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Another year is nearly up. And on December 31, hundreds of thousands of us will fill up London’s pubs, bars, rooftops and pavements to watch fireworks light up the sky, join in a chorus of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and welcome in 2026.
All sorts of revelries will be going on throughout the city, but the biggest of them all will be the Mayor of London New Year’s Eve fireworks, which mark the moment the clock strikes midnight with an eruption of colour and music.
Tickets for that extravaganza are now all sold out, and you won’t be able to access large parts of Westminster if you don’t have a ticket (see exactly where will be off limits here). But, of course, the fireworks will soar high into the sky and you’ll be able to catch sight of them from across the city. Here’s a rundown of some of the best alternative places to see the spectacular display from.
RECOMMENDED: How to celebrate NYE in London.
Where to watch the fireworks if you didn’t get an official ticket
There are a tonne of bars and restaurants putting on feasts and festivities for NYE that’ll have excellent views over the Mayor’s fireworks. Here are some of the best.
- Sky Garden – panoramic views of fireworks all over the city accompanied by a welcome glass of fizz, fancy canapés, performances by a live band and DJs. Book here.
- Las Iguanas Southbank – a Latin inspired NYE party with front row views of the fireworks. Expect salsa dancers, a multi-course South American feast and a live band. Tickets start at £106 and you can book here.
- The View from the Shard – where will you get a better view than from the tallest building in Britain? The View from the Shard is hosting an all-inclusive New Year’s party featuring DJs Rui Da Silva and Jacob Husley, canapés, bowl food, sushi, unlimited English sparkling wine and, of course, views of the midnight fireworks. Tickets from £295.
- Wagamama Southbank – tuck into a four course Asian fusion menu while being serenaded by live music at Wagamama Southbank, starting from £195 per head. At midnight you’ll get an exclusive private view of the infamous fireworks display. Tickets here.
- Joia – Battersea Power Station’s luxurious Portuguese restaurant Joia is offering a £325 six-course tasting menu or a £50 rooftop experience with a celebratory cocktail. Book here.
- Wahaca Southbank – for £250 per head, ring in the new year with a live Mariachi band, a Mexican feast, DJs and a direct view of the fireworks display from Wahaca Southbank. Book here.
- Kitty Hawk – high above the West End and Trafalgar Square, Kitty Hawk will have champagne, canapés and a lineup of DJs and line performers to accompany the fireworks views. Tickets start at £300 and you can book here.
- One Hundred Shoreditch – for the second year running, One Hundred Shoreditch is teaming up with Phonica Records for a NYE celebration, with views from rooftop bar Kaso. Tickets here.
- abc kitchens – the glamorous restaurant with windows looking out over Hyde Park will also offer views from its rooftop bar (usually only open to hotel guests). Book here.
- Fire & Fromage – much-hyped South Bank pop-up Fire & Fromage has NYE packages starting from £85 per person. Book here.
- Après Bar – this fully covered and heated space on London Bridge Rooftop will see in the New Year with a view-packed party, complete with bottomless champagne and Aperols. Tickets here.
- Alto by San Carlo – go the extra mile with Alto, on the rooftop of Selfridges. Set menu, DJs, live saxophone, all for £90 per person. Book here.
- Boundary Rooftop – a four-course set menu and 360-degree views from the rooftop orangery of Shoreditch’s Boundary starting from £115, find out more here.
Best places to watch New Year’s Eve Fireworks for free
Obviously, you could watch the fireworks for free from the comfort and warmth of your own home via the BBC broadcast. But if you still want to see them in real life without spending a penny, your best bet is heading for high ground.
For sparkling views of not only the Southbank fireworks but displays throughout the city, there are:
- Parliament Hill/Hampstead Heath
- Hilly Fields
- Telegraph Hill
- Alexandra Palace
Be warned that Primrose Hill will be shut to the public on New Year’s Eve this year.
Plan your night with Time Out’s guide to public transport on NYE.
Need to book something last minute? You may still be able to find tickets for one of these brilliant London New Year’s Eve parties.
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