Best things to do in London to ring in the new year
Ah New Year’s Eve, the day with the most promise but the most let downs too. With year-long anticipation, it’s so easy for New Year’s to fall flat, and I’m sure most of us have experienced one or two New Year’s parties that we’d be happy to forget. Fear not, as this year will be different! We’ve scoured the web for the best NYE events in London to ring in 2025 with a bang. From day activities and sight-seeing opportunities to club nights and firework shows, there is something for everyone, all that’s left for you to do is find the perfect New Year’s Eve dress (and winter coat) and get that fresh NYE mani (oh, and start that list of resolutions that will *deffo* be forgotten a week later) so you can let January know who's boss.
What to do in London for NYE
Fireworks
Arguably what we are all here for. Fireworks and NYE go hand in hand like Winter Wonderland and cuffing season. There’s only one official NYE fireworks show in London, the one we have all seen on our TV screens by Parliament. Even if you don’t want to fork out for ticket on the riverbank, there are many other places you can view the show from, be in the London Eye, a party boat, a restaurant or bar.
Evening Events
Battersea's NYE Ball
If there’s one day in the year when budgets are thrown out the window, it’s got to be NYE, and Battersea’s NYE Ball is well and truly worth the high price point. Food, drink, and entertainment are all taken care of, so you can sit back, and indulge in some bubbles and canapes. Come on, what better way to start 2025?
Sky Garden
Sky Garden is an iconic London Skyline viewpoint with a restaurant and bar included. There’s something for everything in this skyscraper - whether you’re just looking to admire the fireworks or want your final meal of the year to come with a view, Sky Garden has you sorted.
Natural History Museum
A museum first and foremost, it may surprise many that the Natural History Museum is one of London’s best events venues too. It regularly hosts sleepovers and silent discos in its iconic great hall, and NYE is no different. Explore galleries after dark and enjoy live music under the bones of a whale - a pretty normal NYE no?
The Savoy Hotel
Feeling boujee? Make your Instagram story viewers jealous with The Savoy’s immersive experience. The iconic British hotel has hosted celebrities a dime a dozen, and what better night to feel like an A-lister than NYE? Five-course dinner? Count me in…
London Bridge Rooftop
An ideal location to clink glasses with friends and scour the skyline for fireworks a-plenty. With the first release sold out already, I’d nab some tickets before they’re gone! PSA: they have an open bar from 8pm-1am... *adds ticket to basket*
Backyard Comedy Club
I can think of no better way to see 2024 to a close than by clutching my stomach and wiping away tears at a comedy show. The New Year’s special is bound to be a riot as there are plenty of the year’s best bits to look back and laugh at.
Albert's Schloss
Albert's time machine has been in the works all year long and it's finally ready to use. Be transported through the decades with performances from dancers, drag queens, and live musicians. It's a night to let your hair down and get a groove on, with a three course set menu also on offer for those tempted.
Club Events
Troxy
With Cirque du Soul, a good show is guaranteed. Think dancers, confetti and light shows. Grab your best mates and get ready for a serious boogie.
Phonox
A cult classic in London’s club scene, and of course their line-up is quality. If you’re a lover of house music and techno, then really there’s no better place to dance to what you love than at Phonox - it’s a good time guaranteed.
Koko Electronic
Koko is a mega venue for live music and what is NYE without live music am I right?
Fabric
For my clubbers out there, it doesn’t get much more iconic than Fabric, and with Chaos in the CBD headlining, you can start 2025 knowing you’re pretty much the coolest friend group you know.
The Cause
Although the lineup is TBA, I can pretty much say for certain that this will be a mega event. Multiple rooms with multiple vibes, club boredom simply isn’t on the cards here.
Village Underground
Wanna feel sexy? This is where you should part with your money. Elkka promises a fivalous, inhibitonless, and queer-friendly evening - I think letting loose should be on everyone’s 2025 resolution list.
Day Events
Winter Wonderland
If the Christmas season has flown by and you’ve not got yourself down to the mandatory annual schlep to Winter Wonderland then you can still go on New Year’s Eve (it doesn’t end until Jan 5th!). Immerse yourself in Bratwurst and Ice sculptures, or take a spin on the icerink yourself.
Kew Gardens
You haven’t completed Winter in London until you make a trip down to Kew. Their Christmas lights are a truly magical experience and the surrounding area is the perfect place to mooch around and grab a hot chocolate to warm your hands up.
Go to the theatre
London is known for its world-class theatre, so if you’ve got the fireworks booked in for midnight, why not catch a matinee at the West End beforehand? There are countless shows to choose from but it would be rude not to try and book a seat at the city’s longest-running show, Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap.
Get a cruise
NYE is the best excuse to tick off all the classic tourist activities, so why not see the city from a different POV and catch a cruise! This way you can see all the sights, catch the fireworks show, and even get a meal, without having to move a muscle.
TV Shows
Going out not your jam? I don’t blame you. Sometimes there’s nothing better than curling up on the sofa with a huge blanket and snacks ga’lore, so here are some pretty iconic shows to watch for special NYE viewing.
London Fireworks
You don’t have to miss out just because you don’t fancy paying a load of money to stand in the cold! Worry not as the London fireworks show is streamed live on BBC One, so you can be as much part of the action as those on Southbank.
Jools' Annual Hootenanny
A NYE classic, Jools’ hosts an eclectic range of musical stars and celebs for a raucous night. Think top tunes, brilliant banter, and a right old laugh.
Graham Norton Show
Graham Norton has been gracing our TV screens for decades now, and his celebrity roster is teeming with A-listers. If he’s back for his annual NYE bash this year, be sure to see some big names and even bigger questions.
The Last Leg of the Year
Another cult British TV staple, The Last Leg is the perfect NYE watch for anyone in need of a good laugh, and what better way to start the year than with some of the UK’s most loved comedians taking a look back at key moments of the year.
New Year's Day
London's New Year's Day Parade
With both indoor and outdoor performances from a variety of marching bands and dance groups. It’s free to stand and watch the parade roll on by, so an ideal activity if NYE has tightened the old purse strings.
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