The Perfect New Year in London
If you planned to spend New Year's Eve and Day in London, or if are still undecided, make sure to read our selection of ideas and suggestions.
Remember, travel costs nothing between quarter to midnight and 4.30am, whether you're getting around on the tube or the DLR (which are running all night), a bus or on the Overground. If you are driving, there's no congestion charge.
Victoria Embankment
A spectacular fireworks display on the river Thames to celebrate the arrival of 2018. Tickets are sold out, but there are many places where to enjoy London’s glorious celebrations for free. Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath, many bridges (Tower Bridge, Southwark Bridge, Millennium Bridge, Lambeth Bridge and Vauxhall Bridge) Cannon Street and the east side of Monument. Expect some places to be very crowded.
You can also watch the fireworks live on BBC One.
Barbican Hall
Spend New Year's Eve enjoying the memorable music of the Strauss dynasty, whose prolific output of waltzes and polkas entertained Viennese high society throughout the 19th century.
Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith
The biggest New Year’s Eve pop party in London with hits by Bon Jovi to Britney, Queen to Take That, accompanied by an enormous ball pool, bouncy castle, giant balloons and much more. Buy you tickets now before they are gone.
Natural History Museum
Dance the night away under the colossal blue whale as you ring in 2018 with an underwater twist. Immerse yourself in the Museum's stunning surroundings, make your very own underwater-themed headwear, explore the Dinosaurs gallery, tear up the dance floor at the silent disco, try your luck at Musical Bingo and sing along with the crowd for Massaoke before counting down to midnight.
More than 8,500 performers representing 20 countries will take part in the parade, including Pearly Kings and Queens, cheerleaders, marching bands, dancers and representatives from West End shows. Book a ticket for one of the three grandstands to guarantee a good view (£30). A key part of the parade is 'The Let's Help London Challenge', in which all of the 32 London boroughs compete for a share of a prize pot to distribute among their chosen charities. Boroughs enter the parade with an act, float or other form of entertainment which is judged by an international panel comprising foreign ambassadors and high commissioners.
Barbican Hall
