I used to be all about going away for New Year’s Eve. I can be quite superstitious and I never shy away from a good luck ritual, and that includes starting the year away from home, in the hope of ensuring as much travel as possible throughout the year. Even when I did not live in the UK, the country was one of my favourite destinations at this time of year. Edinburgh and its famous Hogmanay celebrations are perfect for ringing in the New Year, and the English countryside is at its most charming during the festive season. But there's something particularly exciting about going to New Year's Eve events in London.
After weeks of Christmas shopping, festive parties and eating far too many mince pies, it’s time to burn some calories on the dance floor. And if you've already worked your way through our guide to the best things to do in London at Christmas, there's still plenty to look forward to before the year is over.
Of course, London's famous New Year's Eve fireworks are one of the biggest attractions, with thousands of people gathering along the River Thames to watch the sky light up around the London Eye at midnight. But there's much more to celebrating the last night of the year than the fireworks display.
From glamorous hotel dinners and rooftop celebrations to all-night dancing, live music and parties in some of the city's most unexpected venues, there's something for every kind of New Year's Eve reveller. And while some of the capital's biggest celebrations come with a rather hefty price tag, there are also plenty of free things to do in London during the festive season if you're looking to make the most of the city without spending a fortune. So, whether you're planning to dress up for a fabulous NYE party or simply want to welcome 2027 somewhere memorable, these are the best things to do on New Year's Eve in London.
Where is the best place to see New Year's Eve in London?
If you're hoping to catch London's famous New Year's Eve fireworks, the best place to be is along the River Thames, where the spectacular display takes place around the London Eye. The official viewing areas, including sections of Victoria Embankment and the South Bank, are ticketed, so you'll need to book in advance. Alternatively, several rooftop bars, restaurants and Thames cruises offer special New Year's Eve packages, some with views of the fireworks.
How to spend New Year's Day in London?
If you are not too exhausted after NYE celebrations, there's plenty to do in London on New Year's Day. One of the biggest events is the annual London New Year's Day Parade, which brings marching bands, dancers and colourful performances to the streets of central London. Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely brunch, take a walk through one of the city's beautiful parks or magnificent seven cemeteries. Many of London's museums and attractions also reopen on 1 January, although it's worth checking opening hours and public transport schedules before heading out.
Will there be fireworks in London on New Year's Eve 2026?
Yes, the Mayor of London's famous New Year's Eve fireworks are scheduled to return on Thursday 31 December 2026, with the spectacular display taking place around the London Eye as Big Ben strikes midnight. The event attracts thousands of visitors every year, and tickets are required to access the official viewing areas along the River Thames. Tickets are usually released through Ticketmaster in the autumn, so keep an eye on the official website for the latest information.
What will happen in London on New Year's Eve 2026?
London will welcome 2027 with a huge range of celebrations on 31 December 2026, from the famous fireworks display on the River Thames to glamorous hotel dinners, rooftop parties, live music and all-night club events. There are also plenty of alternatives for those who prefer a quieter evening, including West End shows, special restaurant menus and cruises along the Thames. Whatever you're planning, it's worth booking early, as many of the most popular London New Year's Eve events sell out well in advance.

Dinner at Holborn Dining Room
The best New Year's Eve events in London 2026

Ultimate glamour at The Dorchester
Nothing says festivities like the super glamorous décor at The Dorchester. If a night here feels indulgent at any time of year, welcoming the New Year in one of London's most lavish hotels is bound to bring you good luck for the year ahead – plus, The Dorchester has plenty of options to choose from. At The Grill, guests can indulge in a six-course dinner paired with delicious wines, while The Chef's Table offers a more intimate experience for just 12 people, starting with Champagne and canapés in the hotel's Wine Vault. For those who'd rather spend the evening sipping cocktails, Vesper Bar will be serving its signature Vesper Martini, with live music and a countdown to midnight. Alternatively, The Promenade is hosting a special New Year's Eve dinner, with a festive afternoon tea also available earlier in the day.
Address: 53 Park Lane, London W1K 1QA
Website: The Dorchester
Price: From £450 for The Grill's five course menu, and £675 for The Promenade six course menu.

