‌

Your ultimate New Year's Eve travel guide to London

‌

London New Year’s Eve celebrations 2025

London transforms into a sparkling celebration as the year ends, with streets buzzing, iconic landmarks illuminated, and fireworks lighting up the sky. From riverside cruises to exclusive Riverside Rooms behind the London Eye, New Year’s Eve in London offers magical views, lively music, and unforgettable experiences.

Why visit London on New Year’s Eve?

london new year's eve
  • Front-row fireworks on the Thames: The South Bank fireworks are legendary. Watching them from a riverside cruise gives unmatched, crowd-free views of the London skyline exploding in color.
  • Exclusive Riverside Rooms behind the London Eye: For a more elegant celebration, County Hall’s Riverside Rooms combine stunning views with music, drinks, and canapés, giving a private party vibe on a festive night.
  • City lights and illuminated landmarks: Iconic buildings, bridges, and squares sparkle for New Year’s Eve London. Every step feels celebratory, whether you’re walking along the Thames or enjoying a high vantage point.
  • Music, parties, and festive atmosphere: London’s energy is contagious on December 31. DJs, live bands, and street performers bring an unforgettable soundtrack to ringing in the new year.
  • Unforgettable river experiences: A New Year’s Eve cruise on Thames offers a unique perspective of London’s landmarks, reflecting in the water, making every photo and memory special.
  • Dining, drinks, and midnight toasts: Whether you start with a three-course dinner at Browns Restaurant or sip champagne aboard a cruise, London makes it easy to celebrate in style.
London in December

Top things to do

Hop on a New Year’s Eve Thames cruise

Step aboard the Thomas Doggett or Neptune Clipper and glide along the Thames. Live music fills the air, city lights shimmer on the water, and at midnight, the South Bank fireworks explode above, giving an unforgettable riverside celebration.

Go cruising!

Toast midnight with style at County Hall

The Riverside Rooms behind the London Eye combine elegance and energy. Enjoy premium drinks, canapés, and live DJ music while watching the fireworks without crowds, soaking in the illuminated city skyline in a private riverside setting for friends or couples.

Visit London Eye

Take photos of London’s illuminated landmarks

Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and the Shard shine in glittering lights across the city. Capture reflections on the Thames, sparkling streets, and historic facades while wandering through London’s festive heart as the night grows brighter and the atmosphere livelier.

See Tower Bridge

Celebrate at The Shard’s Aqua Shard

Raise a toast high above the city at Aqua Shard, where panoramic views stretch over London’s skyline. Enjoy a sophisticated dinner or cocktails as the city twinkles below, feeling like the fireworks are part of your private celebration.

Book Shard tickets now

Enjoy a lavish New Year’s Eve meal at Sketch

Sketch in Mayfair offers a unique blend of art, design, and culinary creativity. Sip champagne while enjoying a multi-course feast in whimsical dining rooms where every detail, from lighting to décor, enhances the festive and luxurious experience.

Walk along the South Bank before or after celebrations

Even without a cruise, strolling the South Bank gives unforgettable views. The London Eye glows, streetlights reflect on the river, and crowds cheer as midnight approaches, making it a magical prelude or calm post-celebration moment for photos and memories.

Explore Covent Garden’s festive streets

Covent Garden is alive with entertainers, twinkling lights, and pop-up stalls. Sip on seasonal drinks, browse unique shops, and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere as street performers and holiday decorations make London feel playful and festive as the year ends.

Visit Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square

Both squares pulse with energy on New Year’s Eve. Street performers, bright lights, and crowds celebrating together create a communal festive spirit. Capture the excitement, enjoy lively music, and soak up the iconic London atmosphere as fireworks approach.

