The New Year's Eve in London are an eagerly awaited event. The city tops the list with the best New Year's fireworks displays, and in this article you'll find :
- A practical guide to attending fireworks displays
- Where can I buy the tickets I need?
- What to plan for New Year's Eve in London
- Practical advice and recommendations
- My tips and tricks
- And much more... !
To enjoy this show in the best conditions, I invite you to follow me.
New Year's Eve in London: article summary
New Year's Eve 2024: where and how to see the fireworks show?
On the occasion of New Year's EveLondon is in full swing! Thousands of people gather to welcome in the New Year, and certain spots are obviously packed.
For this reason, for some years now, access has been limited and only 100,000 people can enter the area from which the fireworks will be fired at midnight. This means reserve your placeif you're planning to attend the show in 2024!
How to see London's fireworks?
To enjoy the fireworks in London, it's essential to buy your tickets in advance, following the two dates on which tickets go on sale:
- October 18, 2024
- Mid-December 2024
It's a prerequisite for entering the heart of London!
To do so, go to the official London New Year website and follow the instructions to buy your tickets as quickly as possible.
What are the paying viewpoints?
The festival takes place in the heart of the capital, with two venues serving as privileged gathering areas: Big Benwhich will ring its bells at the stroke of midnight; The Shardwith its screen displaying the fateful countdown. The fireworks, meanwhile, are fired from the impressive wheel of the London Eye !
Tickets for this New Year's Eve are categorized by zone, and you'll be closer or further away from the fireworks:
- The most popular areas are Blue (on the Trafalgar Squarealong the Thames), Rose (to the northeast) and Blanche (between Westminster Bridge and Waterloo station)
- The other zones (Orange, red and green) are spread between the south, the north and at the foot of the London Eye.
Take a look at this map drawn up by the London Borough Council:
How much do tickets for New Year's Eve in London cost?
Prices are based on zone:
- Blue, Pink, White : 50 £ / 35 for residents
- Orange, Red and Green 35 £ / £20 for residents
For those who may be surprised by this year's price increase, please note that it has been justified by the need to improve the safety and comfort of every visitor, to guarantee an unforgettable experience for all, in the face of ever-increasing crowds.
Where can I see the fireworks for free?
Certain areas of the English capital are excluded from paying areas, and you can try to set up shop there, to watch the fireworks. Just as you'd expect, many people try their luck, and the place could be packed.
Among the most popular free-of-charge venues are the Lambeth Bridgewhich offers a good overview. As well as Millennium Bridge and Tower Bridgefrom where you can see the show quite well.
Except for these bridges, Parliament Hillin Hampstead Heath Parkoffers an excellent view of the festivities, including Primrose Hilljust a stone's throw away. Finally, the Greenwitch will delight those who want to stay away from the crowds and still enjoy the show.
Useful information and tips
Here's some practical information on how to enjoy the fireworks.
When?
December 31st, starting at 8pm. With your ticket, you'll receive directions to the entrance door where you can find your zone. They will be open from 8pm to 10:30pm.
How many tickets can I buy?
You will not be able to buy more than 4 tickets/person. If you're in a group, you'll need to make several separate purchases. Â
Rules to know
Firstly, we strongly advise against bringing small children, due to the large crowds. Secondly, once you've entered your zone, you won't be allowed to leave and re-enter. Finally, you may be required to show proof of identity at checkpoints, so please bear this in mind.
Other options for seeing in the New Year?
For those who don't want to mingle with the crowds, there are two other options: opt for a cruise on the Thameswith many options available for this New Year's Eve; watch the show from your hotel room, on BBCÂ !
Now that you know how to attend these shows, here are my tips and recommendations for enjoying New Year's Eve in London in the best possible conditions!
New Year's Eve in London: dress warmly
It goes without saying, but England is not known for being hot in December.
Be sure to wear several layers of clothing if you plan to New Year's Eve in London. Take along comfortable, sturdy shoes, a sweater, a hooded coat, a scarf and gloves.
England is also known for its pleasant climate rainy. Although there's no guarantee that it will rain, there's a good chance of rain.
A pocket umbrella could prove extremely useful if the sky decides to become overcast.
Prepare to stand for a long time
Waiting for the fireworks to start can be complicated and boring if you're not prepared.
To the banks of the Thames, you have to follow a queue. Then, when you finally get there, you have to stand there until midnight.
Even if it doesn't sound very appealing, don't forget that you'll be in the front row to enjoy the festivities.
New Year's Eve in London: arrive as early as possible
People arrive very early on the Thames side!
Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and you'll see people queuing to get in hours beforehand. If you don't want to wait long minutes in the queue, I advise you to arrive early.
Bring your own refreshments
The food stalls of Noël in London are not expensive, but I still recommend bringing food with you.
You'll be there until after midnight, so you'll need to keep up your strength. if you plan to arrive very early.
Chocolate helps against the cold, so I recommend you bring some along.
You can bring any type of food you like, but be careful with drinks. I recommend you bring a bottle of something hot to enjoy while you wait. A bottle of water is also a good idea.
As you pass through the gates, you'll pass through security, where your bags will be searched. If you haven't brought a glass bottle, you should have no trouble getting through the security gantry without effort.
New Year's Eve in London: what happens after the show?
Once the show is over, the journey back to the Underground or central London is often more complicated.
Be prepared for even longer queues, as many of the metro are closed.
Many people end up stopping off at pubs and bars along the way. You can do the same and enjoy the end of the festivities with your friends.
While New Year's Eve in London is usually spent on the River Thames, there are plenty of other places to party in the city. However, enjoying the fireworks is a unique moment not to be missed.
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