Big Ben is the London landmark’s clock traditionally associated with New Year’s Eve midnight chimes.
Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell in the Elizabeth Tower at the Palace of Westminster. In everyday speech, people often use “Big Ben” for the entire tower or clock, although technically the name belongs to the bell. The tower was completed in 1859.
At New Year, the clock’s midnight chimes are broadcast and have become a familiar symbol of London entering January 1. The sound may be carried by television, radio, and online coverage, depending on the event and broadcasting arrangements.
The landmark is sometimes incorrectly called the Clock Tower or simply the Houses of Parliament. The tower was officially renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012, in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. Big Ben itself remains the bell, not the tower.