Things to do in London on New Year's Eve
London has one of the biggest New Year's Eve celebrations in the world, which means there is fierce competition to secure a spot to see the fireworks and find the best events to ring in the new year. From a Thames side pub with great views to a dramatic New Year's Eve masquerade ball, there are so many ways to get involved in the festivities.
Here are some of the best events to celebrate the end of the year in London.
Fireworks boat party on the Thames
New Year's Eve in London means embarking on the difficult task of getting as close to the Thames as possible for the fireworks display. To avoid the crowds and get a different vantage point for the fireworks, book a boat tour that gives you a front-row seat to the spectacular display along the river. The 4-hour boat ride includes multiple bars, a DJ to soundtrack your journey, and an invitation to the after-party once you've docked and arrived in 2025.
The boat sets sail from the Millbank Millenium Pier at 20:45.
Westminster, SW1P | seetickets.comseetickets.com
New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball at The Londoner Hotel
If you want to start 2025 with a Bridgerton-esque flair, don your finest ball gowns and masks and head to the masquerade ball at The Londoner Hotel. Tickets to this luxurious event include dinner, dancing, and an exciting countdown to midnight. Attendees to the ball also get a discount on stays at the hotel to extend the decadence to the first morning of 2025.
Leicester Square, WC2H | newyearsevelondon.co.uk
New Year's Eve at the Sky Garden
One of London's most popular viewing platforms is also home to some of the best New Year's Eve views in the city. Watch the fireworks at eye level while toasting the New Year at one of Sky Garden's bars. They also offer dining packages with nearby restaurants and live musical performances. With "glitz and glamour" as the dress code, it's sure to be a fabulous, glittering beginning to 2025.
City of London, EC3M | skygarden.london
London New Year's Day Parade
New York City has the Thanksgiving Day Parade and London has the New Year's Day Parade. Perfect for families celebrating the new year in the capital, the parade includes dancers, musicians, and adorable character balloons set against the backdrop of central London's iconic landmarks.
Piccadilly to Whitehall | lnydp.com
Motown Live Review at Pizza Express Live Holborn
I can already see you rolling your eyes at the idea of spending New Year's Eve in a Pizza Express, but this isn't just any Pizza Express. The Holborn location is also a live music venue that will host a Motown Revue to ring in 2025. You'll hear live renditions of classic American ‘60s hits while enjoying a three-course meal and a glass of Prosecco.
Holborn, WC1V | pizzaexpresslive.com
Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel
In the elegant setting of The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, you can spend the last moments of 2024 indulging in decadent treats at their Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea. The tea includes festive variations of the hotel's usual menu, including Gingerbread choux buns and a special Christmas blend tea. The hotel is beautifully decorated, providing a great opportunity to say your final goodbyes to the Christmas period.
Mayfair, W1J | chesterfieldmayfair.com
New Year's Eve Celebrations at Madison Rooftop
For a unique backdrop to your New Year's celebrations, head to the Madison bar to grab a drink in the shadow of St. Paul's Cathedral. The swanky bar includes dining and drink offerings with a spectacular view of the fireworks over the iconic cathedral. From a candle-lit dining room to a DJ on the rooftop deck, you can celebrate with a relaxed evening or by boogying into the new year.
City of London, EC4M | madisonlondon.net
New Year's Eve Soirée at Mr Fogg's Pawnbrokers
The New Year's Eve Soirée at Mr Fogg's Pawnbrokers pub is the perfect mix of glamour and excitement, creating a cosy evening that turns into a lively celebration as the clock ticks closer to midnight. Hosted by a Victorian drag queen, the evening includes games, an Auld Lang Syne singalong, and dancing into the wee hours of the morning. Don't let the homey furnishings fool you, the dress code is "gold glamour" and guests are encouraged to arrive in their finest gilded attire.
Soho, W1D | mr-foggs.com
New Year's Eve at Florattica
With panoramic views of the fireworks in East London, Florattica is a stylish setting for your New Year's Eve celebrations. The rooftop restaurant offers a three-course tasting menu and wine and champagne packages to toast the new year. They will also feature live performances and a DJ to keep the party going after midnight.
Aldgate, EC3N | floratticalondon.co.uk
New Year's Eve at Tattershall Castle Pub
If you want to watch the fireworks from the Thames, but don't want to ring in New Year feeling a bit seasick, the Tattershall Castle Pub is the perfect compromise. This riverside pub is a docked ship in a prime firework viewing location across from the London Eye. Tattershall Castle hosts a sophisticated party onboard with canapes and champagne.
Embankment, SW1A | thetattershallcastle.co.uk
New Year's Eve staycation at the Richmond Hill Hotel
If you're looking to escape the bustling festivities of Central London but don't want to travel too far, consider heading to Zone 4 to stay at the relaxing Richmond Hill Hotel. The serene village of Richmond offers a quieter beginning to the New Year and the hotel offers the ultimate New Year's getaway. Dine at their elegant restaurant, dance the night away at the celebratory ball, and then cosy up in a charming room to be well rested to welcome in the New Year.
Richmond, TW10 | richmondhill-hotel.co.uk
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