While the Christmas madness is in full swing and the countdown taking its time, we always forget that the celebration doesn’t end there. New Year’s Eve is the day that waits in the wings ready to pounce and suddenly you need to make some last minute plans! Have no fear, we’ve got the best events in London lined up ready to help you celebrate through the night and even on the first day of the year.
Thames Cruise and Fireworks
Sadly, the tickets for the NYE fireworks display have sold out (even though you can probably see the show from anywhere around the area). But, there’s something miles better than standing in a crowded street with no room to light a sparkler. Various London cruise companies are setting sail along the Thames for an unbeatable view of the NYE bash in the sky and there are still tickets available. You can end the year on a high docked opposite the O2 on the RS Hispaniola with champagne, dinner, live music and dancing all before the fireworks light up the sky and 2017 begins! Board one of the four City Cruise boats and watch the spectacular show in style with delicious food, wine and a live band to entertain. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous (and have a stomach made of rock), step onto a Thames Rocket speedboat and launch into the new year after sampling a tasty (and light) meal to cruise along the river before catching the midnight fireworks
A Themed Party
From vintage to masquerade, it’s all happening for the party people of the capital. Welcome 2017 at one of Bourne & Hollingsworth themed NYE parties and choose from: Blitz (1940s), Prohibition (1920s) and Dark Circus around various locations. Glitz it up with Dirty Martini’s special masquerade NYE party happening around multiple locations, such as Covent Garden and Monument. Expect glam, sparkle and don’t forget to bring a mask: quite useful if you spot someone you don’t like! For something different, head to Bush Hill where you’ll be treated to an entertaining performance like no other. The venue is hosting White Mischief’s New Year’s Eve Variety Extravaganza, a night of the finest cabaret, circus, music acts and so much more, while you enjoy a delicious dinner before the big countdown. The list goes on, so there’s no excuse not to get your groove on and give 2016 the farewell it deserves!
For the Families
Of course, we understand kids won’t be interested in a cabaret show. Instead, take them to the Natural History Museum where you can all skate into the New Year on the famous outdoor ice rink. Or, visit any one of the other top ice rinks in London, like Somerset House or Hampton Court. If you haven’t already, get yourself to Winter Wonderland and join in the festive fun with a hot drink in a cosy cabin, thrilling rollercoasters and be sure to watch the fascinating shows. Many of London’s top attractions will be open on NYE, so why not make it a memorable one this year and take your family to new heights on the London Eye? However you want to do it, London’s ready to start 2017 with a bang!
New Year’s Day
Party’s over, time to begin the year on a high and make the most of the first day in 2017. Start off by making a stop to watch the New Year’s Day parade, celebrating its 31st year with more than 3,500 performers taking the spotlight. Expect the classic marching bands, cheerleaders, acrobats and much more strutting their stuff from The Ritz Hotel, to Trafalgar Square, to Big Ben. Make sure you arrive early to get a good view! Feeling ambitious or have a New Year resolution? Bag yourself a fantastic achievement before the first day of the year is even over, with the 10k and 3k fun runs through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Last year, a couple got engaged at the finish line! Lastly, get your crash helmets and protective gear on ready to brave the New Year sales. Shops around London will be open for business so the savvy bargain hunters of the capital can finally unleash the shopaholic in them and treat themselves after all the spending from Christmas … sort of. Department stores like Harrods or John Lewis are perfect for finding great deals on designer clothing and home furnishings, while Tottenham Court Road is ideal for tech-gadget sales. It’s going to be chaos, but worth every penny!
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