Things To Do In London On New Year’s Eve 2024
Date post added: 3rd November 2024
Where can I go for New Years Eve in London?
New Year’s Eve celebrations in London are the stuff of legend. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with countless others on the banks of the River Thames, chanting a countdown to the midnight bongs of Big Ben and being wowed by the fireworks display – it has to be done. But maybe only once.
If, like us, you take offence at being charged twenty quid to enter a central London pub that you strolled into the day before just because you can glimpse the sky, then read on. We have a few ideas for your best New Year’s Eve in London.
New Year’s Eve fireworks
Nothing says New Year’s Eve in London more than an over-priced drink, an elbow in the ribs and the ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ sounds that accompany the legendary fireworks show (as well as the very English ‘tut’ when someone barges ahead in the queue). Of all the New Year’s Eve events, the world-famous London New Year’s Eve fireworks, presented by the Mayor of London, is the most spectacular. It’s a ticketed event to manage the crowds, so you’ll need to book in advance.
If you want to join the throng for the central London New Year’s Eve fireworks, you’ll find vantage points along the banks of the Thames. Head for Monument, London Bridge, Embankment or Waterloo stations. But be warned that public transport is a nightmare on NYE. Our London guide extraordinaire, David describes it as a “crush of humanity” and “truly unbearable.” Get the idea? Oh, and you can always watch coverage on the BBC from the comfort of your own home.
New Year’s Eve hotspots
David’s advice is to “go against the herd.” So these hotspots would be his places to avoid at all costs. But if you want to celebrate New Year’s Eve amongst the pulsating activity, here’s where it’s at:
- Victoria Embankment
- South Bank near London Eye
- Trafalgar Square
- London Bridge
- Westminster, near Big Ben
Indulge in a decadent New Year’s Eve in London
Our recommendation for enjoying New Year’s Eve in central London is to seriously splash out and get a hotel room with a view, a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant or book a rooftop bar. Be prepared to pay way over the odds and make an early reservation – by mid-Nov it’s going to be too late. A few of our NYE event suggestions:
Rules restaurant in Covent Garden: London’s oldest restaurant dates back to 1798 and serves classic British food & drink. Deservedly, it has Michelin-starred status. Enjoy an indulgent, civilised three-course meal in style here. The Winter Garden cocktail bar is a bit of a hidden gem. Elegant and relaxed, it’s a great spot to celebrate the end of 2024.
Natural History Museum: Last year’s event was a sell out, so you’ll need to book early to secure a space on the dancefloor amongst the dinosaurs. The pop-up party will have live music, DJs, animal handlers and a chance to explore the space after dark.
Radio Rooftop Bar on The Strand: This exclusive rooftop bar is a great spot in the West End. Step inside the express lift and you’ll be whooshed to the top floor like Charlie in the Great Glass Elevator. You’ll feel on top of the world (or at least England) as you look out over the London skyline.
The Shard: For a memorable New Year’s Eve party with spectacular 360 degree views, check the (pricey) options at The Shard.
Tattershall Castle, Victoria Embankment: Celebrate the new year with a boat party on the Thames. It’s right near the London Eye for cracking views of the fireworks. The Champagne and canapes will flow accompanied by music and entertainment. It’s worth mentioning that this isn’t a river cruise, it’s a stationary boat so you can escape!
The Ritz: the ultimate way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in total luxury. Enjoy an opulent four course set menu dinner in the Palm Court, accompanied by a marching band no less. Sip stylish cocktails in The Rivoli Bar – it’s so glamorous! If you’re really investing in NYE 2024, stay the night in the Trafalgar Suite (the one used in Notting Hill).
A London Walks New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve in London. Psssst, here’s some seriously good advice: head for the hills. In the immortal words of Will Rogers, “always drink upstream from the herd.”
For a London Walks New Year’s Eve join us on our 9 pm Hampstead Walk. And not just because that walk is “the crown jewel of London Walks” (the New York Times). The GOAT – Greatest Of All Time – reason is that at walk’s end we head for the Hill. Parliament Hill. Yes, at the stroke of midnight we’ll be up on the roof of London. We’ll see the New Year in – watch the fireworks – from the Skybox. And not just the main fireworks. The symphony of fireworks. There’ll be New Year’s Eve fireworks all over London. And from up there – up in the Skybox – we’ve got a panoramic. We can see the whole shebang, from Walthamstow to Wimbledon.
And don’t just drink upstream from the herd. Hop on public transport upstream from the herd. Up in Hampstead on New Year’s Eve we’re contraflow. Unlike the gazillions down in central London we’re not going to have any problem getting on the Tube. Or a bus. Or a train. Memories make us rich. Well, good memories. Don’t deal yourself an ordeal.
New Year’s Eve in London – Keep it Simple
Less is more. Less is better. Small is beautiful. Bears repeating, there’s a lot to be said for the path less trodden – for a more intimate New Year’s Eve celebration.
A local house party – should an invitation come your way, carpe diem. Thank the organisers profusely. It’ll be a million times better than the million-strong mob in central London.
Watch a great film – When Harry Met Sally comes to mind. Send out for a curry or fish and chips. And then watch the fireworks and the countdown – not to mention worldwide New Year’s Eve celebrations – on the BBC. From your sofa. A hassle-free New Year’s Eve. And really, if we’re honest, the best view you’ll get of the fireworks.
New Year’s Day
Wondering what to do on New Year’s Day? It can be a great time to do something different. Try an activity, visit a new place or explore an unknown area. It provides an opportunity to partake in winter activities that have evaded you during the busy Christmas period. Here are a few ideas of what’s on that day.
Take afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason in Piccadilly for an extra special experience. Tuck in to freshly-baked cakes, precisely-cut sandwiches, unsurpassable scones and countless pots of tea in the most exquisite surroundings. Brunch is so last year, start 2025 with a good old afternoon tea.
Skate at Somerset House is a wonderful winter event – it’s the ultimate ice rink. A frozen Somerset House feels more like being in Eastern Europe than England. Ice skating in historic surroundings is a truly memorable experience, swiftly followed by an indulgent hot chocolate. You could opt to do this on New Year’s Eve with the night sky as a backdrop, but it’s a lovely way to start the new year too.
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park continues until 5th January, so you still have a chance to enjoy the event. There’s ice skating, circus shows, food stalls, fairground rides including the Big Wheel and various other attractions. It’s a fun way to start January.
Ice Rink at Canary Wharf is another great winter spot, this time in East London. Skate beneath twinkly fairy lights and enjoy the views from this Canada Water location.
Start your New Year’s resolution to be more active and take a walk. You may be surprised to learn that we have an array of London walks taking place on New Year’s Day. So pull on those walking shoes and explore the capital with our fascinating guides.
Pippa Jackson
Pippa is a word nerd and content aficionado with a background of working in TV on both sides of the globe. She loves to discover and share the diverse and wonderful stories of her much-loved London. When she’s not writing blogs and articles, you’ll find her walking beside the Thames or even paddleboarding on it (in the finest of conditions only!) or enjoying a coffee in the sunshine with a good book.