Yahoo Lifestyle The very 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.
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 why not catch a matinee at the West End? There are countless shows to choose from but it would be rude not to try and book a seat at the Olivier Award-winning ‘Best New Musical’ Operation Mincemeat, currently on its 11th extension. They are ringing in the new year with bottomless drinks and charcuterie.
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.
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?
Somerset House
The ice rink at Somerset House is home to some of the best wintery vibes in London. It's impossible not to feel festive when you've finished two laps clutching the sides of the rink only to reward yourself with a nice glass of Whispering Angel and a selfie by the Christmas tree. This New Year's, Somerset House welcomes The Bitten Peach, to elevate your night of skating with cabaret performances and live music.
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.
Dining Out
Parrillan
From the team behind Barrafina, Parrillan is bringing an ultimate Spanish feast to the table. Located in Coal Drop's Yard, it's the perfect location for a short walk over to bustling Southbank once you've finished dining.
DAROCO
Having opened its doors in Soho late last year, DAROCO has made a splash in the Insta-worthy dining scene. Its lush interiors are decked with mirrors, lights, and plush sofas and make the perfect backdrop for a NYE boogie. Not to mention the food... The second seating starts at 9pm, and you can enjoy Italian cuisine with a live DJ.
Bacchanalia
Bacchanalia doesn't do things by halves, and New Year's Eve is certainly no exception. Be prepared for an immersive evening of fine dining, live opera, and resident DJs. Dress to impress, and expect a feast for your eyes as well as your stomach.
Carousel
Carousel makes any foodie's list of London must-visit restos, so we are hardly surprised to see them cooking up a storm for NYE. They are combining live music with a special set-menu for a multisensory experience (or just head there for the afterparty too!)
Find out more here
Bōkan
Central London can be a bit much at the best of times, let alone NYE, so it might be worth broadening your horizons to Canary Wharf to enjoy those glittering skyline views.
Bōkan has put together an indulgent tasting menu, to be enjoyed 37 floors high.
Find out more here
Kitchen Table
If there's any time of year worth splashing out on a Michelin-starred meal then surely it's got to be New Year's Eve. You can feast on some of the finest fried chicken at Kitchen Table to bid farewell to any of 2024's drunken chicken shop orders...
Uba
Has a masquerade ball always been on your bucket list? Because *same*. Uba in Shoreditch is the blending masquerade theme with a five-course menu; fab food and a fun party, does it get much better than that?!
Louie
If masquerade parties are your thing, but you're more in the mood for French cuisine (with a New Orleans twist *obvs*) then book yourself a table at Louie. A variety of set menus have been carefully curated and differ in price and times so there's something to suit everyone, from the casual diners to the party-lovers.
Kitty Hawk
If you're looking to combine your New Year's Eve meal with firework-watching, then Kitty Hawk is the perfect place for it. Tuck into a four-course meal whilst taking in views of the city. Located right next to Trafalgar Square, you'll be right in the thick of all the action
JOIA
Battersea will be host to some of the best views of London's NYE fireworks show, so dining at the rooftop restaurant JOIA is a no-brainer. With a 70's theme, JOIA will provide a delicious set menu, complimentary fizz, and vibes to remember.
Sticks'n'Sushi
For the sushi lovers out there, this one's for you. Sticks'n'Sushi is a firm favourite in the sushi scene, and for NYE they're offering sparkling sake and live DJ's to keep those vibes alive.
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 frivalous, free of inhibitions, and queer-friendly evening - I think letting loose should be on everyone’s 2025 resolution list.
Pickle Factory
Pickle Factory is a hidden gem in East London but it's closing its doors in 2025. That's why you need to get tickets to their NYD afterparty 'Get Pickled', as it's a celebration not only of the year just gone, but the venue itself. Although tickets are currently sold out, there might be other releases to come, so keep your eyes peeled...
FOLD
With Mallgrab as the headliner, tickets for this event are sure to sell out fast, and at FOLD, you can be sure of a class night. Authentic and community-led, FOLD is a great space for lovers of music and Mallgrab is sure to put on a set to remember.
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.
Proms at the Barbican
If your New Year's celebrations got a little wild the night before (we've all been there), then it might be an idea to make yourself feel a little more *classy* by going to the New Year's Day Proms at the Barbican.
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