How to Spend New Year’s in London: Your Ultimate 2026 Guide
Are you in London for New Year’s? Here’s a list of the best ways to celebrate the beginning of the new year in the city — from a Londoner!
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Fireworks, parades, extraordinary parties and feasts to die for…all of that and more is what London offers for those eager to celebrate New Year’s in one of the busiest, craziest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world.
Keep reading if you’re looking for the best ways to spend New Year’s in London — from a Londoner!
How to Spend New Years in London: Your Ultimate 2024 Guide
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New Year’s Day Parade in London
The London’s New Year’s Day Parade is one of the city’s iconic events in the New Year, specifically on January 1st.
The event attracts around half a million spectators to the streets of London and is one of the world’s greatest street spectaculars. With a nearly 3-hour route that starts at 12 p.m., it passes the major landmarks of Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Parliament Street.
You’ll see floats, marching bands, cheerleaders, clowns and dancers from several parts of the world; like the famous pipers from Scotland, the folk dancers from Italy and the acrobats from Africa.
On top of that, the 33 London Boroughs compete to have the best performance or float, with the money going to local charities. So a great way to see how different each area of London is too!
There’s Free Standing space for general public, but your best bet is buying a ticket in advance to secure a good spot.
New Year’s Day Activities in London
New Year’s in London is celebrated throughout the day, you don’t need it to be the evening to have a good time. And even if you do (for example, to see the gorgeous festive lights), it gets dark really early… So you’re sorted!
Here are just some ideas on how you can spend the last day of the year AND the first day of the New Year in London.
Go to a Day Concert
As always you can rely on the Barbican Centre hosting its annual New Year’s Day Proms, where you can listen to the London Concert Orchestra play delicious classic music to ring in the New Year.
They’ll also have a stunning performance of the best scores from two of the greatest film composers the previous day (Sunday 31st December) in The Music of Zimmer vs. Williams.
Or if you’d rather experience something more traditional and cosy, there are a lot of cathedrals and churches doing spectacular New Year’s Day concerts too.
Take a Winter Walk
It’s cold in London, I know. But there’s just something magical about its parks in the winter.
If you have a free morning, I’d highly recommend heading to your nearest green space to soak in the New Year. Every park is perfect, although some of my favourites are: Hampstead Heath, Richmond Park, Kensington Gardens, Victoria Park (don’t miss the canal!), and Greenwich Park.
Read More: 50+ Beautiful Parks and Gardens in London To Explore ASAP! (2023)
Go Ice Skating
Ice skating is one of London’s most iconic activities during the holiday season, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that it’s a great option for a New Year’s in London activity too.
Hampton Court Palace and the Somerset House Ice Rink are iconic every year, but I’d also give a chance to the new and impressive rink in Battersea Power Station.
Other options include Canary Wharf, the Skylight London Ice Rink and the big one in Westfield London, where you’ll also enjoy a series of decorations and displays in the mall.
See a Show
London’s West End is always alive, including the last and first day of the year. So why not grab tickets for a best-selling show? You can catch something as classic as The Lion King or The Play That Goes Wrong, to something new and exciting like Frozen and Mean Girls.
I get my tickets at London Theatre Direct and TodayTix, but you can also get some in their own websites or in stalls dotted around Central London.
There are also Christmas shows during New Year’s in London, like the all time favourite The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House and even Edward Scissorhands in the Sadler’s Wells Theatre.
Visit a Christmas Installation or Market
As the holiday season comes to an end, it’ll be one of your last chances to experience the local Christmas experience in London.
You can either visit a popular Christmas Market in and around Central London (the most popular are in Southbank, Trafalgar Square and Tower Bridge) or get final tickets for the amazing Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.
I’d also suggest visiting Christmas at Kew, where the beautiful botanic world is transformed with twinkling lights.
Or better yet get my…
New Year’s Eve Events in London
Photo courtesy of the Sky Garden
I wouldn’t blame you if what you’re looking for this New Year’s Eve is a great party, and you can bet London will deliver. Here’s some of the most popular events to consider. But remember, book early!
New Year’s Eve at Sky Garden
One of the best parties in London happens among the tropical greenery with the most spectacular views of the city. Yes, I’m talking about the Sky Garden.
Sky Garden’s New Year’s celebration is a glamorous way of welcoming the year. You can join the amazing party with tickets starting £195 per person including a glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne and exclusive access to the best live performances and their own fireworks.
Or you can book a table at one of their two restaurants, Darwin Brasserie and Fenchurch Restaurant. Both include outstanding dining packages plus access to the party following the meal.
Join a Cruise Party
From party boats with live music to fancy dinner experiences with breathtaking views, there are several options to celebrate the New Year’s in London from the iconic River Thames.
Most of the cruises available will give you a great spot to watch the popular fireworks while enjoying a drink and the live DJ. Some include dining options and obviously a wide selection of the best spirits, cocktails and beers. Others will even receive you with a complimentary drink!
If you’re up for this original and glamorous way of celebrating New Year’s in London, I’d book as soon as possible, because they get quite popular. Browse the options and get the tickets!
