London Fireworks: Locations, Tickets & Tips for New Year’s Eve 2025

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There are few cities in the world that know how to throw a party quite like London. And when it comes to fireworks displays, the UK capital is truly in a league of its own. Whether you’re here for the world-famous London New Year’s Eve fireworks 2025 on the Thames, organized by the Mayor of London, or for the booming bonfires of Guy Fawkes Night, London’s skies light up in spectacular style every year.

But here’s the catch: the best spots fill up fast, tickets sell out months in advance, and the city can feel a little overwhelming if you don’t know where to go. That’s why I’ve put together this complete guide to fireworks in London, from how to get London NYE fireworks tickets, to the best free viewing areas, family-friendly options, and even where to buy your own (safe!) fireworks if you fancy a DIY show.

Think of this as your insider’s map to celebrating in style. Whether you want to sip champagne from a rooftop bar, cosy up with your kids in a park, or dance the night away on a Thames cruise before watching the sky explode in colour, London has something for you.

So grab your winter coat, pour yourself a hot drink, and let’s dive into everything you need to know about London fireworks 2025–2026.

London New Year’s Eve Fireworks 2025

Will There Be Fireworks in London for New Year 2025?

Yes, London’s famous New Year’s Eve fireworks are back for 2025, and the city is already gearing up for one of its biggest nights of the year. 

On Wednesday 31 December 2025, thousands of people will gather along the Thames, waiting for Big Ben’s twelve “bongs” at midnight. 

As the clock strikes twelve, the night sky will light up with more than 12,000 fireworks, launched from both the foot of the London Eye and rafts floating on the Thames.

The whole spectacle lasts around 20 minutes and is broadcast live on BBC One, making it one of the most-watched fireworks displays in the world. And this year, there’s an extra treat: a brand-new drone show will accompany the fireworks, adding futuristic patterns and animations above the London skyline.

In other words: if you’re in London at the end of December, you’re in for a real treat.

London NYE Fireworks 2025 Tickets

Since 2014, London has ticketed the fireworks to make sure the event stays safe and not overcrowded. So if you want to be in the heart of the action, you need a ticket (check last prices on this page). Tickets for the New Year’s Eve fireworks display sell out quickly, so it’s important to book well in advance through an official partner website (like this one). There’s no way around it.

Here’s what you need to know about tickets for the 2025 London fireworks:

• Release dates: Based on previous years, tickets are usually released in two batches, the first in October and the second in December.
• Price: Tickets normally cost between £20 and £50, depending on the viewing area. If you live in London, you may even get a £15 discount per ticket.
• Limits: Each person can buy up to 4 tickets. If you’re coming as a big group or family, another adult will need to book too.
• Entry rules: You can only enter your ticketed zone between 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM. After that, you won’t get in. And once inside, you can’t switch zones. So make sure you coordinate with your friends before booking!

The Six Viewing Areas

London divides the riverside into six official viewing areas, each with its own access point and nearby Tube station:

• Blue
• Red
• Pink
• Green
• White
• Orange (accessible viewing)

Every area gives a slightly different perspective of the fireworks and landmarks. The Blue and Red sections tend to sell out first as they’re closest to the London Eye. The Orange area is designed for wheelchair users and those who need accessible facilities.

⚠️ Important: without a ticket you won’t be able to enter these secured areas, and security checks are strict.

Where to Watch the Fireworks Without a Ticket

Didn’t manage to snag a ticket? Don’t worry, there are still ways to see London’s fireworks for free. You’ll need to be a bit creative (and patient with the crowds), but the views can still be magical.

Some of the best free places to catch the show include:

• Primrose Hill – North London’s famous grassy hill gives you sweeping views of the city skyline. Pack a blanket and a flask of mulled wine.
• Greenwich Park – From the Royal Observatory, you can watch the fireworks against the backdrop of the Thames and Canary Wharf.
• Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally) – This north London icon often hosts its own fireworks show, but even outside the main event days, its high vantage point gives a great view across the city.
• Lambeth Bridge & Vauxhall Bridge – Both offer decent views of the Thames and London Eye without being as crowded as Westminster Bridge.
• Millennium Bridge & Southwark Bridge – These footbridges are just downstream from the main event. The view is slightly side-on, but you’ll still see the sky light up.
• Trafalgar Square & Parliament Square – If you don’t mind a more “festive crowd vibe” and a partially blocked view, these central spots are atmospheric alternatives.
• Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath – Offers a quieter atmosphere and a distant view of the fireworks.

Just be prepared: these areas get very busy and the views aren’t always as clear as the ticketed zones. If you want the full experience without the crush of crowds, a cruise is your best bet.

