London's New Year's Eve countdown traditionally follows the clock at Big Ben.
Big Ben is the nickname commonly used for the Great Bell of the Palace of Westminster, although the name is often applied informally to the entire clock tower. The tower is officially named Elizabeth Tower, a change made in 2012 to honor Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.
At midnight, the clock's chimes are broadcast as part of the United Kingdom's celebrations. London's large fireworks display takes place along the River Thames, with the London Eye frequently serving as a prominent visual centerpiece.
A common mix-up is calling the tower itself Big Ben. Strictly speaking, Big Ben is the bell, while the clock is the Great Clock and the structure is Elizabeth Tower. In everyday reporting, however, Big Ben remains the familiar name for the landmark.