Fun New Year’s Eve Events in London
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London is arguably the most exciting city in the world. It is certainly a fantastic place to live as a student, with plenty of unique London spots to check out, and plenty of events throughout the year.
New Year’s Eve events in London hit differently though, the most special night of the year with the history and traditions, the fireworks along the River Thames, around the Southbank and the London Eye.
In the same way that London is a melting pot of cultures from around the world, the same can be said about the different types of events on New Year’s Eve.
The London Eye Fireworks
It’s the biggest event of the year in the country, the New Year’s Eve fireworks that everyone in the capital looks forward to and what the rest of the country sees on the television at midnight every year.
It is a dazzling, spectacular firework display in front of thousands of people around Westminster Bridge, Victoria Embankment, Waterloo Bridge, and Embankment, with the fireworks coming from the London Eye.
Millions tune in on the TV worldwide and 100,000 people are lucky enough to get tickets to be there in person. Since the turn of the millennium this has been the biggest London event of each year.
Tickets cost between £35-£50 but are difficult to get, so are there other places that you can watch fireworks around the capital for free?
Ally Pally – Alexandra Palace is a stunning place to visit year round, but it is one of the best places in the city where you can get clear views of the fireworks at the London Eye and of the many other displays taking place at New Year around the capital.
London’s Bridges – Although some of the bridges that are closest to the London Eye are now part of the wider ticketed event for the fireworks, this isn’t the case for all the bridges .
You can head out early and find a spot on and around one of the other bridges that are open to the public, such as Lambeth Bridge, Vauxhall Bridge, Southwark Bridge, and Millennium Bridge.
Cannon Street – This is a scenic location with St Paul’s Cathedral looming right there, and the riverside walk a great place to see the fireworks.
Greenwich Park – All year round the park and Royal Observatory in the East of the city provide perfect views of the entire city skyline. On New Year’s Eve this means a fantastic way to see most of the city’s fireworks from a great location.
Primrose Hill – Sat next to Regent’s Park, this beautiful hill is another jewel in London for a great view of the city. Clear, panoramic views of the entire London skyline make it a great choice to see the fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Eve Events
Lundone – NYE @ Northcote Records
Freight Train Collective will be DJing at Northcote Records in Battersea, playing all the Britpop hits from your parents times to modern classics. Tickets are £20, which includes a free drink when you arrive, and the party starts at 8 and runs till 3am.
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Can’t Stop the Feeling @ The Roxy
Happy hour before 10.30, glowsticks and retro music at the New Year’s Eve party at The Roxy Basement Bar and Club is one not to be missed. Early bird tickets are under £20, so it’s also a pretty cheap night out for New Year in the city.
New Year @ The Natural History Museum
The 2023 into 2024 event was such a success that the people behind the New Year’s Eve Party at the iconic Natural History Museum have brought it back for another year. There will be a Ceilidh, a silent disco in the Earth Hall, live music and DJs, and even interactive sessions with expert animal handlers from Zoolab.
You’ll even get a chance to explore some of the wondrous galleries at a time of day where the doors are usually locked. It’s like a peak behind the curtain, a night at the museum like no other. Prices aren’t cheap, but there is no other experience like it.
Host a Party
If you’re staying in London for New Year but you don’t fancy going out to a bar or club, and want to keep things chill, why not invite some of your friends round instead? That way, you can cook some food, play some games, listen to music and watch some movies. Comfort time with your comfort people to bring in the New Year.
New Year’s Day Parade
When it’s all over, New Year’s Day brings with it a brand-new chapter. A fresh, crisp morning to take some time out to clear your head and enjoy fresh beginnings.
The annual New Year’s Day Parade in London is a great way to watch marching bands, acrobats, and parading performers on the streets of central London. There will be confetti falling in the air, great celebrations and that hope of 2025.
The parade runs through Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall as it works its way to the end point at Parliament Square.
Do you have any plans to attend fun New Year’s Eve events in London this year? If not, what are your plans to bring in 2025?
Every person is different in how they like to celebrate New Year. Some like to party hard with a big night out, others prefer a small gathering with friends indoors, with board games, movies, and plenty of food.
London has plenty of great events throughout the year, such as St Patrick’s Day in London, Chinese New Year, the London Marathon, and loads of big music and sporting events, but New Year is special.
Let us know what you like to do at New Year!