See out the year at 45 Park Lane
When I'm in the mood to feel particularly sophisticated and cool, I always head to Bar 45 at 45 Park Lane. Its sleek, warm and masculine interiors are the epitome of glamour, and the food and drinks are just as impressive. This year, the luxury hotel is celebrating with a striking Christmas tree designed by British artist Nicky Hirst, while its restaurants and bars offer plenty of options to choose from. There's CUT, Wolfgang Puck's celebrated steakhouse, for a special dinner, the intimate Sushi Kanesaka for a Japanese dining experience, or simply Bar 45 for cocktails in a glamorous setting. Whichever you choose, it's a lovely excuse to dress up and enjoy one last indulgence before the year is over.
Address: 45 Park Lane, London W1K 1PN
Website: 45 Park Lane
Price: Check the hotel's website for dining prices and reservations.

Indulgent New Year's dinner at Quaglino's
Quaglino's in St James's is serving a special four-course New Year's Eve menu. Diners can choose from dishes including seared scallops, beef fillet, roast quail and truffle linguine, followed by desserts such as pistachio and cherry délice or the restaurant's signature Saint-Honoré. With its stylish Art Deco interiors, it's a lovely setting for one last indulgent meal before welcoming 2027.
Address: 16 Bury Street, London SW1Y 6AJ
Website: quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk
Price: From £150 per person.

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Ring in the New Year at Rosewood London
If you're planning to splash out on a special dinner this New Year's Eve, Rosewood London has not one but two options to choose from. At the hotel's beautiful Mirror Room, guests can tuck into a celebratory menu featuring dishes such as seared scallops, Wagyu beef fillet and roasted turbot with Oscietra caviar, while Holborn Dining Room is serving up a similarly indulgent feast, with everything from hand-dived scallops to Beef Wellington on the menu, accompanied by live entertainment throughout the evening. Both restaurants also offer vegan options, so there's something for everyone. And once dinner is over, head to the hotel's magnificent courtyard for the countdown to 2027, complete with fireworks to mark the occasion.
Address: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
Website: rosewoodhotels.com
Price: Mirror Room £270 per person; Holborn Dining Room £285 per person.

Dinner at The Wigmore
Will StanleyWelcome the New Year at The Langham
One of London's most iconic hotels is getting a rather magical makeover this festive season. The Langham is transforming into a Winter Garden, complete with twinkling lights, frosted foliage and plenty of festive decorations. For New Year's Eve, guests can choose between three very different celebrations. Those after a glamorous evening can book a five-course dinner at Palm Court, ‘The Blooming Winter Garden’, kicking off with Champagne and canapés before settling in for an evening of fine dining and live music. Over at Artesian – or the ‘Midnight in the Winter Garden’ for the occasion – one of London's best-known cocktail bars, a DJ will provide the soundtrack to the evening while guests sip on seasonal creations by head bartender Giulia Cuccurullo. For something a little more laid-back, The Wigmore or ‘The Evergreen Garden’, Michel Roux Jr's modern British pub, is offering a three-course dinner, with a later sitting featuring live music, festive punch and Champagne at midnight.
Address: 1C Portland Place, London W1B 1JA
Website: langhamhotels.com
Price: Palm Court from £375, The Wigmore from £140, Artesian individual cocktails from £20.

NYE at Troxy
Dance into 2027 at Troxy
If you'd rather spend New Year's Eve on the dancefloor, Troxy in East London is welcoming DnB Allstars for a huge night of drum and bass. The spectacular Art Deco venue, which first opened in 1933, has recently undergone a £1.5 million refurbishment, complete with an upgraded sound system and an increased capacity of 3,600 people. Expect a stellar line-up of DJs, plenty of dancing and a countdown to 2027 in one of London's most impressive music venues.
Address: 490 Commercial Road, London E1 0HX
Website: troxy.co.uk
Price: Tickets from £48.65.
New Year's Eve at Brooklands Bar
If you're looking to welcome 2027 somewhere particularly glamorous, Brooklands Bar at The Peninsula London is a pretty spectacular place to do it. Perched on the eighth floor of the luxury hotel, the bar will be hosting a New Year's Eve party with DJs keeping the celebrations going until 2.30am. Guests can sip on expertly crafted cocktails and Champagne while enjoying sweeping views across London's skyline, with a selection of bar snacks available throughout the evening. Walk-ins are welcome until 9pm, but those planning to stay for the countdown will need to book ahead, with reservations from 9.30pm starting at £500 per person for a bar stool. For those looking to really splash out, premium tables and Champagne packages are also available.
Address: 1 Grosvenor Place, London SW1X 7HJ
Website: peninsula.com
Price: Reservations from 9.30pm start at £500 per person; cocktails from £26.

