 onwards, the lights will be activated at the London Eye and the music will start playing, with a live DJ who is sure to get high as hell! At exactly 00:00, when the New Year’s Eve clock strikes, the fireworks display will begin and last about 15 minutes.
Reminders & Notes
1. If you want to get a good view of the area, it is recommended to get a seat early. Bring something to eat and drink. Don’t drink too much water, otherwise you’ll have toilet problems.
2. In addition to your ticket, you should also bring your photo ID and your name should match the one on your ticket.
3. Tickets cannot be resold, but can be given away. You need to contact See Tickets to change the name on the ticket to the name of the person you want to give it to after receiving the order confirmation email. If you need to return your tickets, you can request a refund by 5pm on Monday 28 November. If you need to change the name on your ticket, please contact See Tickets.
4. Once you enter the viewing area, you can’t go out and come back in. Although the fireworks will only be in full bloom for just 10 minutes, you will have to stand for hours for this moment of brilliance. So make sure you wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Also on 31 December, the UK is in the depths of winter, and with the river, the temperature is very cold. Don’t catch a cold and bring an umbrella. If you don’t want to go out in bulky clothes, it is useful to put two baby warmers on the front and back.
5. The London Eye and the Thames tube stations are very crowded, so if you don’t want to be crowded, you need to leave early.
6. According to previous years’ arrangements, London public transport will provide free services throughout the night on New Year’s Eve, so you don’t have to worry about being too late to get home. However, the exact arrangements for this year are still to be announced. You can check the Transport for London (TFL) website for details of the transport arrangements.
7. Don’t just have fun when watching the fireworks, carry your bag in front of you and always be aware of your personal and financial safety. Don’t go into overcrowded areas to avoid collisions and falls. Try to go home with a small group of friends and stay away from drunken and crazy people.
Other ways to see the fireworks
Tickets for the New Year’s Eve fireworks sell out fast, so instead of waiting in the cold, we can watch the BBC live at home if you have a TV.
If you don’t have a ticket, there are still these New Year’s Eve fireworks treasures to choose from! But you’ll need to make your arrangements early, too.
Parliament Hill & Primrose Hill
- Address:
+ Parliament Hill Viewpoint: Heath Lodge, Hampstead
+ Primrose Hill: Primrose Hill Rd, London NW1 4NR
If you want to get away from the crowds, then Parliament Hill is a great choice. It’s one of London’s highest hills, with a large lawn on the slope, and Londoners love to enjoy the city’s spectacular skyline from here. Although the fireworks are a little less impressive, it’s still a great place to see them and you can look out over the whole of South East London from here.
The fireworks display can also be seen from Primrose Hill, which is also a popular place to see London at night itself. Remember to get a seat early and bring warm clothes.
Various bridges along the Thames
The New Year’s Eve fireworks are set off over the Thames, so the bridges along the river are a great place to watch them.
The Millennium Bridge is the best place to see the fireworks, apart from along Big Ben, where the New Year’s fireworks display lights up the sky against the water of the Thames. The view is very open and futuristic.

Apart from the Millennium Bridge, the other bridges on the Thames such as Southwark Bridge, Tower Bridge, Vauxhall Bridge and Lambeth Bridge are all great places to watch the fireworks without being overcrowded, and none of them require an entrance fee.
Be sure to keep warm or you won’t be in the mood to watch the show while shivering in the cold river breeze.
Sky Garden
Sky Garden is on the top floor of the landmark building in London’s Old Financial City. With 360 degree panoramic skylights and an indoor sky garden, this is the place to go if you want an unforgettable farewell party.
Not only does the Sky Garden offer luxurious cocktails and world cuisine, but you can also enjoy a free view of the London New Year’s Eve fireworks display and breathtaking views across the city.
Royal Festival Hall
- Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd
Royal Festival Hall is located on London’s South Bank. The balcony on the fourth floor has an open view of the London Eye and the magnificent view of the Thames, making it a great spot for fireworks viewing.
Every New Year, it hosts an annual spectacular retro nightclub featuring music from the 1920s to the 1990s. If you like swinging and retro music, then you must come and swing into 2023 on the last day!
London Marriott Hotel County Hall
The closest to the London Eye and next to a popular landmark, the Marriott Hotel is a natural place to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks. A river view room is an absolute must, sitting on the balcony looking out over the London Eye and Big Ben with the New Year’s Eve bells ringing in your ears and the fireworks too beautiful to mention.
New Year’s Eve rooms at the Marriott are always booked up well in advance and fill up early. Remember to book in advance.
And if the fireworks aren’t enough for you, there are plenty of New Year’s Eve parties to choose from. Many of London’s bars, restaurants and clubs will also be celebrating, so make sure you book early if you want to get involved. We wish you all a safe and happy New Year in advance!
As the old saying goes, “The sound of firecrackers is a celebration of the old year. On New Year’s Day, be sure to meet your dear pals and lovely lovers to watch the fireworks display and wave a joyful hand to the past year. A grand farewell is the only way to make a more serious start, and 2025 is sure to be an even more exciting year.