Where to Watch London's New Year's Eve Fireworks 2026: Tickets and Free Viewpoints
The best places to watch London's New Year's Eve fireworks on 31 December 2026, from the official riverside viewing areas to free hilltop spots like Parliament Hill and Alexandra Palace.
London sees in 2027 with its midnight fireworks over the London Eye and the Thames on Thursday 31 December 2026. The riverside viewing areas are ticket-only, so you can't just turn up on the Embankment. You have two choices: buy a ticket for the official display, or watch from further away for free. Here's how both work. Details are correct at the time of writing, so check the official London New Year's Eve page before you go.
The official ticketed display
This is the closest you can get to the fireworks, with music, big screens and views straight across the river to the London Eye.
- Tickets: On sale through Ticketmaster from 23 October 2026. A smaller second release is expected later, so keep checking if the first batch sells out.
- Prices: Category A areas (Blue, Pink and White) cost £55, or £35 for London residents. Category B areas (Red, Green and Orange) cost £40, or £20 for London residents. A £2.66 booking fee applies.
- Gates: Open from 8pm and close at 10.30pm. You must use the entrance for your colour area, and late arrivals won't be let in.
- Worth knowing: Expect a long wait in the cold before midnight and a slow exit afterwards. There's very little seating.
Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath
The best-known free spot. The hill gives a wide view over the city skyline, so you'll see the fireworks rising above the rooftops rather than up close. Get there early, as the summit fills up well before midnight.
- Getting there: Gospel Oak or Hampstead Heath on the Overground, then a short uphill walk.
Alexandra Palace
A panoramic view of London from the hilltop terrace in north London. The display is a long way off, so this is about the skyline and the atmosphere rather than a close-up view.
- Getting there: Alexandra Palace rail station from King's Cross or Moorgate, or Wood Green on the Piccadilly line and the W3 bus.
Telegraph Hill and Hilly Fields
Two south-east London parks with good views back towards the centre. Both are smaller and more local than the north London hills, and usually less crowded.
- Getting there: Telegraph Hill is near Nunhead and New Cross Gate stations. Hilly Fields is a short walk from Ladywell or Brockley.
Bridges and the river away from the ticketed zone
Some bridges and riverside spots outside the official areas, such as around Vauxhall, Lambeth and Cannon Street, can give a partial view. These get very crowded and the police may close them on the night, so don't rely on them.
Closed on New Year's Eve
Primrose Hill and Greenwich Park are both closed and locked overnight on New Year's Eve, so don't plan to watch from either.
Tips for the night
- Travel: Some central stations near the river close or are exit-only on the night. Check TfL's New Year's Eve travel advice before you set off.
- Arrive early: Hilltop spots fill up hours before midnight. Aim to be there by 10pm.
- Dress warm: You'll be standing outside for a long time on a December night. Bring layers, gloves and a hat.
- Views from above: Rooftop bars and restaurants with a river view usually sell New Year's Eve packages, often months ahead. Expect high prices and minimum spends.
More for December
Plan the rest of your festive trip with things to do in London in December, tick off your London bucket list, or browse all our city guides.
