Event guide

London New Year's Eve fireworks 2026

The Mayor of London's fireworks over the Thames are ticket-only. Without a ticket you cannot get into the viewing areas, so decide early whether to buy one or plan the night elsewhere.

Facts checked 1 November 2026 against the sources listed at the end. Britlens is independent: see our editorial policy.

A Thames Clippers river bus on the Thames by Bankside Pier, London
Photo: Acabashi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ticket only. You cannot attend the fireworks without a ticket, and people without one will not be let into the viewing areas. [1]

Date and times

Key times, as published by the Mayor of London
QuoiQuand
EventThursday 31 December 2026, 8pm, to Friday 1 January 2027, 12:30am [1]
Entry to viewing areas8pm to 10:30pm, through the numbered gate for your area [1]
Road closuresVehicle access restricted from 2pm on 31 December until about 6am on 1 January [1]

Billets

Tickets are sold only through Ticketmaster, the official partner, with up to four per buyer, in two release batches. When we checked on 1 November 2026 the first batch was on sale and the date of the second had not been announced. [1]

The page listed two price categories, with a discount for buyers with a London postcode, plus a booking fee. Prices and availability change, so check the official page before you buy. [1] Tickets can be resold at face value or transferred through Ticketmaster; refunds are not available. [1]

  • Everyone needs a ticket, including children. The event is not suitable for young children, and under-16s must be with an adult. [1]
  • Photo ID matching the lead booker's name may be checked at the gate. [1]
  • Friends who want to stand together must book the same area: you cannot move between areas on the night. [1]
  • Only buy through the official route. For how to spot fake ticket sellers in general, see scams to avoid.
A red London bus crossing London Bridge
Photo: sebastiandoe5, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Viewing areas and access

There are six colour-coded areas. The Orange area, on Albert Embankment, is the accessible area: it has seating, a hearing loop and a Changing Places toilet, with a vehicle drop-off about 700 metres away, and a partial side view of the fireworks. The other areas have no seating or hearing loops and can be up to 2 km from public transport. [1]

For step-free routes and accessible travel in the city, see accessible London.

Planning the night

  1. Book somewhere to stay you can walk or take one simple journey back to: see where to stay in London.
  2. Eat early: restaurants near the river fill up on the night. Our Westminster and South Bank pages list places nearby.
  3. Work out your route home before you go, and check travel status on the day.
  4. Dress for a long wait outside: entry closes at 10:30pm and the fireworks are at midnight. [1] For the weather, see packing.
Elizabeth line platform at Bond Street with glass platform doors
Photo: Amanda Slater, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Quick answers

Can I watch London's New Year's Eve fireworks without a ticket?

No. The Mayor of London says you cannot attend without a ticket and people without one will not be let into the viewing areas. [1]

Where do I buy tickets for the London fireworks?

Only through Ticketmaster, the official partner, in two release batches. [1]

Is there an accessible viewing area?

Yes, the Orange area on Albert Embankment, with seating, a hearing loop and a Changing Places toilet. [1]

Guides associés

Sources

Read on the dates shown. Rules, dates and services change: check the source before you rely on it. Pages marked “not read” refused automated access, so we state nothing from them.

  1. London New Year's Eve 2026 (opens in new tab), Mayor of London (london.gov.uk), read 1 November 2026