Each New Year’s Eve, fireworks light up the London skyline, delighting thousands of revellers.
In fact, the annual light show has become so popular that tickets for the official viewing areas – priced at £20 to as much as £125 each for 2025 – sell out months beforehand.
While some tickets may still crop up on Ticketmaster’s resale platform, folks who miss out often end up heading to spots where they can catch a glimpse for free.
But this year, there’s one less place to see the display, as Primrose Hill will be closed due to security concerns amid police cost-cutting measures.
The gates to the North London park will be locked from 8pm on Tuesday until 6am on New Year’s Day, with a tall temporary fence recently erected around the perimeter for the occasion.
Although an estimated 30,000 people gathered to celebrate at the unofficial Camden viewing point, following the disbanding of the Royal Parks police, authorities made the decision to shut in an effort to protect public safety.
Commander Nick John, who is in charge of the Met’s New Year’s Eve policing, said: ‘The Royal Parks are urging people not to try to gather at Primrose Hill this year and we would echo those calls.
‘Please make alternative plans. Anyone trying to access the park will find that it is not possible.’
Thankfully, there are a number of alternative options if you want to see the pyrotechnics and drones, which reach up to 200m high and can be spotted across the city for free. Here’s what you need to know.
Where to watch fireworks in London for free
More than 100,000 people will take to the capital for the event, so you may have to contend with crowds. And whatever you do, don’t try to enter the ticketed zone without one.
However, as long as you get to one of these alternative spots early enough, you can still get a great view of the action without spending a penny.
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Cannon Street/Monument
To the east of the display, the stretch between Cannon Street and Monument stations offers a decent vantage point.
This area will be very busy, so again, ensure you get there early for a prime spot near the river.
Tube: Cannon Street, Bank, St Paul’s, Monument.
Parliament Hill
Alternatively, you could save yourself a trip into town by heading north to the picturesque parklands of Parliament Hill – its 98m elevation gives great visibility.
Like most of the city during this event it’s likely to be busy, so if you’re prepared to venture a little further along, to Hampstead Heath, there should be a little more space.
Tube: Hampstead, Hampstead Heath Overground.
Alexandra Palace
Albeit a little further afield, this is a good bet for North London residents who want to avoid the crowds in the centre of town. Be prepared for a steep climb to the top of the hill, but the views you’ll get when you reach the summit will be worth the effort.
Tube: Wood Green (followed by W3 bus), or you can get the train to Alexandra Palace station.
Hilly Fields
For South East residents, Brockley’s Hilly Fields is a favourite among locals, offering panoramic (if slightly less ‘front row’ than other spots) views of the city thanks to a 53m above sea level elevation.
Tube: No Tube lines run here unfortunately, but there are a number of Overground trains to either Ladywell Brockley or Crofton Park, each a short walk away.
Things to remember about London New Year’s Eve fireworks 2025
Once again, keep in mind, you’ll be unable to enter the official event without a ticket. It’s also going to be busy right across the city, and certain areas will be closed off if they’re too crowded.
Make sure also that you plan your journey before heading out: while the Tube is running all night, some stations, especially those close to the centre of town, will be exit-only, while trains may not stop at others after a certain time. Tube travel is also not free this year, as it has been in previous years.
Buses may be on diversion from early afternoon too, so check your route ahead of time to avoid any travel mishaps.
Since it will be chilly (the Met Office has issued a Yellow alert for cold weather in London) and there’s potential for rain, wrap up warm – ideally wearing something with a hood, since umbrellas probably aren’t the best option given the number of people in close quarters.
Those going to the fireworks are advised to pack light and take only what they need, which is also a good tip if you plan to watch the display elsewhere.
A version of this article was first published on December 28, 2023.
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