London
New Year’s Eve London: Fireworks, Tickets and Dinner
What time are the London New Year's Eve fireworks?
The Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks start on Thursday 31 December 2026 at 8:00pm and end at 12:30am on Friday 01 January 2027. The evening usually builds to a midnight countdown, and you should expect long queues before entry.
Do you need tickets for London New Year's Eve fireworks?
Yes. You cannot attend the fireworks without a ticket, and anyone without one will not be allowed into the viewing areas. Tickets are sold only through Ticketmaster, and you can buy up to 4.
Where can you watch the London New Year's Eve fireworks?
For New Year’s Eve in London, the blue viewing area opens from 8:00pm to 10:30pm, with accessible toilets, first aid, and food and drink on site. For the closest Thames view, pick the ticketed banks; for an easier night, stand farther back. Westminster Bridge, the Golden Jubilee Footbridge, Lambeth Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge and Waterloo Bridge are closed before and after the event.
What are the best things to do in London on New Year's Eve?
The best plan is a West End dinner before the fireworks, then an early walk along the South Bank while the riverfront is still manageable. Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden are close enough for a late drink or an easy centre base.
Where should I stay for London New Year's Eve?
Stay near London Eye or Westminster Bridge for the easiest midnight exit; Park Plaza County Hall London scores 9.9 there, One Aldwych scores 10 in Covent Garden, and Trafalgar Square has 30 hotels.
How much do London New Year's Eve fireworks tickets cost?
Tickets cost £20 to £55, with a £20 discount for each ticket if you live in a London postcode. Refunds are not available.
Is London safe on New Year's Eve?
It is a late-night, crowded outdoor event, and organisers strongly recommend you do not bring young children. Expect bridge restrictions before and after the fireworks, keep valuables close, agree a meeting point, and allow extra time to move around central London.
Where can I find the best New Year's Eve dinner in London?
The Savoy on Strand and The Ritz London on Piccadilly are the safest dinner bets: book before the fireworks, choose a fixed late seating or set menu, and stay in the West End or Covent Garden for an easier walk or ride afterwards.
Where to stay in London
Hotels in London that fit this guide:
- Wilde Aparthotels London Paddington (4-star · rated 10/10 · 6451 reviews) — Families and couples can use its free wired internet and family rooms at 4 North Wharf Road while exploring London from a central Paddington address.
- Royal Lancaster London (5-star · rated 10/10 · 6652 reviews) — Ideal for families and couples looking to base in central London, with a restaurant, room service, and concierge near Hyde Park and Paddington Station.
- Westow House (3-star · rated 10/10 · 1976 reviews) — Couples and solo explorers get a cozy 3-star stay in Westow Hill, with free WiFi for planning New Year’s Eve activities in London.
- The Hayden Pub & Rooms (rated 9.8/10 · 842 reviews) — Air conditioning, terrace, family rooms.
- The Montague On The Gardens (4-star · rated 10/10 · 2904 reviews) — Families and luxury seekers in Bloomsbury can settle into air conditioning and room service at 15 Montague St with a concierge and terrace.
- Shangri-La The Shard, London (5-star · rated 10/10 · 2461 reviews) — Couples and families who want a high-end base can use the restaurant and room service at 31 St Thomas Street, with a swimming pool and sauna.
- The Grafton Arms Pub & Rooms (rated 9.8/10 · 838 reviews) — Solo travelers and families can enjoy air-conditioned rooms with a restaurant, room service, and a terrace near the British Museum and Dominion Theatre.
- The Chesterfield Mayfair (4-star · rated 10/10 · 2349 reviews) — Business travelers and families can work and rest with room service and a restaurant at 35 Charles Street, with concierge support and pets allowed.
- Batty Langley's (5-star · rated 10/10 · 1081 reviews) — Couples and families wanting a distinctive stay at 12 Folgate Street can rely on soundproof rooms, air conditioning, and concierge service.
- Spread Eagle (rated 9.6/10 · 951 reviews) — For couples and families planning dinner plans nearby, 71 Wandsworth High Street provides restaurant and room service alongside air conditioning.
Frequently asked questions
When do London New Year's Eve tickets go on sale?
Tickets are sold only through Ticketmaster, and you can buy up to 4. Because entry is ticketed only, the safest move is to book as soon as they are released. Prices run from £20 to £55, with a £20 discount for London postcodes.
What happens if I don't have a fireworks ticket?
You will not be allowed into the viewing areas without a ticket. The Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks run from 8:00pm on Thursday 31 December 2026 until 12:30am on Friday 01 January 2027, so there is no walk-up option.
Can families celebrate New Year's Eve in London with kids?
This event is not suitable for young children, and organisers strongly recommend you do not bring them. It is a late-night, crowded outdoor event, so it works better for adults who can handle long waits and a very late finish.
Can I use the London Overground on New Year's Eve?
The fireworks closure affects key river crossings, including Westminster Bridge, the Golden Jubilee Footbridge, Lambeth Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge and Waterloo Bridge. The practical move is to plan your route around central London early, since movement around the event gets restricted.
Is there a New Year's Eve concert in London?
The main city event is the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks, not a concert. The ticketed viewing areas include food and drink, accessible toilets and first aid, and the blue area opens from 8:00pm to 10:30pm.
Final pick for New Year's Eve in London
For new years eve in London, base yourself on the South Bank if it is your first time and book dinner in Covent Garden. Decide on fireworks tickets first, then keep the night simple: central hotel, early meal, no extra detours.