Go to a Popular Club
What better way to receive the year than with the traditional nightclub? The ones in London are great and you’ll truly be spoiled for choices. Like Fabric in Farringdon, with 3 rooms including a “bodysonic” dancefloor, the legendary Heaven in Charing Cross or KOKO in Camden.
Most of them will host NYE events, so make sure to check the website and get tickets in advance.
There are also tons of options to party in the New Year’s, not just from clubs. Make sure you check popular sites like Eventbrite and Fever to spot the best one for you, or follow New Years Eve London, where they recommend a huge variety of activities and gatherings for the holiday.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks in London
One of the most anticipated events in London is the big display of New Year’s Fireworks near the London Eye, presented by the Major of London.
The spectacular show starts at the stroke of midnight, right after the magnificent “bongs” of Big Ben. It’s typically 10 minutes and it’s internationally known for its creativity and thrilling atmosphere.
The event is extremely popular, so it’s been ticketed since 2014 to ensure its safety and fun for everyone attending. You can try to get tickets through the Mayor of London’s site. However, you shouldn’t give up if you can’t find any!
People gather throughout the day in spots around Westminster to have the best view. And some of London’s hotels and restaurants also offer stunning options (maybe even better and more comfortable), like the Shangri-La Hotel and The Shard.
Where to Eat on New Year’s in London
Dining in London is a great experience, regardless of where you are or which cuisine is your favourite. There’s thousands of excellent options to please any need and desire, so a short list of recommendations is basically impossible.
However, there are some popular options (again, I’d suggest booking ASAP) New Year’s in London worthy restaurants that offer the most delicious menus plus great views of the city to make it extra special.
Savoy Grill
Celebrate New Year’s in one of the most iconic Gordon Ramsay restaurants in London, where you can experience the 1920s in a deliriously elegant venue. It also has some of the most beautiful views of the River Thames, which makes it a perfect spot to toast to 2024.
Chai Ki
Located in Canary Wharf, it’ll be a bit far away from the Central London action, which makes it perfect if you want to experience the New Year’s in London in a trendy yet not so busy location. This modern Indian restaurant is gorgeous, with indoor trees and amazing skyline views of the city.
The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel
If you want to opt for a British menu with an international twist, this is it. This fine dining restaurant sports have all the classics and will make you feel like royalty with their exquisite cocktails, beautiful décor and delicious creativity behind all their dishes.
Madison
This popular spot in London with gorgeous views of St. Paul’s will offer an early dinner menu before their NYE party. So if you’re in the mood to do both, this is perfect for you. The location is also great to be easily connected to any part of London…something you’d probably like to consider!
FAQs on New Year’s in London
➡️ Is London good for New Year’s Eve?
Of course! London is considered a great destination for New Year’s Eve, as there are a lot of things to do. From the spectacular fireworks to the trendiest parties, London is a place to celebrate the New Year with style.
➡️ What is the best thing to do for New Year’s in London?
I wouldn’t say there’s one thing better than anything else, as it depends on your interests. Some people would like a holiday festive ambience, which you can find in the Christmas Markets around Central London or even Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. Others prefer a fancy dinner or a crazy party, which both can be guaranteed by London.
However, if it’s your first time in London for New Year’s, I’d recommend trying to secure a spot for the amazing fireworks. Believe me when I say they’re some of the most extraordinary in the world!
➡️ Where to stay for New Year’s in London?
London has a vast selection of great hotels to stay throughout the year, but I’d say that regarding New Year’s you need to look at two things: your budget and where you’re celebrating.
The city (like any other in the world) becomes chaotic with the amount of activities to do and people doing them. So if you can avoid having to take public transport or paying a crazy amount for a taxi, that would be the best. However, that may mean that you’d have to compromise how much you’re spending per night.
If you’re looking for specific recommendations to spend the New Year’s in it, I have three.
The first is the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, as it has one of the best views of the city and its New Year’s Fireworks. The second would be the London Marriott Hotel County Hall, as it’s the closest to the action (literally one minute from the London Eye). The third would be the astonishing and luxurious Kimpton Fitzroy London, where you can celebrate without leaving at all!
➡️ When is the Chinese New Year in London?
Although the Chinese New Year shares the name, it doesn’t share the date. Also known as the Lunar New Year, it’s celebrated between late January and mid-February, with the specific date changing each year according to the lunar calendar. That day, a parade is also held in London.
I’d recommend keeping an eye open to enjoy the experience if you’re in the city.
Thanks for reading my How to Spend New Year’s in London Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!
CHECK OUT MORE LONDON GUIDES:
- Christmas in London: The Best Things to Do
- The Best Christmas Tours in London
- London Hotel Recommendations
- How to Get Around London: Your Ultimate Transport Guide
- 10 Tips for Tourists in London 2023 (Tourist Mistakes and How to Avoid Them)
- 101+ Fascinating Facts about London (History, Culture, and Quirky Bits!) — from a Londoner
Happy Londoning,
