Steeped in both tradition and fun, Bonfire Night (or Guy Fawkes Night) is one occasion on the social calendar that you won't want to miss in London. Each year, fireworks light up London's skies with spectacular displays of colourful sparks, large roaring fires and delicious food and drink.

Popular among friends and families alike, Bonfire Night is an event that requires a touch of preparation to ensure the best possible time, so we've compiled a list below of the best fireworks to see on Bonfire Night in London in 2025.

From north to south and east to west, we've got you covered with the top locations for Bonfire Night across London.

When is Bonfire Night in 2025?

Bonfire Night is celebrated every year on or around 5 November, following a long-standing tradition dating back to 1605, when Robert Catesby plotted to blow up the Houses of Parliament by hiding barrels of gunpowder beneath the House of Lords. Bonfires are usually lit, on which effigies known as “guys” are burned, while the skies are filled with colourful fireworks. It’s also a time to enjoy traditional Bonfire Night food and drink, alongside music, funfairs and family activities.

Where to see the best fireworks in North London

Dazzling fireworks at Alexandra PalaceDazzling displays at Alexandra Palace Fireworks and Drone Festival. Image courtesy of Alexandra Palace.

1. Alexandra Palace Fireworks and Drone Festival 

Head to one of north London's best vantage points for a weekend of fun at the Alexandra Palace Fireworks and Drone Festival. On Thursday 31 October, the sky will come alive with Halloween-themed fireworks and a spectacular drone display, meanwhile bonfires and a ghost tour of Ally Pally's Victorian Theatre will also be on offer. The festivities continue on Friday 1 November, with another fireworks display, as well as DJ sets from DJ Luck & MC Neat and tribute acts to Taylor Swift and Dolly Parton set to take place in the Great Hall. Book Alexandra Palace fireworks tickets and enjoy street food, craft beers, and warming drinks. 

Where: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
Dates: 31 October and 1 November
Time: 6pm to 10:30pm (fireworks at 9pm on Thursday, 8pm on Friday)
Tickets: Adults £18; children £12; young child £6.50

2. Wembley, Brent and Harrow Fireworks Display

Enjoy two celebrations in one at the Wembley, Brent and Harrow Fireworks Display in Byron Park, where Diwali and Guy Fawkes share centre stage. Arrive between 12pm and 3pm to enjoy free entry, and spend the afternoon tucking into street food, browsing craft stalls and getting stuck into the funfair. There's plenty of pre-show entertainment for little ones to get involved in too, including face painting, glitter tattoos and traditional Indian Henna hand art. Insider tip: It's worth noting that this is a cash-only event. 

Where: Byron Park Peel Rd, Harrow HA3 7QX
Date: 8 November
Time: 12pm to 11pm (fireworks at 7.45pm)
Tickets: Adults £14.95; children £9.95

Top fireworks displays in East London on Bonfire Night

Live fire breathing artist impresses crowds at Stow Firework SpectacularStow Firework Spectacular in Walthamstow. Image courtesy of Stow Firework Spectacular/Anthony Woolmer.

3. Stow Firework Spectacular 

Walthamstow's fireworks display takes place not just on Guy Fawkes Night, but also on the following weekend. The event transforms the Walthamstow Cricket, Tennis & Squash Club into a riot of fun with four rounds of fire performers entertaining crowds before the main display. It's an ideal event for families, with a low-noise children's display at 6pm, specially designed for children with additional sensory needs and set at a height that's easy for little ones to see. The main fireworks display begins at 8pm, while a funfair, games, food stalls and a bar serving winter warmers such as mulled cider make this an unmissable celebration.

Where: 48A Greenway Avenue, London E17 3QN
Date: 
5, 7 and 8 November 
Time:
 4pm to 9pm (fireworks at 8pm)
Tickets: Adults £8; children £4.50; young child £0.50

South London fireworks you can’t miss on Bonfire Night

Fireworks light up the sky over Chelsea Bridge on Bonfire Night.Battersea Park Fireworks seen from Albert Bridge. Image courtesy of City Cruises.

4. Battersea Park Fireworks 

Join thousands of revellers as this glorious riverside park is illuminated with a huge bonfire and a spectacular fireworks display. Enjoy food and drink from the restaurants and bars at nearby Battersea Power Station, or opt for street food and winter warmers from chalet-style stalls at the event. Pre-show entertainment includes fire dancers, acrobats, fairground rides and live music from the Big Smoke Brass Band and the Flash Bang Brass LED Dance Experience.

Alternatively book the Fireworks Night River Thames Cruise and enjoy front-row views of Battersea Park Fireworks Show from the river. The two-hour cruise passes top landmarks such as the London Eye and Tower Bridge, and includes live music, a glass of sparkling wines and canapés. 

Where: Battersea Park, Queenstown Road, London SW11 4NJ
Date: 1 and 2 November
Time: 6pm to 12am on Saturday; 4.30pm to 10pm on Sunday (fireworks at 8.30pm on Saturday, 7pm on Sunday)
Tickets: Adults £14.20; children £9.50

5. Fireworks in the Park

Catch a spellbinding display at Morden Park on Guy Fawkes Night (5 November), or save the celebrations for Wimbledon Park on 8 November, where the same magical show will be repeated. Both events feature a kid-friendly display at 6.45pm, followed by the main show at 8.30pm. The fireworks are set to music, with 2025 themes: “Magic” for the earlier display and “One-Hit Wonders” for the main event.

