London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks: Here’s everything you need to know

London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are returning after a two-year hiatus. The display is watched by millions at home on TV each year, but the view overlooking the River Thames as Big Ben strikes midnight is even more spectacular. 

As the final day of 2023 fast approaches, Jacob Wedderburn-Day, CEO at Stasher provides all the information you need to know about London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, whether you have a ticket or not.

Where are the London NYE fireworks held?

The fireworks will be held by the London Eye on the South Bank of the River Thames. 

Viewing access will stretch from Victoria Embankment to Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge. An accessible viewing area will be on Albert Embankment. 

The event starts at 8pm on New Year’s Eve (31st December) and finish at 12.30am on New Year’s Day (1st January). 

Do I need a ticket to view the London NYE fireworks?

Yes, the New Year’s Eve event in London is ticketed and cost £15 per ticket. Tickets were made available through the official partner See Tickets, but they have since sold out for every area due to high demand.

However, the firework spectacle can be viewed for free in many locations around London. These include:

Cannon Street

If you want to be as close as possible to the action without a ticket, Cannon Street is just outside the ticketed zone between St Paul’s Cathedral, Mansion House and Bank. It provides the perfect riverside view, but make sure to get there early as it will be very busy.

Nearest tube station: Cannon Street

Primrose Hill 

Primrose Hill is one of the highest points in London, located on the north side of Regent’s Park with a splendid view of Central London. You should walk to the top for the best view. 

Nearest tube station: Chalk Farm

Central London Bridges

Bridges such as the Millenium Bridge and Southwark Bridge offer great views and are close to the action. Vauxhall Bridge and Lambeth Bridge aren’t as close but will be less crowded. 

Nearest tube stations: Blackfriars, Southwark, Vauxhall

Greenwich Park

One of the biggest parks in South London, with stunning views. You’ll be able to see the official fireworks display, as well as many others taking place across London.

Nearest tube station: Greenwich

Alexandra Palace

Good for those who live locally in North London, as it is further away from the fireworks but will be less crowded and still has expansive views across London. 

Nearest tube station: Wood Green

Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is another well-known viewing spot in North London, specifically on Parliament Hill. It is a spacious area and worth being further away for the views. 

Nearest tube station: Hampstead or Belsize Park

Can I buy a ticket to the London NYE fireworks on the day? 

No, once the tickets are sold out online there will be no more available to buy.

The reselling or transfer of tickets is forbidden by the organisers, and you will be asked to show ID when you arrive that should match the name on your ticket. Buying tickets from social media or ticket touts on the street should be avoided as these tickets are likely to be cancelled without a refund.

Can I take luggage to the London NYE fireworks event? 

If you are in the Inner Event Areas, you will not be allowed to take backpacks or suitcases in with you for safety and security reasons. People in Outer Event Areas are allowed small bags, but these may be searched on arrival. 

If you need somewhere to leave large bags or suitcases, luggage storage services operating in London are an affordable and convenient option. For a small fee, you can leave your bags with a verified business nearby while you enjoy the event.

What do I need to bring with me to the NYE fireworks? 

Whether you have a ticket to the official event or not, there are key items you should bring with you on the day. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be standing around in a large crowd for a long time. You will also need a warm waterproof coat, hat, and gloves for the unpredictable winter weather. 

Other items to pack include a smartphone charger to make sure you capture the display on camera, and snacks and water to keep you going once you’re in position. 

If rain is due, bring an umbrella to keep you dry while you wait but make sure to put it down once the fireworks start to avoid blocking the view for others.

Will public transport be running after the London NYE fireworks? 

Yes, but central London will be very busy on New Year’s Eve so make sure to plan ahead.

Buses will run a usual Saturday night service, with more frequent buses on some routes.

There will be a special all-night service on all tube lines except Waterloo & City line (no service) and District line to Kensington Olympia. 

There will be no service on some London Overground lines, including Liverpool Street-Enfield Town/Cheshunt/Chingford and Romford-Upminster. Other overground lines will have a reduced service. There will be special overnight services with three trains an hour on the Highbury & Islington-Crystal Palace and West Croydon-Highbury & Islington lines. 

Black cabs will be available but will charge an extra £4 per journey from 8pm on New Year’s Eve until 6am on Monday 2nd January.