Best Thames Cruises for NYE Fireworks

One of the most popular alternatives to the ticketed areas is to watch the fireworks from a boat on the Thames. Imagine sipping champagne, having dinner, or dancing on the river as the clock counts down to midnight, and then being right in front of the fireworks without the stress of pushing through crowds.

Different types of New Year’s Eve Thames cruises are available:

• Dinner Cruises (see availability on this page) – with a multi-course meal, champagne toast, and live entertainment.
• Party/Disco Cruises – music, dancing, drinks, and a festive atmosphere until late.
• Family Cruises – more relaxed, with food and a good view of the fireworks for parents and kids alike.

All the boats reposition near the London Eye before midnight so passengers get the best possible view when the fireworks begin. Prices vary depending on the type of cruise and inclusions (see last prices on this page) , but they’re typically higher than tickets for the official viewing areas. 

Still, for comfort and atmosphere, many people say it’s the best way to experience London’s New Year’s Eve.

Seats are limited and sell out quickly, so if this sounds appealing, book as soon as possible.

London Bonfire Night Fireworks 2025 (Guy Fawkes Night)

If you’re not in London for New Year’s Eve, don’t worry, the city has another huge fireworks tradition: Bonfire Night, also called Guy Fawkes Night. 

Every year on 5 November, Londoners gather around parks, bonfires and fireworks displays to remember the night in 1605 when Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators tried (and failed) to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

It’s one of the most atmospheric nights of the year in the UK: think crackling bonfires, sparklers in little hands, mulled wine, street food and spectacular fireworks across the sky. And the best part? Many events are family-friendly, so you don’t need to wait until midnight like on New Year’s Eve.

Here are some of the best Bonfire Night fireworks displays in London for 2025:

Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival

Known affectionately as “Ally Pally”, the Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival is probably the most famous Bonfire Night celebration in London. Spread over two nights, it attracts tens of thousands of visitors.

What makes it so special? It’s not just the fireworks (which are epic and often choreographed to music). There’s also a German-style beer festival, street food stalls, fairground rides, and even an ice rink if you feel like skating before the show. Families love it because there’s plenty to do while waiting for the fireworks to start.

🎟️ Tickets: Required and usually go on sale in early autumn. This event sells out fast, so book ahead on this page >>

Battersea Park Fireworks

Set along the Thames, Battersea Park Fireworks is another huge Guy Fawkes Night event. Like Alexandra Palace, it usually runs over two evenings and combines fireworks with a festive atmosphere.

Expect:

• A massive bonfire lighting up the riverside.
• Street food and bars serving hot drinks and mulled wine.
• A vibrant, family-friendly crowd.

Tickets typically cost under £10 (check on their website), making it one of the more affordable big displays in London.

Morden Park Fireworks

If you’re travelling with younger kids, Morden Park is an excellent choice. The organisers run two displays:

• An early “kid-friendly” show just after 5:00 PM, with quieter, less noisy fireworks so little ones don’t get frightened.
• A main display later in the evening with all the loud bangs and music for the grown-ups.

Add in the bonfire, food stalls and family atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why many families choose this one every year.

🎟️ Tickets: Check last price on this page >>

Free Bonfire Night Displays

You don’t always need to pay to see fireworks on Bonfire Night. Several of London’s neighbourhoods and commons put on their own free shows, which are hugely popular with locals:

• Blackheath – South-east London’s biggest free fireworks event, often attracting over 80,000 people.
• Wimbledon Park – A family-friendly option, sometimes ticketed but usually free (check last infos on this page).
• Clapham Common – Big crowds, buzzing atmosphere, and a large open space for everyone to enjoy.

Tip – Whether you go for the big-ticket events like Alexandra Palace or keep it local with a free display on the commons, Bonfire Night is one of the most authentic British experiences you can have in London.

Best Hotels with Fireworks Views in London

One of the smartest (and most comfortable) ways to enjoy London’s fireworks is from the warmth of a hotel room with a front-row view. Imagine sipping champagne in your slippers while the sky outside explodes in colour : no queues, no crowds, no pushing through packed Tube stations afterwards.

Of course, this option doesn’t come cheap. But if you’re in the mood to splurge, here are some of the best hotels in London with views of the New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Shangri-La The Shard

If you want to watch the fireworks from the clouds, this is it. The Shangri-La Hotel occupies the top floors of The Shard, London’s tallest building. From here you’ll see not only the fireworks over the London Eye but also the entire city skyline lit up at midnight.

