Things to Do on New Year’s Eve in London

If you want to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style but don’t know where to go, look no further than London. The capital offers one of the most varied New Year’s Eve experiences in the UK. Whether you are planning a night out, an evening of culture or something family-friendly, read on for your guide on things to do on New Year’s Eve in London. You can find activities for all ages, whether searching for the best places to watch the fireworks or wanting to party the night away. Read on to find out more and plan your perfect New Year’s Eve celebration. 

Trains to London on New Year’s Eve

Travelling by train is one of the easiest ways to get into London on New Year’s Eve, especially if you want to avoid road closures and limited parking in the city centre. 

For most central London New Year’s Eve events, London Waterloo will be your closest station. However, South Western Railway also provide services to Vauxhall and Clapham Junction.

Do remember that New Years Eve train services often run to a revised timetable, so it’s a good idea to check times in advance and plan your return journey. To help you get home safely after the festivities, South Western Railway are offering additional New Year’s Eve train services departing after midnight from London Waterloo. 

If you’re travelling as a group or planning ahead, you can often save money by booking Advance tickets or using a Railcard. Groups of three to nine adults can also benefit from GroupSave, making it more affordable to celebrate together.

Best places to watch New Year's Eve fireworks in London 

The Mayor of London's New Year’s Eve fireworks are one of the most iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world, with the main display centred around the River Thames and the London Eye.   

Central London’s bridges

Central London is home to several bridges, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the fireworks display. Southwark Bridge, Millennium Bridge and Vauxhall Bridge are the best free spots to try. You’ll need to head there early to secure your place before it gets too crowded.  

New ticketing rules in recent years mean that you can no longer watch the fireworks from Victoria Embankment, Waterloo Bridge and Westminster Bridge unless you purchase a ticket. It’s also worth noting that the Golden Jubilee Footbridge will be closed before, during and after the event. 

Cannon Street, Fleet Street and The Strand

Just outside the ticketed zone for the fireworks, this is as close as you can get to the river without having to pay. You can watch the display against a backdrop of some of London’s top landmarks, including St. Paul’s Cathedral and Trafalgar Square. These areas get extremely busy, so make sure you arrive early to secure your place.

Primrose Hill

If you’d rather watch the fireworks from a higher viewpoint, head to Primrose Hill. The park gets busy on New Year’s Eve, but the grassy hill provides more space than the city streets below.

How to get there: Catch a tube from London Waterloo to Chalk Farm, then walk 10 minutes to Primrose Hill.

Alexandra Palace

New ticketing rules in recent years mean that you can no longer watch the fireworks from Victoria Embankment, Waterloo Bridge and Westminster Bridge unless you purchase a ticket. It’s also worth noting that the Golden Jubilee Footbridge will be closed before, during and after the event.  

How to get there: Hop on the Bakerloo line from London Waterloo to Oxford Circus, then change for the Victoria line to Finsbury Park. From there, catch the W3 bus to Alexandra Palace.

London Shows New Year's Eve 2025 

New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to see that show you’ve had on your London bucket list for a while, and there are always plenty running on 31 December.

The Nutcracker at the Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall’s annual festive production of The Nutcracker has showings at 12:00 and 16:00 on New Year’s Eve. With tickets starting from as little as £15, the spectacular performance by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s dance company and orchestra will captivate all ages.

How to get there: Take the Bakerloo line from London Waterloo to Piccadilly Circus, then change for the Piccadilly line to South Kensington. The Royal Albert Hall is a 5-minute walk from there.

Vivaldi on The Strand

Every year, St Mary le Strand church hosts two New Year's Eve Vivaldi on the Strand concerts at 17:00 and 20:45. Talented musicians come together to perform a beautiful classical arrangement by candlelight – a serene and atmospheric experience.

How to get there: Walk from London Waterloo to St Mary le Strand via Blackfriars Bridge.

Price: Ticket information TBC.

New Year’s Eve at Up the Creek Comedy Club

Laugh your way into the new year at Up The Creek Comedy Club’s New Year’s Eve event. This iconic venue is one of the best places to see live comedy in London, so you can expect to see some top-tier comedians. The event runs from 20:45 until 02:00.

How to get there: Hop on the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Canary Wharf, then walk 6 minutes to Heron Quays. From there, take the DLR to Cutty Sark and walk to the comedy club in 4 minutes.

Price: Tickets start from £33.

New Year’s Eve Thames cruises 2025

Looking for the most unique New Year’s Eve events London has to offer? Celebrate in style on these fabulous cruises and get the best view of the fireworks from the river.

Uber Boats by Thames Clippers New Year’s Eve cruises

London’s famous Uber Boats are pulling out all the stops with their New Year’s Eve cruises. With live music, drinks, snacks and unmatched views of the fireworks – it’s a great way to ring in the new year with friends or loved ones.

How to get there: Departure piers include Tilbury, Gravesend, Barking Riverside, North Greenwich, Canary Wharf, Battersea Power Station and Putney.

Price: Tickets cost £180 per person (18+ only).

City Cruises New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner

Departing from Tower Pier, City Cruises' New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner is a lavish affair and what better way to ring in the new year? Tickets cost £599 per person and include two complimentary glasses of champagne, a six-course dinner with a half bottle of wine each, a live band and dancing. The cruise departs at 19:30 and returns at 01:00.  

New Year’s Eve parties

Put on your dancing shoes and head to one of these parties in London this New Year’s Eve.

Jurassic Party at the Natural History Museum

If you’ve ever wanted to party at London’s famous Natural History Museum, this is your chance! The museum’s iconic New Year’s Eve event includes live music and DJs, a silent disco and entry to many of the exhibits after dark.

How to get there: Take the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Westminster, then change for the Circle or District line to South Kensington. From there, walk 4 minutes to the museum.

Price: Standard tickets cost £125, and VIP tickets cost £200 (18+ only).

New Year’s Eve Gala at L’Oscar

Indulge in Hollywood glamour at L’Oscar’s New Year's Eve Gala: The Glitterati Show.  With live cabaret performances, a five-course dinner and dancing until the early hours, it’s a fabulously sophisticated way to bring in the new year.

How to get there: Take the Northern line from London Waterloo to Tottenham Court Road, then walk 16 minutes to L’Oscar.

Price: Tickets start from £365 per person (18+ only).

Grey Goose Lates at 12th Knot

This cocktail bar on the South Bank is the perfect place to watch the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display while enjoying an evening of music and dancing. The night will be soundtracked by top disco, funk, jazz and house DJs as part of the iconic Grey Goose Lates series.

How to get there: Walk 13 minutes from London Waterloo to 12th Knot.

Price: Tickets start from £100.70 per person, including a welcome cocktail (18+ only).

New Year’s Eve restaurants in London

What better way to welcome the new year than with a memorable meal? New Year’s Eve dining in London is an experience in itself, with something to suit every pallet. Just remember to book your table well in advance.   

• The best sushi and Japanese restaurants in London
• The best Mexican food in London
• The best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in London
• The best Chinese restaurants in central London

Places to stay on New Year’s Eve in London

When the festivities end, there’s nothing better than a comfortable bed is the best way to end your night. London can be expensive and busy during the festive period so why not make use of your SWR Rewards to get money off your stay this New Year’s Eve in London? Just make sure to book your stay early to ensure availability. 

Travel to London with SWR on New Year’s Eve

Ensure a hassle-free New Year’s Eve when you travel to London with SWR. We offer a range of cheap train tickets, so you can save money on your night out in the capital. Get organised and save more by booking advance tickets, or explore GroupSave offers if you’re travelling with family and friends.

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