Yes, Big Ben (the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower) chimes exactly 12 times to mark the stroke of midnight and the start of the New Year. This iconic tradition is the centerpiece of the UK's New Year's Eve celebrations. Each of the twelve resonant strikes of the 13.7-ton bell is timed to coincide with the first seconds of the new year, often punctuated by massive firework displays launched from the London Eye and the River Thames. Interestingly, while the clock is incredibly precise, the very first chime marks the exact start of the new hour (and year), not the final chime. For decades, the BBC has broadcast these chimes live to millions of people around the world. In 2026, following the completion of its extensive multi-year restoration, the clock's mechanism is more reliable than ever, ensuring that those twelve deep "E-natural" notes ring out clearly across London. For many, these chimes are more than just a time-check; they represent a national moment of reflection and a symbolic "reset" as the city transitions from the old year to the new.