London's iconic skyline is preparing for a dazzling transformation this New Year's Eve, as The Shard announces a breathtaking new light display to welcome 2026. The UK's tallest building will abandon traditional pyrotechnics in favour of a dynamic, digital spectacle visible for miles across the capital.
A Digital Countdown and Dazzling Finale
On the evening of 31 December 2025, the top twenty storeys of The Shard will become a giant, glowing countdown clock, marking the final seconds of the year. As the chimes of Big Ben ring out at midnight, the building's distinctive spire will erupt into a vivid sequence of colour.
This will seamlessly transition into a brand-new, firework-style light display, meticulously choreographed to mimic the bursts and shimmer of a traditional fireworks show. The entire performance has been designed to be best viewed from the Thames, particularly as part of the official celebrations along the Victoria Embankment.
Engineering a Sustainable Spectacle
The show will be powered by 575 energy-efficient LED units, a conscious choice reflecting modern environmental considerations. The bursts of colour radiating from the spire will be visible from over 40 miles away, ensuring Londoners across the city can catch a glimpse from their local vantage points.
In an impressive detail, the creative talent behind the display was discovered from within the landmark itself, hidden behind its famous glass facade. This first-of-its-kind New Year's Eve "firework" marks the grand finale of The Shard's most ambitious festive lighting programme to date.
Brightening London's Winter Nights
The celebration will not end at midnight. Responding to public demand, The Shard will keep its lights shining with its longest-ever continuous display, running right through until 5 January 2026. This extended show aims to brighten the city's dark winter mornings and evenings, offering a beacon of colour long after the New Year's bells have stopped ringing.
For those planning to witness the event, details on the best public viewing locations can be found on The Shard's official website. The display solidifies the building's status as a central feature of London's seasonal calendar, offering a modern, accessible, and visually stunning alternative to welcome the new year.
