Wondering what to do on New Year's Eve in London?
The tickets for fireworks show from 31-12-2023 that takes place on the London Eye have already been sold and are sold out.
We also know that this is not a program that appeals to everyone, since spending hours (and it really is hours!) standing still in a cold that can reach freezing temperatures is not for everyone's taste.
So, here are some suggestions for alternative programs for you who will spend New Year's Eve in London.
But remember that nowhere in the world is the party as lively as in Brazil. so it's good lower expectations not to be disappointed.
And don't forget to dress warmly to withstand the cold! See here our tips on how not to get cold in the winter in London.
What to do on New Year's Eve in London
New Year's Eve at Somerset House
The Somerset House skating rink is a success and attracts not only skaters, but people who only go to the bars and pop up restaurants set up especially for the winter.
On 31/12, between 19 pm and 00 am, there will be a New Year's Eve party with DJs, in addition to skating (optional) and fireworks.
The palace terrace overlooks the Thames and the fireworks.
See information and tickets here.
Tickets: between £55 and £75
Cruises on the Thames
To see the fireworks show in comfort, a good option is to take a Thames cruise. Cruises generally last 2-3 hours and some offer dinner and/or party. Around midnight, the boats position themselves at a safe distance from the London Eye (a little away) and you can enjoy the fireworks show from the comfort of the boat.
Don't expect haute cuisine. If you want a good dinner, head to one of the many excellent restaurants in town. The advantage of the cruise is actually being able to see the show in comfort.
Another detail is that the whole region is very crowded, so plan arrive too early to the pier so as not to miss the boat.
Golden Tours – the traditional London receptive company offers some options for a cruise on the Thames, from where you can see the fireworks display. See information and reservations here.
City Cruises – Offers several cruise options, with or without dinner. Click here to see the options
London Boats – company that has two restaurant boats, the Glass Room and the River Room, and offers a complete package with dinner, champagne and live music. See information here.
Thames Cruises – 3 options for cruises with a focus on parties and not on dinner. Only for over 18 years. See information here.
New Year's Eve in Pubs
Many pubs are open on New Year's Eve and several organize some kind of party, with live music, DJ, or some special program.
Pubs outside the more touristy area generally charge a cheap entrance fee if they offer live music or some sort of programming, and you can have dinner or a drink while you wait for midnight.
It's a good program for those traveling with children, those who don't want to spend a lot for an expensive dinner, or those who are past the age of falling into a rave-type party.
A convenient option is to find a pub close to your hotel so you don't have to deal with public transport that night.
If arriving in London a few days before your date, do your research, ask at the hotel, and book at a local pub.
Be sure to take a look at the menu and also ask what time the pub will be open until. Don't expect to party much later than 1am!
New Year's Eve in Primrose Hill
If you want to see the arrival of the new year from a privileged location, go to Primrose hill, a park in North London that sits on an elevated site.
So you can see the London Eye from afar (very far away), but from a different perspective.
Lots of Londoners head there on the night of December 31st, so be prepared for a packed spot.
the subway station Chalk Farm, the one closest to the park, will close at 21pm for crowd control, so plan to arrive early, or use another station (Camden Town or Belsize Park).
Primrose Hill is close to Camden, a place with many pubs and clubs to choose from. I suggest you go to a pub for dinner and then, around 23 pm, walk to the park to watch the fireworks.
Primrose Hill – Can you see the London Eye over there?
Below are some pubs in the region that will be open on the date:
Spread Eagle – a good pub in Camden Town that usually serves dinner on the date. Check the details on the pub's website.
The Queen’s – this one is very close to the park and will serve dinner with a party. Bookings on the pub's website.
The Princess of Wales – have not yet announced the schedule for 2023, but they usually open at night.
The Lansdowne – are accepting reservations for New Year's Eve.
Where to see the London Eye fireworks without a ticket
In addition to Primrose Hill, it is possible to see the fireworks in several other parts of the city. See some suggestions below:
Thames bridges in the central region
The bridges that cross the Thames where you can see the party and don't need a ticket are: Southwark, Millenium, Tower Bridge, Vauxhall and Lambeth Bridge.
Obviously these are very popular places, so you need to get there early to find a spot.
Cannon Street na City of London
In the City of London, at the foot of St Paul's Cathedral, Cannon Street is very close by and outside the entrance area. A part of the street is on the river bank, but it will be very crowded too. Nearest tube station: Cannon Street
Parliament Hill e Hampstead Heath
Close to Primrose Hill, it's another local favorite. Bring your bottle of champagne and watch the fireworks from afar. Nearest tube: Hampstead and Belsize Park
New Year's Eve Parties in London
Some cool New Year's Eve parties in London
In addition to the Somerset House party noted above, check out these other options.
