1) New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Thames River
New Year’s Eve in London sees plenty of activities centered around the Thames River. A gigantic Ferris wheel, the towering London Eye, draws thousands of visitors for a spin while the midnight fireworks show is launched from this iconic landmark. People gather on Westminister Tower and Blackfriars Bridges to witness the spectacle. If you are unable to find a spot near the water, you can watch the event from one of the screens in Parliament and Trafagal squares. Though the fireworks can be viewed from balconies across the city, you can get the best views from Westminster Bridge and the North Embankment of the River Thames (opposite the London Eye).
2) The Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival comes to a close with a large celebration to ring in the New Year. Beginning with the 1920s, the Royal Festival Hall is turned into five Storeys of festivities including a wide variety of music. Live performances and dancing classes are scheduled for that evening. The Festive Hall is a great place to view the fireworks over the Thames.
3) The Savoy
Welcoming the New Year at The Savoy is a lavish affair. The party will start with Champagne in the River Room before the guests head into the ballroom for a four-course wine-paired dinner with a side serving of fabulous entertainment. This iconic hotel’s Thames side location is like a cherry on top of a cake, as it provides excellent views of the fireworks. An extra 100 pounds will land tickets to the after-party, complete with a live band for an evening to remember.
4) The Shard
If you are looking for a casual party on New Year’s, head for drinks at the Shard. The Shard (also called Shard of Glass) is London’s highest tower, standing tall at 1,016 ft. The view from the open-air observation deck, located on the 72nd floor, is one of London’s most popular venues to get a panoramic view of the city’s fireworks. “Time Out” is hosting a party with this iconic institution, giving partygoers an incredible full view of the city accompanied by a glass of champagne and a cocktail on arrival.
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5) The Kew Gardens
The Kew Gardens, officially known as Royal Botanical Gardens, is a lovely botanical garden located in Richmond. Kids can learn a great deal about flowers and plants at Kew Gardens, from the smallest plant to the tallest tree. During Christmas and New Year, the gardens turn into a magical place where all the trees, trails, and buildings are illuminated, making a visit to this place an unforgettable and beautiful experience. Santa’s Snowflake Grotto, a scented garden, huge Christmas trees, and a vintage carousel in Kew Gardens are a few things that you and your children will cherish forever.
6) Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
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The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland offers experiences that go beyond just being a Christmas market. It is a place full of entertainment and fun, especially for children. The attractions include a giant Ferris wheel, Santa’s house, a circus show, and an ice-skating rink. There are plenty of options for food at the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, with original restaurants such as Swiss Chalet, the Ice Bar, and even Fire Pit Bar, where you can roast the marshmallows over a wood fire. You can shop for Christmas gifts that you have always dreamt of inside one of the two hundred wooden chalets. This park will be open on the 31st of December from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.7) Somerset House
No London festivities in winter are complete without skating around Somerset House. One can enjoy the ice with music from Soho Radio, a DJ from drag race royalty Jonbers Blonde and a house party from Foundation FM. Skating and dancing can be fueled along with fondue and a glass of champagne.
8) Dodgems
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Enjoy an evening full of unlimited drinks and dazzling acts at Dodgems, a New York city-themed ball. It is a fully immersive evening of revelry, bringing the magic of the Big Apple to Battersea Park. On December 31, Evolution London transforms into a wonderland which will transport you to the bars, streets, ballrooms, and subway stations of the city of Manhattan with all its glitz, neon lights, and graffiti art. The theme continues with entertainment, a Broadway-style stage show complete with trapeze art and jaw-dropping acrobatics. The ticket price is inclusive of drinks (beer, wine, champagne, and soft drinks), A four-course feast, a live band with London’s top DJs to get you grooving, and fairground fun in the form of pinball machines are a few things that you await you here. New Year’s Eve is the biggest party of the year, bringing families together to celebrate the coming year with grandeur and pomp. Start your New Year with new resolutions, giving way to happiness and opportunities, and the perfect night out with family and friends. And what better place for all these than the British Capital, London?Where to go for New Year’s Eve London dinner with stunning views
With multiple locations in London that bring out the ultimate fun and rejoicing of celebrating New Year’s Eve, why not bag yourself and your loved one in one of the top seats in the place and view all of London boozing in the celebration? These fine dining affairs will bring never-before-seen vibes with some epic parties while you enjoy the spectacular views and an impeccable dinner.Sushisamba, The City