• The view: unmatched – you’re literally looking down at the show.
• The vibe: ultra-luxury, with the GŎNG bar on the 52nd floor serving cocktails late into the night.
• The price: brace yourself. Rooms over New Year’s Eve typically cost £1,000+ per night.

This is the ultimate splurge option if you want to ring in 2026 in serious style.

• Adresse : 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU, UK
• Where to book : Check availability for your dates >>

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge

For something a little closer to the action (and slightly easier on the wallet), the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge is a fantastic choice. The hotel sits just across from the London Eye and Big Ben, which means many rooms offer direct views of the fireworks.

• The view: fireworks over the Eye framed by Westminster’s iconic landmarks.
• The vibe: central, family-friendly, modern hotel with restaurants and bars onsite.
• The price: standard rooms start around £300, but expect to pay £500+ for one with a guaranteed fireworks view.

If you’re travelling with kids or don’t want to deal with the crush of central London crowds, this is a very practical choice.

• Adresse : 200 Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7UT, UK
• Where to book : Check availability for your dates >>

The Trafalgar St. James (Hilton Curio Collection)

Right on Trafalgar Square, The Trafalgar St. James combines central location with stylish design. From its rooftop bar The Rooftop, you’ll get sweeping views of central London, including the fireworks in the distance.

• The view: not as close as the Shard or Park Plaza, but iconic and atmospheric.
• The vibe: boutique feel with a lively rooftop bar.
• The price: expect £400+ for New Year’s Eve.

If you want a mix of party vibes and comfortable luxury, this hotel hits the sweet spot.

• Adresse : 2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Sq, London SW1A 2TS, UK
• Where to book : Check availability for your dates >>

Insider tip: If you’re planning to book a hotel for the fireworks, do it months in advance and always request a “fireworks view” room. Otherwise you might end up paying peak prices without the view you’re hoping for.

Fireworks Safety & UK Laws

It’s easy to get swept up in the magic of fireworks, but remember: they’re not just pretty lights in the sky. In the UK, fireworks are tightly regulated, and for good reason.

If you’re planning to watch the big London displays, you don’t need to worry, everything is organised professionally. But if you’re curious about the rules or even thinking of buying your own, here’s what you need to know.

Buying Fireworks in London

First things first: you must be 18 or over to buy fireworks in the UK. Shops are not allowed to sell them to anyone younger, and yes, that includes buying them “on behalf” of teenagers hanging around outside a store.

You can only buy fireworks from registered sellers at certain times of the year:

• 15 October to 10 November (for Bonfire Night)
• 26 to 31 December (for New Year’s Eve)
• The 3 days before Diwali
• The 3 days before Chinese New Year

Outside these dates, only shops with a special licence are allowed to sell them.

Firework Categories

Not all fireworks are created equal. In fact, they’re divided into categories:

• Category 1 (F1): Very low hazard. Think party poppers, sparklers, Christmas crackers.
• Category 2 (F2) & Category 3 (F3): The ones you’ll find in supermarkets and firework shops. These are “adult fireworks” for use in gardens and open spaces.
• Category 4 (F4): For professionals only. These are the massive display fireworks used in shows like London’s New Year’s Eve – they cannot be sold to the public.

Also, there’s a strict noise limit: fireworks louder than 120 decibels can’t be sold to the public. Mini-rockets and firecrackers are also banned.

When You Can (and Can’t) Use Fireworks

The UK has a fireworks curfew: it’s illegal to set off fireworks between 11 PM and 7 AM.

There are only a few exceptions:

• Bonfire Night: extended until midnight
• New Year’s Eve, Diwali, and Chinese New Year: extended until 1 AM

So yes, you can still enjoy the countdown with fireworks, but don’t expect to keep setting them off until dawn.

Safety Tips

Even though sparklers and small fireworks feel harmless, they’re not toys. A sparkler burns at the same temperature as a welding torch – around 1,200°C!

A few key things to remember if you ever handle fireworks yourself:

• Always read the instructions and light them at arm’s length.
• Never go back to a firework that’s been lit.
• Keep buckets of water or a hose nearby.
• Don’t let kids under 5 hold sparklers.
• And never, ever keep fireworks in your pockets (yes, people really do that…).

👉 Honestly, the best advice? Stick to London’s public firework displays. They’re bigger, safer, and way more spectacular than anything you could put together in your back garden.

Travel Tips for New Year’s Eve in London

If you’ve ever been in central London on New Year’s Eve, you’ll know one thing: it gets busy.

We’re talking hundreds of thousands of people all trying to get the best view of the fireworks, the same Tube trains, and the same bridges. The good news is that with a little planning, you can make the night smooth and stress-free.

