January 1st: Things to do on New Year’s Day in London
The first day of 2025 in London is filled with excitement and endless possibilities. Here are some exciting things to do on New Year's Day in London to make your start to the year unforgettable:
1. New Year's Day Parade
The parade features floats from all over the world, alongside various boroughs, bands, schools, and car rallies. It begins on Piccadilly and ends at Whitehall. This free event starts at 12:00 PM. (Read more about the New Year's Day Parade)
2. Christmas Lights Tour
Be enchanted by London's Christmas lights with a magical bus tour. Departures are from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. (Book your Christmas Lights Tour)
3. Ice Skating
Enjoy ice skating at various seasonal rinks in London, such as Skylight, Somerset House, and Winter Wonderland. These rinks offer a great way to shake off the festive hangover on January 1st.
4. Winter Wonderland
Visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, which offers a variety of attractions like fairground rides, ice skating, and an ice slide. Entry is free, but attractions have an additional charge. Open from 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM.
5. New Year's Day Proms
The Barbican hosts a celebration of classical music, featuring works by Mendelssohn, Elgar, Verdi, Puccini, and others, performed by the London Concert Orchestra. Starts at 3:00 PM.
6. Ceilidh
The Ceilidh Liberation Front is hosting a family-friendly ceilidh at the Southbank Centre. No prior experience is required, and it's a free event starting at 1:00 PM on New Year's Day in London.
7. Walking Trails
Take a leisurely walk around London, exploring the Walking with the Snowman art trail around Fleet Street on January 1st.
8. Comedy Show
Head to The Comedy Store in Leicester Square for an improv show by the resident Comedy Store Players. They ask the audience for suggestions and improvise a show based on the answers. Starts at 7:30 PM on New Year's Day in London.
9. Christmas at Kew
Although Christmas has passed, there are still some tickets available for the Christmas at Kew light trail, which features illuminations choreographed to music. Open from 4:20 PM to 10:00 PM on January 1st.
These activities provide a mix of fun, relaxation, and entertainment to help you start the new year in style.
