Guide to New Years Eve events in London, UK

So it is December 31st and you find yourself in my beautiful home city of London. So where do you go, what do you do, and how do you best enjoy the experience? Here is my locals’ guide, to New Year’s Eve events in London, and I hope you find it useful.

First it’s only fair to admit that it will be cold in London on New Year’s Eve. Perhaps not quite so cold as in our northern neighbour, Edinburgh, where Hogmanay celebrations are taken very seriously too, but still chilly enough to take care if you are planning to celebrate outside. Alcohol tends to lower the body temperature, and every year, London’s Ambulance service is called out to revellers suffering from hypothermia, so if you are going out here on December 31st, wear a hat, warm boots, and a scarf, and perhaps bring a flask of hot coffee as well as the more traditional New Years’ drinks.

Having said that, there are few sights more beautiful than standing on the banks of the River Thames at midnight watching our annual London Firework Display. The display starts as Big Ben finishes chiming the midnight hour, and lasts for about 10 minutes, with the fireworks being set off both from barges and boats on the River, and from the magnificent London Eye. If you can get yourself the best vantage point somewhere between Westminster Bridge and Blackfriars, it is truly a memorable and beautiful sight. Be sure to come early though, as upwards of 350,000 regularly stand out on the River banks watching the display, so if you want the best view, don’t leave it until the last minute to come outside.

So what do you do before midnight? Well London is a vibrant city, full of pubs, bars and clubs, most of which are open all day with our new licensing laws, and, obviously will have extensions far into the night on New Years’ Eve. I am not going to recommend you one pub over another, as there are just so many to choose from, and each will appeal to different people depending on their personalities, likes and dislikes. I would give a special mention to “Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese” on Fleet Street though. Built originally in the 13th century, the pub was all but burnt down in the Great Fire of 1667, and rebuilt that same year, and prides itself on being the oldest pub in London, and one which keeps it’s traditions and atmosphere. If you can get in here on December 31st, you will enjoy real old English hospitality. Please be aware that most London pubs, especially in the centre, will sell tickets for New Year’s