Use Public Transport

Driving into central London on New Year’s Eve? Forget it. Many roads are closed and parking is practically impossible. The Tube, buses, and trains are by far the best ways to get around.

Transport for London (TfL) often runs special services on the night:

• Extra Tube trains and Night Tube services.
• Some stations closed near the fireworks zones for crowd control.
• Bus diversions where bridges are closed.

In past years, TfL even offered free travel after 11:45 PM on New Year’s Eve, a tradition that may continue for 2025 (always check closer to the date).

Insider tip: download the TfL Go app before you head out. It’ll give you live updates on closures, busy stations, and best routes.

👉 You can also get your Oyster card or London Travelcard before you arrive.

Expect Bridge Closures

Several of London’s bridges close to traffic (and sometimes even to pedestrians) on New Year’s Eve. This is mainly for safety, since thousands of people crowd around the Thames.

For example:

• Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge are often closed early.
• Blackfriars and Golden Jubilee bridges may also have access restrictions.

Check the latest info before you travel so you don’t get stuck on the wrong side of the river.

Arrive Early

Remember the ticketed viewing areas? They’re open from 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM. After that, you won’t get in. Even in the free spots, arriving early is key, by 9 PM, many of the best bridges and parks are already packed.

Bring snacks, dress warmly (London nights in December can be damp and chilly), and think of it like a mini-festival: half the fun is soaking up the atmosphere with everyone else waiting for the countdown.

Plan Your Exit

This is the part most people forget. When the fireworks finish, hundreds of thousands of people all leave at once. Trains and Tubes are open late, but there are still queues.

My advice:

• Don’t rush to the station immediately. Stick around, grab a late-night snack, and let the crowds thin out.
• Or, if you’re staying central, walk back to your hotel and enjoy the buzz of the city still awake at 1 AM.
• If you’re outside central London, know your last train home before you go out.

👉 With these tips, you’ll avoid the classic London New Year’s Eve stress: getting stuck, missing the countdown, or queuing for hours in the cold.

Best Things to Do in London on New Year’s Eve (Besides Fireworks)

Of course, the fireworks are the star of the show, but London on New Year’s Eve has so much more going on.

Maybe you didn’t get a ticket, maybe you prefer something a little warmer and less crowded, or maybe you just want to make a full evening out of it before midnight.

Either way, here are some brilliant ways to celebrate the last night of the year in London.

Catch a West End Show

London’s West End theatres don’t stop just because it’s New Year’s Eve. Imagine ending 2025 watching The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, or Wicked, and then heading out just in time for the midnight countdown.

It’s a great option if you’re with kids or don’t fancy standing in the cold for hours. Book in advance though, NYE performances are always popular.

Dinner with a View

For foodies, London has no shortage of restaurants where the views are just as good as the menus. Some of the best spots for New Year’s Eve include:

• Sky Garden – dine in a lush indoor garden with 360° city views.
• Duck & Waffle – 40 floors up, open 24/7, and famous for its quirky late-night menu.
• OXO Tower – elegant riverside dining with fireworks glimpses.

Many restaurants offer special New Year’s Eve menus with champagne included. Prices are higher than usual, but the atmosphere is unforgettable.

Rooftop Bars & Parties

If you’d rather dance into the new year, London’s rooftop bars are buzzing on New Year’s Eve. Think DJs, cocktails, and incredible views of the fireworks (even if you can’t see the whole show).

• Sky Bar at Millbank Tower – famous for its New Year’s Eve parties with champagne, canapés and a live DJ.
• Aqua Spirit (Soho) – stylish cocktails and a glamorous crowd.
• SUSHISAMBA (Bishopsgate) – Latin-Japanese fusion food plus a rooftop party atmosphere.

These events sell out fast, and tickets can go well over £150–£200, but they’re a great way to combine fireworks with a proper party.

Christmas Lights & Winter Wonderland

Still feeling festive? London’s Christmas lights and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park are open on New Year’s Eve too. Take a stroll down Regent Street, Covent Garden or Oxford Street to see the lights twinkle one last time before they’re packed away for another year.

At Winter Wonderland, you can enjoy ice skating, rides, food stalls and live music – perfect for families or anyone looking for something more casual before midnight.

Clubs & Late-Night Events

London never sleeps, especially on New Year’s Eve. The city’s clubs go all out with themed parties, live DJs and countdown celebrations. From the iconic Ministry of Sound to trendy East London warehouses, you’ll have no trouble finding a party that suits your style.

👉 Whether you go for culture, cocktails, or clubbing, New Year’s Eve in London has options for every taste – and you don’t need fireworks tickets to have a night you’ll remember.

