Ah New Year’s Eve, the day with the most promise but the most let downs too. With year-long anticipation, it’s so easy for New Year’s to fall flat, and I’m sure most of us have experienced one or two New Year’s parties that we’d be happy to forget. Fear not, as this year will be different! We’ve scoured the web for the best NYE events in London to ring in 2025 with a bang. From day activities and sight-seeing opportunities to club nights and firework shows, there is something for everyone, all that’s left for you to do is find the perfect New Year’s Eve dress (and winter coat) and get that fresh NYE mani (oh, and start that list of resolutions that will *deffo* be forgotten a week later) so you can let January know who's boss.
What to do in London for NYE
Fireworks
Arguably what we are all here for. Fireworks and NYE go hand in hand like Winter Wonderland and cuffing season. There’s only one official NYE fireworks show in London, the one we have all seen on our TV screens by Parliament. Even if you don’t want to fork out for ticket on the riverbank, there are many other places you can view the show from, be in the London Eye, a party boat, a restaurant or bar. Most official tickets are now sold out so keep checking Ticketmaster's resale options if this is the event for you.
Day Events
Winter Wonderland
If the Christmas season has flown by and you’ve not got yourself down to the mandatory annual schlep to Winter Wonderland then you can still go on New Year’s Eve (it doesn’t end until Jan 5th!). Immerse yourself in Bratwurst and Ice sculptures, or take a spin on the icerink yourself.
Go Bowling
I don't care what anyone says, having been raised on WiiSports as a kid, I firmly believe bowling is always a good idea. If you're not typically festive then it's hard to beat a game of tenpin with your mates and you can grab food and a few drinks after - bosh.
Go to the theatre
London is known for its world-class theatre, so why not catch a show at the West End? There are countless shows to choose from but it would be rude not to try and book a seat at the Olivier Award-winning ‘Best New Musical’ Operation Mincemeat, currently on its 12th extension. They are ringing in the new year with bottomless drinks and charcuterie.
Get a cruise
NYE is the best excuse to tick off all the classic tourist activities, so why not see the city from a different POV and catch a cruise! This way you can see all the sights, catch the fireworks show, and even get a meal, without having to move a muscle.
Evening Events
Battersea's NYE Ball
If there’s one day in the year when budgets are thrown out the window, it’s got to be NYE, and Battersea’s NYE Ball is well and truly worth the high price point. Food, drink, and entertainment are all taken care of, so you can sit back, and indulge in some bubbles and canapes. Come on, what better way to start 2025?
Sky Garden
Sky Garden is an iconic London Skyline viewpoint with a restaurant and bar included. There’s something for everything in this skyscraper - whether you’re just looking to admire the fireworks or want your final meal of the year to come with a view, Sky Garden has you sorted.
Somerset House
The ice rink at Somerset House is home to some of the best wintery vibes in London. It's impossible not to feel festive when you've finished two laps clutching the sides of the rink only to reward yourself with a nice glass of Whispering Angel and a selfie by the Christmas tree. This New Year's, Somerset House welcomes The Bitten Peach, to elevate your night of skating with cabaret performances and live music.
London Bridge Rooftop
An ideal location to clink glasses with friends and scour the skyline for fireworks a-plenty. With the first release sold out already, I’d nab some tickets before they’re gone! PSA: they have an open bar from 8pm-1am... *adds ticket to basket*
Albert's Schloss
Albert's time machine has been in the works all year long and it's finally ready to use. Be transported through the decades with performances from dancers, drag queens, and live musicians. It's a night to let your hair down and get a groove on, with a three-course set menu also on offer for those tempted.
Experimental Cocktail Club
Fancy exploring a speakeasy on New Years? Experimental Cocktail Club is the place for you. Indulge in a glass of champagne, a cocktail of your choice (and trust me, it will be a tough choice) and live music all night long in the most opulent setting. It doesn't get much cooler than this.
One Hundred Shoreditch
This iconic rooftop spot in Shoreditch has teamed up with Phonica Records to bring a night of banging music and even better vibes. Expect free-flowing drinks too as there's an open bar all night long!
Seed Library
Still lurking around Shoreditch but don't want to fork out for the ticket prices? Seed Library is your best best. The ticketless event will see MOBO award-winning Shortee Blitz DJ the night away in the most chic space. There's no dress-code either, so just enjoy the good music and good vibes.
GAIA & NYX
Nowhere does boujee like Mayfair and GAIA's restaurant paired with NYX's afterparty is the double-whammy of boujee events to celebrate the new year. Fill your boots with divine seafood and Greek-inspired dishes at GAIA and then make your way to the member's club at NYX for captivating DJ sets and specially crafted cocktails.
Find out more here
12th Knot at Sea Containers
With live music from Shy One (NTS radio) and Jamz Supernova (BBC 1Xtra) you'll undoubtedly be dancing the night away. Not only will there be great music, but the rooftop venue promises panoramic views of London, so you'll see plenty of fireworks too.
Dining Out
Parrillan
From the team behind Barrafina, Parrillan is bringing an ultimate Spanish feast to the table. Located in Borough Yards, it's the perfect location for a short walk over to bustling Southbank once you've finished dining.
DAROCO
Having opened its doors in Soho late last year, DAROCO has made a splash in the Insta-worthy dining scene. Its lush interiors are decked with mirrors, lights, and plush sofas and make the perfect backdrop for a NYE boogie. Not to mention the food... The second seating starts at 9pm, and you can enjoy Italian cuisine with a live DJ.
