Big Ben is the main London landmark whose clock is associated with the city's New Year's Eve countdown.
Big Ben is the nickname commonly used for the Great Bell of the Palace of Westminster, although the name is often extended in everyday speech to the clock and clock tower. The tower itself was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 in honor of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.
At midnight, the clock's chimes mark the beginning of January 1, while London's major public celebration includes fireworks around the River Thames. The event draws spectators and television viewers from around the world.
The bell and clock are not themselves the fireworks launch site. The display is staged at multiple locations near the Thames, so Big Ben functions primarily as the symbolic timekeeper and visual focus for the countdown.