London Fireworks with Kids: Family Tips

Bringing kids to London on New Year’s Eve? It can be magical, but let’s be real, it can also be challenging. Midnight is late, the crowds are big, and the noise can be overwhelming. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make the night fun (and less stressful) if you’re celebrating with little ones.

Try a Park Instead of the Crowds

If your kids don’t like being squashed into packed crowds, a park is your best bet. Primrose Hill is one of the top choices – there’s space for them to run around, the air is fresher, and you still get that sweeping skyline view with fireworks sparkling in the distance.

Other parks like Greenwich Park or Blackheath also offer open spaces to enjoy the night without the chaos of central London.

Family-Friendly Firework Displays

You don’t have to wait until midnight to enjoy fireworks with kids. On Bonfire Night (5 November), many displays in London include earlier, kid-friendly shows. For example, Morden Park Fireworks has a “quiet” display around 5 PM with softer bangs, designed especially for families.

This can be a great alternative if midnight just feels too late.

Add a Show or Activity Beforehand

Another fun idea is to combine the evening with something that entertains kids earlier on. London’s West End has shows like The Lion King or Frozen that finish in the evening – leaving time to catch the fireworks afterwards if the kids still have energy.

You could also wander through Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, which has rides, ice skating, and Christmas markets that kids love. That way, even if they’re asleep by midnight, they’ll have had an amazing day.

The key takeaway? With kids, flexibility is everything. Don’t feel pressured to join the main crowds. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the fireworks (and London’s festive vibe) without a meldown at midnight.

FAQs About London Fireworks 2025–2026

Every year I get tons of questions about the London New Year’s Eve fireworks and honestly, most people ask the same ones. So here’s a handy FAQ to clear things up before you start planning your trip.

How many fireworks are used in London on New Year’s Eve?

It’s big, really big. The London fireworks display uses over 12,000 fireworks launched from the London Eye and rafts on the Thames. The whole show lasts around 20 minutes, and the budget is said to be more than £2 million. No wonder it’s world-famous!

Are people allowed on the London Eye during the fireworks?

No. The London Eye closes before the fireworks for safety reasons. Staff prepare the area for the midnight display, so unfortunately you can’t be inside the pods when the show starts.

Can you buy London fireworks tickets on the night?

Usually no. Since 2014, the event has been strictly ticketed with a capacity of about 100,000 people. Tickets often sell out weeks in advance, sometimes in two release phases (October and December). Don’t count on grabbing one last minute – plan ahead!

What if I don’t have a ticket? Can I still see the fireworks?

Yes, but from further away. You can head to free spots like Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park, or Lambeth Bridge, or even catch a glimpse from Trafalgar Square or Cannon Street. Just keep in mind the view won’t be as close as the ticketed zones, and it gets very crowded.

And of course, you can always watch live on BBC One, which broadcasts the whole event.

What’s the latest I can arrive at the ticketed areas?

Ticketed viewing areas are open from 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM. If you arrive after that, you won’t be allowed in – even with a valid ticket. Security is strict, and once the gates close, they’re closed.

Can you see the London fireworks from Hyde Park or Croydon?

From Hyde Park & Green Park : Yes, you can see the fireworks from these parks, though they’re not official viewing areas. Expect partial but still magical views.

From Croydon : Croydon usually has its own fireworks display, so you won’t see much of the central London show from there.

Is there a family-friendly fireworks option?

Yes. On Bonfire Night (5 November), displays like Morden Park put on early, quieter shows for kids. On New Year’s Eve itself, your best bet is to book a hotel with views or head to one of the open parks for more space.

Conclusion

There’s something truly magical about seeing London’s skyline explode with colour on a winter night. Whether you’re standing by the Thames watching the New Year’s Eve fireworks 2025, wrapped up on Primrose Hill with friends, or cheering at the huge Bonfire Night displays, these are moments you’ll never forget.

The key to enjoying it all? Planning ahead. Tickets for London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks sell out fast, so keep an eye on release dates in October and December. If you miss out, don’t worry, the city is full of free viewing spots, family-friendly displays, rooftop views, cruises, and hotel rooms with spectacular views. 

And if you’re around in November, the Guy Fawkes Night fireworks are just as dazzling, with Alexandra Palace and Battersea Park leading the way.

So start booking, pack your warmest coat, check where to stay, and get ready for a night of sparkle, cheers, and celebration. Because when it comes to fireworks in London, there’s no better place in the world to ring in the new year or light up the 5th of November.

If you plan to do a lot when visiting London, why not consider purchasing one of the many London city passes on offer. These will give you the chance to manage your budget easily. Plus, you won’t have to worry about things like transport or bus fares.