Bacchanalia
Bacchanalia doesn't do things by halves, and New Year's Eve is certainly no exception. Be prepared for an immersive evening of fine dining, live opera, and resident DJs. Dress to impress, and expect a feast for your eyes as well as your stomach.
Aqua Kyoto
Aqua Kyoto is doing it all: a delicious set menu, fireworks on the rooftop, and a live DJ to ring in the new year - what more could you ask for? If you love complimentary champagne and sushi, this is the NYE dining experience for you.
Find out more here
Bōkan
Central London can be a bit much at the best of times, let alone NYE, so it might be worth broadening your horizons to Canary Wharf to enjoy those glittering skyline views. Bōkan's indulgent tasting menu has been booked out already, but if you want to catch views of London 38 floors high there are still bookings available at their bar.
Find out more here
Lina Stores
Lina's King's Cross branch is celebrating the new year with a four-course menu of their most-loved festive dishes. A game of Tombola will also be played throughout the night so you might be in with a chance to win some of Lina Stores' delicious offerings from their very own delicatessan.
Uba
Has a masquerade ball always been on your bucket list? Because *same*. Uba in Shoreditch is blending an iconic masquerade vibe with a five-course menu; fab food and a fun theme, does it get much better than that?!
Louie
If masquerade parties are your thing, but you're more in the mood for French cuisine (with a New Orleans twist *obvs*) then book yourself a table at Louie. A variety of set menus have been carefully curated and differ in price and times so there's something to suit everyone, from the casual diners to the party-lovers.
Cinnamon Collection
With multiple venues around the city - from The Cinnamon Club (Westminster), Cinnamon Bazaar (Covent Garden and Richmond), and Cinnamon Kitchen (City and Battersea) - the Cinnamon Collection is providing delicious food all night long, so wherever you're based you can be sure to enjoy a five-course feast.
JOIA
Battersea will be host to some of the best views of London's NYE fireworks show, so dining at the rooftop restaurant JOIA is a no-brainer. With a 70's theme, JOIA will provide a delicious set menu, complimentary fizz, and vibes to remember.
Chop Chop
For a more alternative dining experience (or if the night leads you to the Hippodrome as it can tend to do...) then Chop Chop is where you should head. With last orders at 5am, you can dine the night away.
Club Events
Troxy
With Cirque du Soul, a good show is guaranteed. Think dancers, confetti and light shows. Grab your best mates and get ready for a serious boogie.
Phonox
A cult classic in London’s club scene, and of course their line-up is quality. If you’re a lover of house music and techno, then really there’s no better place to dance to what you love than at Phonox - it’s a good time guaranteed.
Koko Electronic
Koko is a mega venue for live music and what is NYE without live music am I right?
Fabric
For my clubbers out there, it doesn’t get much more iconic than Fabric, and with Chaos in the CBD headlining, you can start 2025 knowing you’re pretty much the coolest friend group you know.
The Cause
Any lineup that features Erol Alkan and 2ManyDJs you're pretty much guaranteed for a mega-event. Multiple rooms with multiple vibes, club boredom simply isn’t on the cards here.
Village Underground
Wanna feel sexy? This is where you should part with your money. Elkka promises a frivalous, free of inhibitions, and queer-friendly evening - I think letting loose should be on everyone’s 2025 resolution list.
Dork at 100 Club
One of the music industry's most influential magazines is hosting its very own NYE event at the 100 Club: 'Dork’s New Year’s Night Out'. Expect the ultimate jukebox of feel-good music led by indie-icons Spector. This is not one to miss.
Propaganda at Electric Ballroom
Propaganda is putting on quite the show at Camden's Electric Ballroom for the last night of the year. Gavin & Stacey's very own Mathew Horne will be gracing the DJ decks so expect a countdown like no other...
TV Shows
Going out not your jam? I don’t blame you. Sometimes there’s nothing better than curling up on the sofa with a huge blanket and snacks ga’lore, so here are some pretty iconic shows to watch for special NYE viewing.
London Fireworks
You don’t have to miss out just because you don’t fancy paying a load of money to stand in the cold! Worry not as the London fireworks show is streamed live on BBC One, so you can be as much part of the action as those on Southbank.
Jools' Annual Hootenanny
A NYE classic, Jools’ hosts an eclectic range of musical stars and celebs for a raucous night. Think top tunes, brilliant banter, and a right old laugh.
Graham Norton Show
Graham Norton has been gracing our TV screens for decades now, and his celebrity roster is teeming with A-listers. If he’s back for his annual NYE bash this year, be sure to see some big names and even bigger questions.
The Last Leg of the Year
Another cult British TV staple, The Last Leg is the perfect NYE watch for anyone in need of a good laugh, and what better way to start the year than with some of the UK’s most loved comedians taking a look back at key moments of the year.
New Year's Day
London's New Year's Day Parade
With both indoor and outdoor performances from a variety of marching bands and dance groups. It’s free to stand and watch the parade roll on by, so an ideal activity if NYE has tightened the old purse strings.
Proms at the Barbican
If your New Year's celebrations got a little wild the night before (we've all been there), then it might be an idea to make yourself feel a little more *classy* by going to the New Year's Day Proms at the Barbican.
Amy May Ellis (she/her) is the SEO Manager for Cosmopolitan UK, Women's Health UK, Men's Health UK, and Runner's World UK. Her love for all things beauty, fashion, and wellness is evident in her work with these lifestyle and fitness brands. Providing content recommendations for everything from new gut health supplements to the latest fashion trend, Amy has a keen eye for detail and loves to spot trends before they fully flourish.
