Big Ben is the London landmark whose clock is traditionally associated with the United Kingdom’s New Year countdown.
Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell in the north tower of the Palace of Westminster. In everyday speech, the name is often used for the entire clock tower, which was officially renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012. The tower’s clock and bell chimes are broadcast during major national occasions, including New Year celebrations.
The bell first sounded in 1859, and the clock became an enduring symbol of London and the United Kingdom. Its midnight chimes are commonly heard in televised coverage, while crowds often gather nearby or watch fireworks over the Thames and central London.
Big Ben is not the official name of the clock tower itself, and the London Eye is a separate landmark used as a major fireworks viewing point. The clock tower’s formal name is Elizabeth Tower, but “Big Ben” remains the canonical popular answer when the bell and its chimes are meant.