Where: Wimbledon Park, London SW19 7HR & Morden Park, London Road SM4 5HE
Date: Morden Park 5 November; Wimbledon Park 8 November 
Time: 5:15pm to 10pm (kids' fireworks at 6.45pm; main display at 8.30pm)
Tickets: Adults £14.84; children £10.60

6. Dulwich Firework Display

Head to the annual Dulwich Firework Display in southeast London for live music, Indian food, BBQ and more. This spectacular fireworks display at Dulwich Sports Club is usually busy thanks to its “kids for a quid” tickets (ages 12 and under) – book well in advance.

Where: Dulwich Sports Club, Giant Arches Road, London SE24 9HP
Date: 8 November 
Time: 5pm to 10pm(fireworks at 7pm)
Tickets: Adults £13; children £8

West London’s best fireworks to watch on Bonfire Night

An aerial view of Ealing and Harrow Fireworks DisplayEaling and Harrow Fireworks Display. Image courtesy of Ealing Fireworks.

7. Barnes Bonfire Night

Head to leafy Barnes in south-west London for the annual Bonfire Night display at Barnes Sports Club. Alongside a traditional bonfire and fireworks display, there's usually a "Best Guy" competition, where the best attempt at dressing up as Guy Fawkes earns the honour of lighting the bonfire. Visitors can also enjoy a BBQ, bar, live music plus glow sticks and sparklers for kids.

Where: 261 Lonsdale Road, London SW13 9QL
Date: 8 November
Time: 5.30pm to 9.30pm (Bonfire at 7pm, fireworks 7.45pm)

8. Ealing and Harrow Fireworks Display

Fireworks, BBQ, pizza and curry... expect a Bonfire Night extravaganza for the 10th edition of the Ealing and Harrow Fireworks Display. This community event raises funds for local cricket clubs and features candy floss, kids' rides and family entertainment. In 2025, the theme is "The Ultimate Explosive Showdown: Diwali Meets Guy Fawkes", with the display set to iconic pop hits.

Where: Byron Park, Peel Road, Harrow HA3 7QX
Date: 8 November 
Time: 12pm to 9pm (fireworks at 7.45pm)

The best Bonfire Nights in Greater London

A red firework display at Kempton Park RacecourseKempton Park Racecourse Fireworks. Image courtesy of Kempton Park Racecourse.

9. Beckenham Charity Fireworks

Take the kids to Beckenham Charity Fireworks at Croydon Road Recreation Ground, which hosts plenty of family entertainment each year. Choose between a quieter firework show earlier on, or the big bangs of the main display later in the evening. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy a range of food and drink stalls and the funfair.

Where: 319 Croydon Road, Beckenham BR3 3FD
Date: 8 November 
Time: 4.30pm to 9pm (kids' fireworks at 6pm; main fireworks at 7.15pm)
Tickets: Adults £18.02; children £6.36

10. Kempton Park Fireworks

Experience one of west London's biggest firework displays at Kempton Park Racecourse. You’ll find thrilling rides, DJ sets, warming food and a themed firework display set to top tunes that are sure to impress.

Where: Staines Road East, Sunbury-on-Thames TW16 5AQ
Date: 1 November
Time: 5pm to 10pm (fireworks at 7.30pm)
Tickets: Adults £10; children £10

NYE fireworks in London

The London Eye surrounded by red fireworks on new years eveSee a fantastic display of colour and music at the London New Year's Eve fireworks show. Image courtesy of Greater London Authority. 

While Bonfire Night brings plenty of sparkle to the skies, it's not the only major fireworks spectacle in London. The city's biggest annual display lights up the Thames on 31 December with the dazzling London New Year’s Eve Fireworks (31 December).

Explore our guide to the best New Year's Eve river cruises and tours to ring in the New Year in style and enjoy unbeatable views of the fireworks. 

Top tips for Fireworks Night in London

Follow these top tips to make sure your Bonfire Night goes off with a bang:

  • Book your tickets in advance to guarantee entry: Many London fireworks events are ticketed and sell out quickly, most tickets go on sale in early October.
  • Bring cash: Some vendors at London Bonfire Night events may be cash-only.
  • Enjoy more than just the fireworks: There are plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy, plus seasonal food and drink,
  • Wrap up warm: Wear warm clothing and waterproof to stay comfortable and enjoy a whole evening of fun.

For more seasonal inspiration, check out our Halloween guide or explore our top things to do in London this November. Be sure to download the Visit London app for exclusive offers and on-the-go ideas. 

Bonfire and firework night in London FAQs 

Where is the best place to see fireworks in London?

Bonfire Night is celebrated across the UK, and London hosts a wide range of events to mark the occasion. Firework displays are often large and impressive, with many of the more popular events requiring tickets in advance. Food and drink are usually available as well, making it easy to turn the evening into a fun night out.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night in London?

Bonfire Night commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 5 November 1605, when Guy Fawkes and a group of co-conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James I.

To this day, the cellars of Parliament are still ceremonially searched by the Yeoman of the Guard before each State Opening of Parliament.

The day was originally called Guy Fawkes Day or Guy Fawkes Night, but it is now more commonly known as Bonfire Night.

Where is the best view for London fireworks?

The best place to watch fireworks in London depends on your location, the weather, and how busy you're willing to tolerate. Free spots like Primrose Hill offer excellent panoramic views of the city, but they can become extremely crowded.

For a more organised experience, consider attending one of the city's major ticketed events, such as the Battersea Park Fireworks or the Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival.