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Every year, New Year’s Eve (or Old Year’s Night, in some parts of the world) is a cause for celebration. It’s a time we cheer out the year just gone and ring in the new one ahead. We look back at the best moments of the previous 12 months and make resolutions for the year ahead. Usually we spend time with family or friends, sometimes it’s at a big party or other times it’s a special meal. Whatever the plan is, one thing’s for certain – this night is like no other and we have narrowed down the hot list of the 14 best things to do or see around London this NYE…
The London Fireworks
Every year, one of the most popular (and most well known) things to do in London on NYE is to watch the magnificent London Fireworks display. Every year, the city puts on one of the most spectacular fireworks events in the world, boasting over 12,000 fireworks that shower the sky across the Thames and bring the capital to life. This year too, although it’s currently silenced for renovation works, world-famous and much beloved monument Big Ben will sound the bells at midnight! Chart toppers Madness will perform their greatest hits and numerous food and drink vendors, part paraphernalia and more will make the occasion complete. Those lucky enough to have tickets can enjoy all of this up close, but millions more will still be able to enjoy the display from further down the river and high buildings across London.
Dance (quietly) at the NYE Silent Disco
If dancing the night away is your type of celebration, head along to London’s Grade II listed Banking Hall for an epic silent disco and boogie to everything from Kylie to Kanye. Burgers, hot dogs and multiple bars will complete what is set to be a party to remember.
Float away over dinner
If elegant dining with a twist is more your thing, head along to the where just 30 lucky diners can sail into the new year aboard this floating restaurant. The cruise will travel from Regent’s Canal to Camden Town and the seafood menu includes everything from lobster croquettes and oysters to fish pie and scallops, all matched with wines for a decadent dinner to remember.
Go wild at the Natural History Museum
If you’re looking for something truly unique, head over to the Natural History Museum for their magical NYE Silent Disco (with a difference….) This is your chance to dance under the largest creature to have ever lived, the skeleton of Hope the blue whale! Not only that but guests can pick up a complimentary drink before enjoying the Musical Bingo, trying some edible insects, making animal masks, roaming free around the galleries and dancing the night way to the sounds of the Massaoke band and DJs.
Dreams of Marrakech
If you want to eat but prefer to stay on dry lands, we recommend a visit to Berber & Q. Inspired by the hustle and bustle and colourful Medina of Marrakech, this New Year’s Eve feast offers a 5-course Moroccan-infused menu, specially created by chef and co-founder Josh Katz. Enjoy mouth-watering food whilst listening to special guest DJ’s – book in now!
Skylight skating in Wapping
Take your skating to another level at the rooftop ice rink at Skylight! For those who want to experience winter at its finest but without the huge crowds of Winter Wonderland or the Fireworks, Skylight is perfect. Alongside the ice rink are a cluster of cosy igloos and stalls serving an array of tasty treats, including mulled wine, raclette and roasted chestnuts, as well as DJ’s to keep the good vibes flowing. Booking is essential.
Shake the night away with some Bombay Vintage Glam
In case we didn’t love Dishoom enough already, they are throwing the ultimate New Year’s Eve party, full of Bombay spice and glamour. Across all their restaurants, they will be serving a very special celebration menu and have curated a special NYE playlist to soundtrack the night. The Kensington restaurant also has a live jazz band! On top of all this, the famous Dishoom dice will be out, giving guests the chance to win their booze for free.
Go Beatnik!
Red Rooster in Shoreditch, the cult chicken restaurant from Marcus Samuelsson at the Curtain Hotel, will transform for one night only into ‘Beat Easy,’ a speakeasy inspired by the Beatniks and 1950’s NYC. A 3-course dinner is served with plenty of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut NV and followed by dancing into the wee hours to both live music and DJ’s.
Skating with Sink The Pink
For revellers looking for something a little more colourful, check out the skating party at the Somerset House ice rink, hosted by LGBTQ+ collective Sink The Pink. Be prepared for voguing, drag kings and queens, spectacular firework views and more glitter than you can shake a stick at!
New Year’s Eve Spectacular at the Southbank
One of London’s cultural hotspots, the Southbank, is transforming into a clubbing wonderland. Inside the Royal Festival Hall there will be, for one night one, 6 pop-up night-clubs, each with music from a different decade, taking guests back in time before going forward into the new year. Not only that, live orchestras, DJs, dance classes and photo studios will also be dotted around the venue, giving visitors a myriad of experiences to explore and enjoy. The venue’s impressive terraces will also be open for the end-of-year countdown, so party-goers can watch London’s skies sparkle as the fireworks display gets underway.
Swing into 2019 Blitz style
Infamous 1940’s event The Blitz Party are taking over Village Underground for a night of 1940’s themed dancing, drinking and style. Live bands, DJ’s and cocktails ensure this will be a night to remember! Your swing moves aren’t up to scratch? Don’t panic, there’s even a dance lesson before the action starts, to get you brushed up and ready!
The Carnival of Light
Limehouse is not somewhere you’d normally expect to find dragons…. But this NYE, the Troxy will transform into The Carnival of Light! Dance your socks off to house, garage and techno beats whilst revelling amidst the luminsescent lanterns, puppets, balloons and indeed dragons, plus enjoy lasers, confetti, live performances from dancers and acrobats, psychedelic body paints and lots more! Not for the faint hearted, this will be one heck of a party!
Chill out at Below Zero
Legendary ice bar Below Zero are hosting a Fire & Ice party that is sure to be one to remember. Hosted by the stunningly glamorous Ophelie Frenchkiss, guests will encounter tarot card readers, magicians, caricaturists and fire-eaters, alongside casino tables and endless ice shots. Dining and party only tickets are available.
Last but certainly not least… the B&H New Year’s Eve House Party…
One of our favourite companies in London, Bourne & Hollingsworth are having a party! The B&H Buildings, their beautiful London townhouse in Clerkenwell, is the setting, and the theme is definitely sophistication. Exquisite cocktails, dancing and banqueting make this an ideal choice for those wanting an intimate and luxurious evening more akin to a decadent country house party than a London club. Guests are encouraged to dress to the nines and will be welcomed by a string trio for an elegant reception with drinks and canapés. Then you’ll move through to the Garden Room and Greenhouse for a sumptuous banquet, courtesy of head chef Anthony Horn, followed by dancing. For anyone who missed out on a table reservation, or for anyone on a tighter budget, guests can also book into the bar for more informal cocktails, canapés and dancing only. Tickets cost between £45 and £1300 (for groups)… so book in quickly to avoid disappointment!