Big Ben is the landmark traditionally shown as London's New Year's Eve midnight approaches.
Big Ben is the nickname commonly used for the Great Bell at the Palace of Westminster, although the name is often applied informally to the entire clock tower. The tower is officially called the Elizabeth Tower, a name adopted in 2012 in honor of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.
Television coverage commonly builds anticipation around the clock and its chimes. At midnight, fireworks over the River Thames form the central spectacle, with landmarks including the London Eye often appearing in broadcasts and photographs.
A common mix-up is calling the clock tower itself Big Ben. Technically, Big Ben is the bell, while the clock is the Great Westminster Clock and the tower is Elizabeth Tower. The bell's familiar sound has nevertheless become closely connected with London's transition into the new year.