How to watch New Year’s Eve countdown on TV and streaming

Many of those will likely be watching a countdown on New Year’s Eve as part of the celebrations.

There will be a few options on some channels to do this, with a few favourites hosting their usual shows.

Here are all the details you need to know about how to watch the New Year’s Eve countdown.

How to watch the New Year’s Eve countdown for 2026

Ronan Keating and Friends: New Year’s Eve Party

Like every year, BBC One and BBC iPlayer have a special programme in the build-up to the New Year being welcomed in.

On this occasion, singer Ronan Keating will be hosting the programme, following on from Sophie Ellis-Bextor in 2024.

The 48-year-old will sing some of his own songs, such as ‘When You Say Nothing at All’, as well as tracks from other artists.

A summary on the Radio Times adds: “He also performs his number one single Life Is a Rollercoaster, which has clocked up over a 100 million streams, along with many more tracks from across his career and timeless songs from artists including George Michael and Van Morrison.

“Ronan is joined by his touring band, as well as some very special guests.”

The programme will start at 11.30pm, and pause briefly for the fireworks display at midnight before resuming at 12.15am to finish up at 12.45am.

Jools’ Annual Hootenanny

Jools Holland will be hosting his annual Hootenanny on BBC Two, which will run from 11.30pm to 1.40am and will include a countdown.

The musician and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will welcome a number of guests to give musical performances to celebrate the new year coming in.

A summary on the Radio Times adds: “Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra welcome in the new year with a stellar line-up of guests, including Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, chart star Olivia Dean, veteran singer Lulu – performing her 1974 version of David Bowie’s The Man Who Sold the World – and Jessie J, with her crowd-pleaser Living My Best Life.”

Other guests will include Craig David, Imelda May, Heather Small, The Kooks, Ruby Turner, Joe Webb and David Hemlin.

Jane McDonald’s New Year’s Singalong

Over on Channel 5, singer Jane McDonald will be hosting a look ahead to the New Year, alongside singing a few hits.

The Radio Times summary shares: “Jane McDonald looks ahead to the New Year, while belting out a party playlist of floor fillers, showstoppers and toe-tapping tunes. Plus, a sing-a-long with Jane at home and a few celebrity surprises.”

Hogmanay 2025

BBC One Scotland will be hosting their usual Hogmanay programme with Amy Irons leading the coverage.

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It will feature music from the likes of Nathan Evans, Michelle McManus, Tide Lines’ Robert Robertson, and Georgia Cécile.

Additionally, some of Scotland’s biggest stars will look back at the highlights of 2025.

This will air from 11.30pm to 12.30am, with Des Clarke leading coverage of the fireworks display at Edinburgh, which will be soundtracked by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.