Welcome to our ultimate guide on where to watch the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks in London! As 2023 draws to a close, the excitement for London NYE fireworks 2024 is already in the air. If you’re planning to witness the iconic London Eye fireworks, securing your 2023 tickets should be at the top of your list. This blog will provide you with all the information you need on London NYE Fireworks 2023, including how to grab those coveted London New Years Eve Fireworks 2023 tickets. We’ll also give you a sneak peek into what to expect for the London Eye New Year Fireworks 2024 and also how to access the South Bank on New Year’s Eve. Late to purchase the tickets? Keep on reading the blog, from free to low cost alternative places to watch the NYE Fireworks in the South Bank, and other locations to hidden gems. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this guide will ensure you have the best spot to enjoy the event. The Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve event in South Bank London is set to be a night of unmissable moments at one of the biggest celebrations of its kind in the world. Stay tuned as we dive into the heart of London’s fireworks celebrations, including the much-anticipated the Mayor of London NYE Fireworks. Let’s light up the night sky together as we welcome 2024!
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How Much Are London Eye Fireworks 2023 Tickets?
Attending the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve event at South Bank London requires pre-purchasing a ticket, as tickets will not be sold at the event. To secure your spot, visit the official website where tickets are priced at £20 each, with a limit of four tickets per individual. The event boasts six distinct viewing areas – Blue, Red, Pink, Green, White, and the accessible Orange area. Ensure you and your friends book tickets in the same viewing area, as moving between areas is not permitted. A map detailing the viewing areas and entry points is provided for your convenience. When booking, choose an entrance gate, especially since some areas have multiple entry points. It’s advisable to select a gate on the same side of the river as your arrival and departure to ease your travel. Keep in mind, many bridges will be closed to both vehicles and pedestrians, so you might have to walk more than usual to access buses, trains, or the underground. Public transport is expected to be exceptionally busy during the event. Please be aware that once you enter the event area, re-entry is not allowed. Plan accordingly to make the most of your New Year’s Eve celebration in London.
How To Access The South Bank On Nye?
As evening falls on New Year’s Eve, the South Bank area becomes a vehicle-free zone, with access strictly limited to those holding tickets. Non-ticket holders will be barred entry by temporary barriers set up for the event. For ticket holders, it’s crucial to adhere to the specific instructions and information provided with your tickets regarding entry into the fireworks viewing areas at South Bank. At the entrance gates, your tickets will be required for access. In efforts to curb ticket touting, the person who purchased the tickets may need to present photo ID. For those attending a celebration at a South Bank restaurant or hotel, it’s important to follow the provided entrance instructions well before the event day to ensure smooth entry.
Where Do The London New Year’s Eve Fireworks Take Place?
The spectacular London New Year’s Eve Fireworks show is centered around the iconic London Eye. For the most exceptional views, tickets can be purchased for official viewing locations along the River Thames. These prime viewing spots extend from Victoria Embankment to Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge. Additionally, there is an accessible viewing area designated on Albert Embankment, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the show comfortably.
How To Get Tickets For The London Nye Fireworks 2024
A total of 100,000 tickets are available for the New Year’s Eve fireworks show. You have the option to purchase up to four tickets per person. The second release of 50,000 tickets is scheduled for early December. It’s advisable to book your tickets as early as possible since they are expected to sell out quickly. To ease your arrival and departure, consider booking tickets on the same side of the river as your intended route, especially since several bridges will be closed on the night of the event.
When Do The London NYE Fireworks Start?
The festivities for the event kick off at 8 pm on December 31st. At 9 pm, a DJ will set the tone with festive music. The highlight is the countdown to midnight, leading to a magnificent 12-minute fireworks show, perfectly synchronized with a specially curated soundtrack. The iconic Big Ben will also chime in at midnight. To manage the crowd effectively, the DJ will play until 12:30 am, encouraging attendees to stagger their departure and avoid congestion at the exits. Remember, it’s crucial to enter your designated viewing area between 8:30 pm and 10:30 pm. It’s advisable to plan your evening thoroughly to ensure timely arrival.
The Tickets Are Sold Out, How To Watch The Fireworks In South Bank?
For those who want to experience the New Year’s Eve atmosphere on South Bank but couldn’t secure a viewing ticket, numerous South Bank restaurants will be hosting special New Year’s Eve parties. It’s important to book these parties well in advance, as most venues require a deposit to confirm your reservation. Be sure to follow the venue’s specific instructions for accessing their premises on the night. Given the tight security and controlled access to South Bank on New Year’s Eve, coupled with the expected heavy usage of public transport, it’s wise to plan your travel arrangements carefully to ensure a smooth experience.
