Tower bridge with firework, celebration of the New Year in London, UK.
As 2024 draws to a close and the countdown to the new year begins, one of the most exciting ways to welcome in 2025 is at one of the many events in and around London. It’s such a vibrant and diverse city that there’s sure to be an event that will suit everyone, from a dazzling fireworks display to a cool new restaurant.
It’s not too late to hire a coach and organise a group outing to one of these exciting events.
The world-famous London Fireworks takes place on the banks of the River Thames, and you’ll need to have a ticket if you want to attend in person. However, you can watch them from various vantage points around the city.
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan opens the event, which kicks off near the London Eye at 8pm on 31 December, and admittance to the viewing area closes at 10.30pm. The event gets extremely busy so it’s best to get there early to secure a place.
The mayor said of the celebrations last year: “Celebrating the new year in the heart of our capital while watching our spectacular fireworks display on the banks of the river Thames is the best ticket in town. Millions around the world will see our capital’s skyline illuminated by an extraordinary celebration of fireworks that will show London is for everyone.”
If you want to soak up the atmosphere but don’t have a ticket, it’s still possible to get a great view of the fireworks from a little further afield. Popular places include Southwark Bridge, Lambeth Bridge, and Vauxhall Bridge. Again, these areas are very busy and popular, so if you want a prime position you’ll need to be there by early evening.
If you’re prepared for a slightly more distant view, great spots can be found at the top of Primrose Hill, Parliament Hill and Hampstead Heath. Alexandra Palace and Greenwich Park are also popular hotspots, and near to some great pubs and restaurants so you can enjoy some refreshments beforehand.
For a glamorous and memorable night, bag a ticket for the New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball at the Londoner’s Hotel. This event is set in Leicester Square and guests are encouraged to dress to the nines with a mask for some flirtatious fun with new identities. The evening includes gourmet dining with handcrafted cocktails and fabulous cityscape views.
London’s nightclub scene is legendary, and there’s endless choice if you want to welcome in 2025 on the dancefloor. There’s parties at the Southbank Centre,
If drum and bass, techno and house are your bag, then you’ll love Fabric in Farringdon, one of London’s biggest and best known clubs. There’s three rooms of pumping beats, with some of the world’s hottest DJs. Another popular choice is Heaven near Charing Cross Station, with two floors and a capacity for 1,600 revellers.
KOKO in Camden is another hot NYE ticket with a 1,500 capacity and a main stage with balcony areas, and always pulls off an unforgettable party. There is also of course the Ministry of Sound that is still thriving 30 years since its doors first opened. It has four rooms and attracts top-name acts.
The Shard is London’s tallest building, offering unrivalled views over the city from its amazing Skydeck area on the 72nd floor. The ticket-only NYE event includes a welcome drink, a live DJ, and discounted champagne.