There's something absolutely downright magical about watching fireworks at the best of times, but on New Year's Eve they just feel right. Each and every explosion is a glittering farewell to the old year, your past going up in smoke as a new era dawns: across the city, London's NYE parties are soundtracked by pops, bangs and snaps galore the second midnight arrives.
Of course, the biggest and most famous London New Year's Eve fireworks are the official ones laid on by the mayor, and sending sparks flying up and down the banks of the Thames. But £20 tickets to watch them from one of the six official viewing areas tend to vanish faster than a rocket soaring into the sky, so read on for some handy suggestions to get your firework fix as you say goodbye 2023, and hello 2024: from fancy restaurants to rooftop bars to hilly parks.
The official show starts at 8pm, but the actual fireworks aren't launched until midnight. They'll rocket up to 200 metres into the sky from their spot on Southbank, right next to the London Eye.
Can't make it into town? No problem. The mayor's New Year's Eve fireworks are shown on telly each year: just tune into BBC One at midnight to get your fix.
Recommended: here are more fab ways to celebrate New Year's Eve in London
With panoramic views over central London, Primrose Hill is a gorgeous place to watch the night sky erupt with fireworks. Wrap up warm, wear shoes you don't mind getting covered and mud, and bring a Thermos of mulled wine to see in 2024 in cosy style.
Zip up to this sky high party spot and you can enjoy Brazilian-Japanese food in a seriously celebratory atmosphere. As if the views of the mayor's fireworks weren't sparkly enough, the bar will be decorated with hundreds of metallic balloons. Samba dancers and performers will be working the room, and there'll be live DJs to get the party started. All this glitz doesn't come cheap though. It's £125 for the party with a complimentary glass of champagne.
Skyline views don't have to come with sky high prices. Head to this affordable (£200 for a table of six) rooftop spot for views of the Shard's NYE countdown, plus fireworks erupting across the city. London Bridge Rooftop is fully covered and heated, with drinks and DJs laid on until 2am.
If you're after stellar views over Southbank, then make for this 14th floor restaurant. It's offering a special £130pp New Year's Eve menu of luscious seafood dishes with Spanish and Portuguese influences. There'll be a DJ all night, floor-to-ceiling vistas across the Thames, and if you're feeling brave, you can head out to the open air terrace to watch the fireworks in the chill night air.
Head to the first floor of the Southbank Centre and you'll find Skylon, a restaurant with spectacular views over the Thames. Naturally, they're laying on a party in honour of the NYE fireworks: £375 gets you a lavish seven course menu, including caviar, lobster, and midnight canapes, as well as entertainment from live band The Revellers.
This rooftop spot right next to St Paul’s cathedral will give you a lofty viewpoint to enjoy the New Year's Eve fireworks from. It's offering a three course early dinner menu followed by a party with entertainers and bubbles until 2am, but the full experience will cost you a whopping £349. Alternatively, turn up before 10pm for a £199 party-only experience, with a glass of bubbles and canapes included.
Get a glimpse of London's NYE fireworks from the lofty heights of Battersea Power Station at luxurious Portuguese restaurant Joia. Opt for a £250 six course tasting menu taking in delights such as seabass tartare and suckling pig belly, or opt for the £150 bar experience, which includes a celebratory cocktails, bar snacks and music from resident DJ Woody Cook and a countdown with singer Natalie Olivieri.
You'll have to wrap up warm to brave the terrace at Caribbean restaurant Cottons, but your reward will be stellar views of London's NYE fireworks. And the atmosphere's bound to make up for the less-than-tropical temperatures, with a party-starting soundtrack of hip hop, reggae and old skool classics. Tickets are £30, and include a welcome cocktail and a glass of fizz at midnight: arrive at 10pm to secure a good spot.
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