New Year’s Eve is a chance to toast the good of the past 12 months and welcome what’s to come. It’s been tough, certainly, but there is plenty to be optimistic about. London, as ever it was, is a festival of creativity and grit, courage and leadership.
And anyway, it’s important to mark the good times. What better way to toast the end of one year than with a glass of fizz and with the sky ablaze? Sadiq Khan once said of London’s celebrations: “Every year I’m completely astonished by how utterly mesmerising it is. There’s no doubt that these are the best NYE fireworks in the world”. Khan might be wrong on a lot of things, but he’s got this one spot on.
The official event begins at 8pm on December 31 and is held just by the London Eye. Tickets, which cost between £20 and £50, aren’t easy to get hold of (and quickly sell out). As it’s impossible to attend without a ticket, we’ve detailed the spots across town from which to watch the display, if you don’t manage to grab one. Here’s everything to know.
Fireworks light up the sky over the London Eye and Big Ben
Aaron Chown / PA
Only those with tickets bought from Ticketmaster can attend, so don’t head down and expect to pick up some from a tout, as reselling is strictly prohibited. Similarly, tickets can’t be transferred. Things kick off at 8pm on December 31 and finish at half midnight, January 1; entrance to the viewing areas, however, closes at 10.30pm. You’ll need to bring the tickets with you and ID may be required, too.
Those with tickets can head to one of the six viewing areas, designated by colour. These are Blue, Red, Pink, Green and White, as well as Orange, which is the accessible viewing area on the Albert Embankment, riverside of St. Thomas’ Hospital. From mid-afternoon into the early evening, these areas become extremely busy and moving between areas is impossible. In short, plan carefully where to go. Additionally, you won’t be allowed to use Westminster Bridge, the Golden Jubilee Footbridge or Waterloo Bridge before or after the event, so factor this into your plans.
Details of your viewing area will be on the ticket, but for more information, head to london.gov.uk
For those without tickets
It’s impossible to head down to the south bank or any of the viewing areas without a ticket, so don’t try and the centre of town is crowded enough on New Year’s Eve. Instead, given they can’t charge for looking up the sky (yet), it’s worth heading a little farther afield (quite literally, in some cases) to catch a glimpse of the main celebrations, as well as any others happening across town.
Remember, despite the oft-repeated rumour to the contrary, travel is not free on New Year’s Eve so be sure to plan the best way to get home after your evening out. Tubes will be running throughout the night, however in the past, the Waterloo and City line and the District Line to Kensington Olympia have not been running (due to the stations proximity to the celebrations, we fully expect these to be closed this year too).
Expect a number of central London tube stops to be exit only, and beware that many of the roads will either be closed or extremely busy. Ubers will likely charge through the roof.
For those willing to travel outside of Zone 1, here are some of the best places to head to instead — just remember to pack a coat, possibly a brolly, as the weather is, more often than not, inclement.
Cannon Street and the east side of Monument both sit close by to the official, ticketed viewing areas, so you’ll get some of the views without shelling out — but both will be extremely busy, so head down early. Bridges in central London are a similar story. Tower Bridge is open to the public, but offers no view of the fireworks display, and so the public is advised to stay away to avoid overcrowding and avoid disappointment.
Better are Vauxhall Bridge, which is only a little further away and perhaps are the perfect medium, offering more room to breathe and decent views. If you’re on any bridge, remember you’ll be standing in the face of wind barreling over icy water, so prepare to be cold as well as wet. For Lambeth Bridge in particular, thanks to the Nine Elms development, best to camp up for prime placement at about 4.30pm.
For something altogether more comfortable, it’s not too late to book for a new year’s meal in a skyscraper, which offers both a great view of the fireworks and a place to sit in the warm.
Parliament Hill and Hampstead Heath
Parliament Hill offers some gorgeous views, even if the spectacle is a fair way off. Still, it’s a beautiful spot and there’ll be plenty of folks with their own fireworks, too, so you’ll be spoiled for choice. Or wonder further into Hampstead Heath, which holds its own as a haven away from the city. Looking for a drink before hand? The Bull & Last is possible, though it’s very food-focussed (and has a special NYE menu on). The Roebuck is a solid option, as are The Magdala and The Southampton Arms, which is a fantastic spot. In the other direction, try the Wells, which is a cracker (and, on another night, head back to eat upstairs in its excellent restaurant).
Nearest tubes: Hampstead tube, Hampstead Heath overground
Ally Pally’s sizeable hill is a steep incline, but the spectacular skyline view waiting at the top makes the trek worth it. Those who’ve been on Bonfire Night will know that any number of other firework displays are visible from the top, too. There are plenty of pubs around, including the Great Northern Railway Tavern, the Phoenix Bar and Kitchen (in the park, next to the palace itself), and the Mossy Well, which is a typical Spoons.
Nearest tube: Alexandra Palace
It’s a fair way out, but Hilly Fields in Brockley is some 53 metres above sea level and has good views across London, especially the city. The main fireworks will seem a fair way off, but it’s a good spot for views of all the others across town too. Be sure to take any rubbish with you as there’s a parkrun happening first thing in the morning. For a drink nearby, try The Talbot or The Ladywell Tavern.
Nearest tube: Get the train instead and head to Ladyfield, Brockley or Crofton Park