South Bank Restaurants To Host New Year’s Eve Parties
12th Knot
Every New Year’s Eve, the fashionable Sea Containers London hotel hosts a dazzling party at its rooftop cocktail bar, 12th Knot. This year’s celebration features live, energetic pop and R&B music by Nic Hanson, alongside an eclectic mix of electronic, afro-house, and hip-hop beats spun by resident DJ LeDoe. Ticket prices for this glamorous event start at £80, with an option for an open bar ticket at £215.
Ping Pong
Ping Pong’s New Year’s Eve celebration promises a vibrant and colorful experience from 9 pm to 2 am at the Southbank Centre. The party features a sumptuous Shanghai Feast dim sum platter, DJs, and dancing. Guests are welcomed with glasses of bubbly upon arrival and at midnight. For an enhanced experience, silver and gold tickets offer additional perks like cocktails, late-night canapés, and access to a VIP lounge. Ticket prices start from £150, ensuring a festive and unforgettable New Year’s Eve.
La Gamba
La Gamba, the Galician tapas restaurant at Southbank Centre, is hosting its inaugural New Year’s Eve celebration. This Spanish-themed fiesta starts with welcome drinks and nibbles, followed by a sumptuous four-course dinner accompanied by live music. Guests can join the New Year’s countdown on the terrace, after which the evening progresses with a DJ and dancing. Tickets for this festive event are priced at £225, promising a memorable and lively entrance into the new year.
Giraffe
The Southbank Centre’s branch of the popular chain Giraffe chain is celebrating New Year’s Eve with a special festive package. This package includes canapés and prosecco upon arrival, followed by a delightful four-course dinner. The evening will be capped off with a DJ party, making it a complete and enjoyable New Year’s Eve experience. Tickets for this event are priced at £175, offering a perfect combination of fine dining and entertainment to ring in the new year.
Skylon
Skylon at the Royal Festival Hall is hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration featuring a luxurious seven-course menu with dishes such as a trio of duck, BBQ lobster, caviar and blinis, and mushrooms with winter truffle, all complemented by an array of bubbly. Tickets for this lavish dining experience are priced at £375.
Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar
At Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar in the Marriott County Hall Hotel, you’ll find an unbeatable view of the fireworks. Their New Year’s Eve event includes a bespoke five-course wine-paired menu crafted by Executive Chef Jamie Welch. The black tie affair begins at 7 pm with Champagne and canapés, followed by dinner, live music, and dancing until 2 am. Tickets for this exclusive event are £450.
How To Watch The London Nye Fireworks For Free
If you don’t want to pay to join the crowds of revellers or you weren’t lucky enough to get a ticket, these are some places where you can view the fireworks for free.
- Central London: The stretch from St. Paul’s Cathedral to Monument on Cannon Street is a prime location. It tends to get crowded, so arriving early is recommended.
- Bridges in Central London: These will be busy, but an early arrival might secure you a good spot. Southwark Bridge and Millennium Bridge, near the official viewing areas, are popular but crowded options.
- Vauxhall Bridge and Lambeth Bridge: A bit further from the action, these bridges offer views with potentially less crowding.
- Tower Bridge: Despite its fame, it does not offer as great a view as other bridges.
- Avoid Westminster Bridge, Golden Jubilee Footbridge, and Waterloo Bridge: These will be closed to the public after 2 pm.
Where to Watch NYE Fireworks in North London
Don’t want to mix in the crowd of the Central London but still want to enjoy the fireworks on NYE? Here are the top spots in North London to enjoy the show with plenty of breathing room!
- Primrose Hill in Regent’s Park: Situated on the park’s north side, Primrose Hill stands at 76 metres and offers a panoramic view of London. It’s a popular spot, so arrive early to get a good vantage point.
- Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath: Known for its year-round stunning views of London, the 98-metre-high Parliament Hill provides a beautiful, albeit more distant, view of the fireworks. It’s accessible via the Heath near Gospel Oak station.
- Alexandra Palace: Located further from central London, it’s ideal for those in North London seeking a spacious area to view the city’s skyline and fireworks.
- South London: Greenwich Park, particularly from Point Hill, offers splendid views of the fireworks display.
- New Year’s Eve Cruises: For a unique experience, consider a New Year’s Eve cruise on the River Thames, combining a festive atmosphere with a fantastic view of the fireworks.
As we wrap up this guide, remember that London offers numerous vantage points to enjoy the NYE fireworks without the need for tickets. Whether you prefer the heights of Primrose Hill, a fancy dinner in a South Bank restaurant, or the festive atmosphere of a Thames cruise, there’s a spot for everyone to enjoy this spectacular display. Plan ahead, arrive early, and get ready to welcome the new year with a breathtaking fireworks show in one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Happy New Year!