There is a reason why Sushisamba still slides into the list and has maintained its draw over the years, and that is the exotic view with exotic culinary skills. And this year is extra special because Somerset House has teamed up with Moet & Chandon to throw a party like no other. Expect to dine on the team’s favourite and signature plates of Japanese and South American dishes while the ice skating, holiday food pop-ups, colourful installations, live music, and DJs take your whole attention on their way to the Sky-High restaurant.Bokan, Canary Wharf
Bid your farewell perched high above this sprawling capital city at Bokan, Canary Wharf. Offering 360-degree views of the shimmering skyline of the city, this three-level Bokan is absolutely worth climbing the stairs up to the 37th floor (of course there’s a lift, oops!). You will get front-row seats to London’s cloud-piercing landmarks, where you can enjoy a lavish six-course menu before heading up to the bar on level 38. You can also make your way with a glass in hand and admire the views of amazing fireworks at level 39, the all-weather terrace. Taste the beautifully plated dishes alongside an impressive collection of carefully crafted cocktails and brilliantly paired wines.Madison, St. Paul’s
Madison is an impressive affair. Why? Parting in front of London’s most iconic venue St. Paul’s Cathedral, this place takes in an exclusive Hublot installation where the terrace is transformed into a Swiss Alpine haven. It’s no wonder, given the restaurants and bars’ reputation as epic party places for urban slickers and glamourous girls, that they will blow away your entire fun on New Year’s Eve in London. Get lost in the electric performances from Dave Silcox and Megan Fernandez as you take in the remarkable retreat of the atmosphere. For dinners, enjoy their exquisite three-course dinner menu and a delectable dessert that will hit the sweet spot. Sounds like a win-win!Pan Pacific London, Liverpool Street
Your New Year’s Eve at Pan Pacific London is guaranteed to be a stylish event where the executive chef, Fabrice Lanson, will be brewing an early three-course meal and a later five-course set menu completed with a welcome glass of champagne. Sounds exotic, right? Prepare yourself for a fun-packed evening of delicious food, and fantastic cocktails, and do not miss the epic live music and DJs at the Orchid Lounge of the hotel. You can opt to reserve tickets for the early seating menu, late entry, or both!Shangri-La, The Shard
Shangri-La boasts the best vantage point in the city to view the dazzling fireworks and the iconic display at the famous London Eye. This stunning place hosts a wild series of bashing celebrations across the hotel to ring in the new year with a splendid look towards the future. Witness how the Sky Lounge and the entire 34th level of the hotel will be transformed into a futuristic New Year’s Eve party from an absolutely different dimension, including a five-piece band and DJ as well as secret rooms like karaoke, surprise entertainment, and neon face painting with glitter with champagne, cosmic cocktails, and canapes.Cinnamon Kitchen City, Liverpool Street
Do you adore Bollywood? Cinnamon Kitchen City is the right destination for you. This brings up the slightly casual dinner away from crowds as you enjoy your New Year’s Eve in the contemporary kitchen of Vivek Singh under the beautiful arches of Battersea Power Station. Expect to dine on modern Indian dishes, imaginative cocktails, and vivifying Bollywood beats. For those who want to head straight to the party floor, Anise Bar will open at 7:30 pm, playing high-energy Bollywood beats as well as tempting dishes. Oh, don’t forget the ginger toffee pudding for dessert either.Oblix at the Shard, London Bridge
With a vibrant atmosphere and carefully curated menu, Oblix greets you with the vistas of the capital that will take your breath away. Don’t be confused by the reception desk that sits in the dark corner of the entrance, as once you step in, the luxurious menu will take all your expectations for this New Year’s Eve to a whole new level. After this, you will be invited to Oblix East for an evening of fun and entertainment and to continue your boozing party until the early hours. Here, you will get to enjoy a selection of free-flowing wines, beers, cocktails and a glass of champagne at midnight to ring in the New Year like a pro. Elite and blissful New Year’s Eve in LondonSky Garden, Monument
Last but not least, Sky Garden features a spectacular sky-high soiree overlooking the glittering skyline of London. It’s open all year round, and most surprisingly, it’s free! Every now and then they love to throw a party and decorate the old stomping grounds to make the best, no, the finest for you. The New Year’s Eve party at Sky Garden serves up an exotic yet warm night where you can dance, drink and enjoy your night away to a live band or taste the amazing delectables with canapes and light bites or something more elevated.Tips for making the most of New Year’s Eve in London
- Travelling underground in London is usually free on New Year’s Eve, but this has been scrapped by the government. So, make sure to get a ticket in advance.
- It’s New Year’s Eve in London, and most accommodations are going to get super expensive and super busy. So, get one ASAP!
- Decide on your budget before you go, and don’t forget to check on discounts and items included in your NYE packages.
- Brace yourself, as most places will demand a deposit upfront.
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