London hosts the New Year’s Eve celebration centered on the London Eye’s midnight fireworks.
The official display takes place along the River Thames, with the London Eye serving as its most recognizable focal point. Fireworks are launched from the wheel, nearby barges, and other positions along the river, creating a display visible from many central viewpoints.
London’s major public celebration developed into a prominent annual event in the 21st century. Large crowds gather in controlled viewing areas near the Thames, while television broadcasts show Big Ben and the midnight countdown. The display is closely associated with the chimes of the clock at the Palace of Westminster.
The London Eye is a giant cantilevered observation wheel on the South Bank. It opened to the public in 2000, although the New Year’s Eve fireworks tradition around it became established later. The wheel and Big Ben are separate landmarks, even though both appear in coverage of the celebration.