Your perfect New Year’s Eve itinerary

Champagne bottles in ice bucket at The Shard New Year's Eve party, London.
London Eye lit up at night during Christmas, viewed from the Thames, part of The Original Tour London 24Hr Pass.
Red phone booth near Leicester Square with Christmas lights and decorations.
London Marriott Hotel County Hall illuminated at night along the River Thames.
Fireworks over River Thames with London Eye and Big Ben on New Year's Eve.
Group toasting with champagne glasses at a London New Year's Eve celebration.
Crowd enjoying New Year's Eve party with vibrant lights at The Vaults.
The Black Friar pub exterior, part of Drink London! Historical Pub Walking Tour.
1/8

5:00pm: Begin with a festive dinner

Start your evening at one of London’s iconic restaurants, such as Sketch in Mayfair or Aqua Shard, for a lavish multi-course meal. Sip champagne and enjoy warm, festive vibes while city lights begin to twinkle outside.

6:30pm: Take a riverside walk along the Thames

After dinner, stroll along the South Bank. The London Eye glows, bridges shimmer, and the river reflects the city lights. Street performers, music, and festive stalls add energy, making it perfect for pre-midnight photos.

8:00pm: Explore lively squares and streets

Head to Covent Garden, Leicester Square, or Trafalgar Square to soak in the celebrations. Twinkling lights, street performers, and cheerful crowds create a lively and joyful atmosphere that builds anticipation for midnight.

9:30pm: Thames cruise or party at County Hall 

Board the Thomas Doggett or Neptune Clipper for a front-row view of fireworks, or enjoy the County Hall Riverside Rooms for drinks, canapés, and live DJ music. Both offer a unique way to ring in the New Year.

11:30pm: Get ready for fireworks

Whether on the river, at Riverside Rooms, or along the South Bank, find a spot to watch the London Eye fireworks. Capture reflections on the Thames, feel the energy of the crowd, and enjoy the spectacular midnight display.

12:00 am: Raise a glass for midnight

Toast the new year with champagne, sparkling cider, or a warm drink while the sky lights up. Cheer with friends, take photos, and soak in the unforgettable citywide celebration that makes New Year’s Eve London truly magical.

12:30 to 1:30am: Continue the celebrations

Dance to live music at Southbank Centre or pop into Jazz After Dark at Ronnie Scott’s. Explore illuminated streets in Covent Garden, enjoy riverside bars near Tower Bridge or pop-ups along Bankside. Walk along the Thames to see the Shard and London Eye lit up, and enjoy the lingering music, laughter, and holiday cheer.

1:30 to 2 am: Wind down or enjoy late-night drinks

End your night at a cozy pub like The Blackfriar, or a quiet riverside spot such as The Founders Arms. Alternatively, you can also grab a last drink at a late-night venue like Gordon’s Wine Bar before heading home, reflecting on the fireworks and festivities.

Know before you go

  • The weather in London on New Year’s Eve is cold and often windy along the Thames, so dress in warm layers with a hat, scarf, and gloves to stay comfortable during outdoor celebrations.
  • Expect rain or occasional drizzle, so wearing waterproof shoes or boots and carrying a compact umbrella will help you move between attractions without discomfort.
  • Public transport is available on New Year’s Eve, but services can be reduced late at night, so check schedules in advance.
  • The South Bank, Leicester Square, and Trafalgar Square get extremely crowded around midnight, so arriving early helps secure a good spot for fireworks.
  • Many restaurants and bars offer limited menus or require reservations on New Year’s Eve, so book your table early to guarantee a festive meal.
  • Some popular viewpoints, like The Shard or London Eye Riverside Rooms, fill up quickly, so arriving early or booking in advance ensures the best views.

Extend your New Year’s Eve celebrations

After midnight, London remains lively with bars, restaurants, and early morning street celebrations. Take a post-fireworks stroll along the Thames or enjoy a cozy late-night drink at a riverside pub to continue ringing in the new year.

Frequently Asked Questions about New Year's Eve in London

Yes, New Year’s Eve in London is vibrant, festive, and full of iconic fireworks, riverside celebrations, and live music events.