New Year’s Eve Spectacular – great party at the Southbank Centre, which is very close to the London Eye and has a privileged view. Tickets between £130 and £345 on sale on the event website
New Year's Eve Jurassic Party - Museum of Natural History – DJs and bands liven up the Natural History Museum party that will certainly be the most different New Year’s Eve you will ever experience! 20pm to 00am, £1 per adult, information and tickets here.
Sushi Samba – party in “European new year's style”, with live music, DJs and dancers. The restaurant is located in Heron Tower and has a panoramic view of London. Information here.
Make your trip planning easier with the guide London in 4 days - itineraries and tips. There are 5 routes with interactive maps and all the information. Everything you need to plan your trip to London! Exclusive Gift: London Travel Planner - information, worksheets and checklists for perfect travel planning. Click here to find out!
Restaurants with New Year's Eve dinner
Several London restaurants are open on New Year's Eve. Below are some restaurants with special programming for the date. For information and reservations, click on the name of the restaurant.
Shard water – located in the tallest building in London, with a privileged view of the London Eye fireworks.
Duck and Waffle – the highest restaurant in London, located in the City, is offering some ticket options,
The Oxo Tower Restaurant and Brasserie – it is not possible to see the fireworks from this restaurant on the south bank of the River Thames, but the view is very beautiful.
see others restaurants with special menu for the 31/12 here.
For those who don't want to party
Musical and Supper at the Hotel
If just thinking about a party makes you feel lazy, or if your idea is to do a very different program, going to see a musical on New Year's Eve might be a good choice. Most of the musicals playing in the city have a show on 31/12, so just choose a favorite and enjoy:
Phantom of the Opera – 31/12/22 at 14pm and 30pm – from £18
Mamma Mia – the Abba Classic – 31/12/22 at 14pm & 30pm – from £19
The Lion King – the Disney classic – 31/12/22 at 14pm – from £30
&Juliet – 31/12/22 at 143pm – from £0
Back to the Future – 31/12/22 at 14pm – from £30
It's also good to follow Ricardo Freire's advice and go to a supermarket or delicatessen to buy a very special supper to be tasted at your hotel, or wherever you are staying, after the theater.
Don't forget that the BBC broadcasts London Eye fireworks live, so you can watch the show from the warmth of your room!
Want to buy ingredients for a super special supper worthy of royalty? Stop by the Fortnum & Mason store or the food court at Harrods.
Hotels overlooking the London Eye party
Several hotels in London have the privilege of a view of the London Eye, where the famous fireworks display takes place on New Year's Eve. Below we have made a selection of them.
Click on the link to know the daily rate and details. Also make sure that the chosen room has a privileged view, or if the hotel offers a terrace or a place where you can see the fireworks.
Park Plaza County Hall – a very popular hotel with our customers, located on the south bank of the Thames, very close to the London Eye
Hotel Café Royal – Located on Regent Street, it is a traditional 5 star city hotel
Royal Horseguards – Between the River Thames and Trafalgar Square, this luxury hotel offers New Year's Eve packages
Radisson Blu Edwardian Hampshire – hotel located in Leicester Square, heart of the city
Days Hotel Waterloo – budget hotel located on the south bank of the Thames, also offering views of the London Eye
ME London by Melia – located on the famous Strand, on the north bank of the river, it is a comfortable and modern hotel that has a bar on the tenth floor with spectacular views
London Marriott Hotel County Hall – located on the south bank of the Thames, the hotel is very close to the London Eye
The Savoy – opened in 1889, the world-famous Savoy Hotel is situated on the banks of the River Thames, with many rooms overlooking the River Thames
Public transport on New Year's Eve in London
London public transport runs all night on 31/12 except Waterloo & City line (will not run) and District line to Kensington Olympia.
Between 23:30 (31/12) and 02:00 (01/01) some stations in the vicinity of Westminster will be closed or open for departure only.
Westminster stations (access to the London Eye fireworks) and Chalk Farm stations (access to Primrose Hill) will close at 21 pm and will only reopen when the crowds have dispersed.
Plan your route back home/hotel because everything gets really crowded, some subway stations close, some bus routes are diverted, and everyone wants to get home at the same time.
See the special page on the TfL website, which manages London's transport system, for information on buses and other types of transport.
