As 2024 draws to a close, London prepares to usher in the New Year with its characteristic grandeur and diversity. From spectacular fireworks displays to intimate dining experiences, the city offers a multitude of options to suit all preferences. Here’s an extensive guide to the best activities and events to consider for New Year’s Eve 2024 in London.
1. London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display
London’s iconic fireworks display over the River Thames is a hallmark of the city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. Centered around the London Eye, this pyrotechnic spectacle attracts thousands of spectators annually. Tickets are essential for access to designated viewing areas and typically sell out quickly. As of now, tickets for the 2024 display are sold out. However, there may be opportunities to find canceled tickets through authorized outlets like Ticketmaster.
2. Thames River Cruises
Experiencing the fireworks from the water offers a unique and memorable perspective. Several operators provide special New Year’s Eve cruises, often including dinner, live entertainment, and unparalleled views of the city’s illuminated skyline.
- City Cruises: Offers annual New Year’s Eve dinner cruises with dining, dancing, and prime views of the fireworks.
- Sarpedon: Provides a memorable night with a New Year’s Eve dinner cruise, featuring great views of the fireworks.
- Hurricane Clipper: Features a three-course meal with a backdrop of the annual NYE fireworks.
- London Rose Cruise: An adults-only party with live DJs and fireworks viewing from the Thames.
- Thomas Doggett: Offers live musical entertainment and breathtaking views of the London NYE fireworks.
- Silver Sockeye: Dance into 2025 with live music, a glass of bubbles, and fireworks views.
- Thames Rib Experience: An adrenaline-fueled ride with 360-degree views of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, music, and refreshments.
- Thames Rockets: Combines a thrilling speedboat ride with tasty food and throwback tunes during London New Year’s Eve 2024.
- The Wellington on the Thames: Includes a welcome glass of fizz, canapés, and a live DJ, with views of the fireworks.
3. Fine Dining Experiences
London’s culinary scene is exceptional, and many restaurants offer special menus and events to celebrate the New Year.
- Big Mamma’s Restaurants: Indulge in a £84 per person three-course New Year’s Feasting Menu featuring Venetian caviar, Cornish scallops, and chicken liver parfait at venues like Gloria, Circolo Popolare, Ave Mario, Jacuzzi, and Carlotta.
- HUMO in Mayfair: Delight in a six-course fine-dining menu specializing in seasonal open-flame cooking, with dishes like aged north sea bream and Scottish native lobster, topped off with a custard sponge grilled over white oak.
- The Cadogan Arms: Celebrate on Chelsea’s iconic King’s Road with a four-course British menu, cocktails, DJ, and saxophonist.
4. Themed Parties and Nightlife
For those looking to dance the night away, London’s nightlife is vibrant and varied.
- Experimental Cocktail Club in Chinatown: Enjoy champagne, cocktails, and live DJ sets until 3 am in a speakeasy-style setting.
- The Conduit: Transport yourself to 1930s Harlem with extravagant performances, a four-piece band, DJs, vintage photo booths, and optional dining.
- Epicurus: Enjoy bottomless burgers, fries, onion rings, delicious drinks, and DJs all night long.
- Notion New Year’s Eve at Black Lacquer: An underground cocktail bar featuring the hottest UK house and garage DJs.
- NYE1 at E1: Experience mind-blowing visuals and an immersive sound experience with Solardo, Nimino, Silk, and Roxie Li.
- F1 Arcade London: Join a Vegas-inspired party with unlimited sim racing and live performances.
5. Classical Concerts and Cultural Events
For a more refined evening, consider attending a classical concert or cultural event.
- St Mary Le Strand: Attend a classical concert surrounded by music and candlelight, showcasing Vivaldi’s iconic masterpiece, The Four Seasons.
- Somerset House: Experience New Year’s Eve with the Bitten Peach, including extravagant performances, ice skating, cabaret, DJs, and more.