If you want to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style but don’t know where to go, look no further than London. With so much to see and do, the capital is one of the top spots for a winter getaway. 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
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.
Please note a limited public transport service runs on New Year’s Eve, with trains following a revised timetable. To help you get home safely, South Western Railway will schedule additional services departing from London Waterloo after midnight.
The best free spots to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks in London
London’s spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks show is a great way to welcome the new year. But if you want to save money on tickets to the event, there are plenty more places to watch the fireworks.
Central London’s bridges
Central London is home to several bridges, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the fireworks display. Southwark Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge, Millennium Bridge, Vauxhall Bridge and Lambeth Bridge are the best free spots to try. Head there early to secure your place before it gets too crowded.
New ticketing ruleshave been introduced for the 2024 New Year’s Eve fireworks, so you can no longer watch the fireworks from Victoria Embankment, Waterloo Bridge and Westminster Bridge unless you purchase a ticket. Please note: 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
Although a little further out than other locations, Alexandra Palace gives you enough distance to see various fireworks displays across London’s skyline. Plus, the spectacular backdrop of Alexandra Palace makes things even more special.
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.
New Year’s Eve concerts and shows
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. 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.
Price: Tickets start from £15.
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 cruises
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 include two complimentary glasses of champagne, a five-course menu with wine pairings, a live jazz band and dancing. The cruise departs at 19:30 and returns at 01:00.
How to get there: Hop on the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to London Bridge, then walk 19 minutes to the pier.
Price: Tickets cost £569 per person (18+ only).
Studio 54 Boat Party
Enjoy an evening of 80s disco, funk and soul music aboard the Golden Spirit for this Studio 54-themed New Year’s Eve boat party. Departing at 21:00 and returning at 01:00, you can dance the night away and watch the fireworks as you sail down the Thames. Tickets include a glass of champagne on arrival.
How to get there: The cruise departs from Temple Pier. Walk there from London Waterloo (via Blackfriars Bridge) in 30 minutes.
Price: Tickets start from £120 (21+ only).
New Year’s Eve clubs and 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. With live cabaret performances, a four-course dinner and dancing until the early hours, it’s a 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 cost £345 per person (18+ only).
Grey Goose Lates at 12th Knot
This cocktail bar on the South Bank is the perfect place to watch the 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 £90 per person, including a welcome cocktail (18+ only).
New Year’s Eve restaurants in London
If you want to welcome the new year with a memorable meal, it’s best to book your table well in advance. Explore our London restaurant guides to find the perfect place to celebrate New Year’s Eve:
A comfortable bed is the best way to end your night once the celebrations finish, and you can get money off your stay at various London hotels with SWR Rewards. Make sure to book your stay early to ensure availability on New Year’s Eve.
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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