Sunborn London
New Year's Eve aboard a superyacht hotel
For something a little different this New Year's Eve, why not celebrate aboard London's only superyacht hotel? Moored at Royal Victoria Dock, Sunborn London is hosting a glamorous New Year's Eve Ball, complete with waterfront views, decadent food and, of course, plenty of dancing. Guests can enjoy an indulgent five-course gala dinner with wine pairings and live music, before a DJ takes over for the rest of the evening. As the clock strikes midnight, raise a glass of Champagne to welcome 2027 in style. And if you don't fancy making your way home in the early hours, you can always book one of the yacht's luxurious bedrooms overlooking London's docklands and make a night of it.
Address: Royal Victoria Dock, Western Gateway, London E16 1AA
Website: sunbornlondon.com
Price: New Year's Eve Ball £212.50 per person, excluding accommodation; overnight stays from £350 per room.

Clapham Grand's NYE party
Party with Heated Rivalry fans at Clapham Grand
Fans of Heated Rivalry won't want to miss this one. The Clapham Grand is throwing a New Year's Eve party inspired by the hit series, with DJs playing music from the show's soundtrack alongside some of the biggest queer and pop anthems. Expect themed cocktails, photobooths, scenes from the series projected onto a giant screen and plenty of dancing with fellow fans before the countdown to 2027.
Address: 21–25 St John's Hill, London SW11 1TT
Website: dice.fm
Price: Tickets from £25.
A symphonic celebration at Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge
If you're looking for a particularly elegant way to welcome 2027, Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge is hosting a chic New Year's Eve celebration beneath the beautiful domed ceiling of its Rotunda restaurant. Guests can enjoy live orchestral music from the London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra while sipping creative cocktails and tucking into festive bites. With its spectacular setting in the heart of the City, it's a lovely excuse to dress up and spend the last evening of the year somewhere special.
Address: 10 Trinity Square, London EC3N 4AJ
Website: fourseasons.com
Price: Tickets start from £295 per person.
La Môme London, The Berkeley
Feast at Knightsbridge’s fanciest French restaurant on 31 December, as La Môme London celebrates the special occasion with an exclusive dining experience. Devour beef truffled arancini with caviar, oysters and foie gras and indulge in a signature Black Angus and lobster ‘surf & turf’ before an indulgent grand cru chocolate and winter truffle delight dessert. Connor Sturges
Address: La Môme London, The Berkeley, Wilton Place, London SW1X 7RL
Website: lamomelondon.com
Price: Early sitting £180 minimum spend per person
New Year's Eve Vivaldi by candlelight
Fancy marking the occasion without the late-night crush through the capital’s streets? Look no further than these candlelight concerts at St James's Piccadilly, with performances at 6pm and 8pm. Settle into one of the city’s architectural jewels as the brilliance of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, among other classical favourites, rings out into the night. Connor Sturges
Address: St James's Church Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LL
Website: eventim-light.com
Price: From £23.76 per person

Natural History MuseumDare & Hier Media Ltd
New Year's Eve at the Natural History Museum
One of the most iconic New Year’s Eve events in London returns following years of sell-outs. Explore fascinating galleries after dark, touch a fragment of the moon or roam through the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition without the crowds before grooving to disco classics among towering dinosaurs in the main hall. Expect live music under the watchful eye of Hope, the 25-metre blue whale skeleton hanging in the famed Hintze hall, or don a headset for a silent disco underneath Sophie the Stegosaurus skeleton. It’s safe to say that NYE celebrations don’t get much more unique than this. Connor Sturges
Address: Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Website: nhm.ac.uk
Price: £126 for Natural History Museum members, and £140 for non-members
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