A Guide to the Best Zones for London New Year’s Eve Fireworks 2026

31 December, around 100,000 people line the Thames to watch the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks light up the sky around the London Eye. The riverside is fully ticketed, so if you want to be there at midnight, you need a ticket for one of the official viewing areas.

When did tickets go on sale?

The first release of tickets for 2026 went on sale on Friday 23 October. The show is a sell-out every year, so availability and prices change quickly. If you missed the official release, you can still buy Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks tickets on Love1Ticket, where tickets are currently available from around £70.

The viewing zones

There are six zones, each with its own colour and entry gate. A few rules apply to all of them:

• You can only enter the zone printed on your ticket, and you can’t move between areas once inside.
• Gates open from 8pm and close at 10:30pm, with the fireworks at midnight.
• There is no re-entry once you’re in.
• If you’re going in a group, book all your tickets in the same zone.

The best viewing locations

1. Green: behind the London Eye (best overall)

Green sits directly behind the London Eye, so it’s the closest view of the wheel and the centrepiece of the display. For most groups it’s the best balance of view and price, and it’s one of the cheaper zones.

Buy Green Zone Tickets 

2. Blue: Victoria Embankment (best view)

Blue runs along Victoria Embankment from Westminster Bridge to the Golden Jubilee Footbridge. It gives you the head-on, postcard view of the London Eye with Big Ben nearby. If you want the view you’ve seen on TV, this is it.

3. White: Westminster Bridge (popular)

White is right on Westminster Bridge, with Parliament and Big Ben beside you and the London Eye across the water. It’s a side-on angle, but the setting is hard to beat.

Buy White Zone Tickets 

4. Red: Victoria Embankment (further along)

Red covers the Embankment from the Golden Jubilee Footbridge to Temple Avenue. It’s a side view, a little further from the action, and a good option if you want a lower price than Blue.

5. Pink: Waterloo Bridge

Pink is on Waterloo Bridge, which gives you a wide, elevated view along the river. It’s a side angle and often the scarcest zone, so grab it if you see it.

6. Orange: accessible viewing area

Orange is on Albert Embankment, on the river side of St Thomas’ Hospital. It’s the dedicated accessible area, with seating and a partial side view of the display.

Our tip: If you want the best view, choose Green or Blue. If you’re watching the budget, Green and Red are usually the lower-priced zones.

How to get tickets

1. Choose your zone using the guide above.
2. Check availability on our Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks page, which lists tickets across all six zones.
3. Choose your quantity and zone and complete your order with our secure online payments. Every Love1Ticket order is also covered by our money-back guarantee.

Tips for the night

• Arrive early. Streets around the Embankment and Lambeth close to the public from the afternoon, so plan your route in.
• Dress for the weather. You’ll be outdoors in December for hours before midnight.
• Plan your journey home. Central London is extremely busy after the show. Check TfL for service updates.
• Stay for the whole trip. There’s plenty on in the days around it. See our guide to what to do in London at Christmas and New Year, from football to gigs at The O2.

FAQs

When are the London New Year’s Eve fireworks 2026?

Thursday 31 December 2026, at midnight, over the Thames by the London Eye.

Can I see the fireworks without a ticket?

You can’t enter the official viewing areas without one. Tickets are available on our New Year’s Eve fireworks page.

Which zone has the best view?

Green is closest to the London Eye, and Blue gives the classic head-on view.

Can we switch zones once inside?

No. Book your whole group into the same zone.

Is there an accessible area?

Yes. Orange, on Albert Embankment, is the accessible viewing area.

Where can I find more to do in London?

Browse everything on across the capital on our London events page.