20 things to do in London this New Year’s Eve 2023

Get ready to ring in the new year with a bang. London is gearing up for a spectacular celebration like no other!

With an array of festivities across the city, London promises an unforgettable New Year’s Eve to start 2024 off right.
So whether you’re seeking a traditional celebration, an elegant soirée, or an unconventional night out to welcome the new year, our NYE guide will keep you busy with plenty of things to do in London on New Year’s Eve 2023.

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See out 2023 with an NYE bash

What’s an NYE extravaganza without a sparkling soirée to celebrate the start of the new year? London has plenty of New Year’s Eve parties across the city perfect for anyone eager to dance their way into 2024. Discover our top picks below!

1. New Year’s Eve: The Four Elements at the Natural History Museum – Kensington

Bid farewell to 2023 amidst the greatest wonders of the natural world. Kick off the new year with the Natural History Museum’s extraordinary NYE shindig with some new prehistoric pals!

With live music that’s sure to get you grooving, a fabulous silent disco, and an epic midnight countdown, this year’s celebration theme is around the four elements – earth, water, air and fire. So best have your finest fancy dress outfit at the ready for this unique London New Year’s Eve party.

2. Cirque Du Soul New Year’s Eve at Troxy – Tower Hamlets

Following a sold out New Year’s Eve show in 2022, London’s favourite touring party is back for round two! This New Year’s Eve, Cirque Du Soul is returning to East London and ready to transform the iconic Troxy venue for another night of great vibes.

Plus, with the UK garage legend Sammy Virji lined up, you can expect a stellar night of immersive decor, crazy giveaways and out-of-this-world performances! The dancefloor is ready and waiting for you this New Year’s Eve…

4. ABBA New Year’s Eve at Blame Gloria – Covent Garden

Calling all dancing queens! This New Year’s Eve, Blame Gloria is throwing a dynamite ABBA-themed bash that will have you saying, “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!”.

Discover a cast of glittering performers as your favourite ABBA tunes play all night long. So dust off your dancing shoes and make your way to this disco-ball paradise in London’s vibrant Covent Garden. It’s time to dance your way into the new year!

4. Firework NYE Party At Ping Pong – Southbank

Prepare for a night of scrumptious dim sum, sparkling bubbles and delicious cocktails at Ping Pong. As one of London’s favourite dim sum parlours, discover this flavourful Cantonese delicacy as you see out 2023 with a full stomach!

As the countdown begins, watch London’s skyline explode with colour and sparkle from Ping Pong’s exclusive outdoor viewing area. And with funky DJs lined up all night long, what’s not to love?

5. New Year’s Eve Midnight Island at Bar Elba – Waterloo

Welcome in 2024 amongst London’s sparkling skyline this New Year’s Eve. Bar Elba’s outstanding rooftop bar is holding the hottest NYE bash you won’t want to miss! And best of all, it’s unlimited drinks all night long!

Enjoy wildly live entertainment and bouncing DJ sets as you devour delicious canapés and gorgeous cocktails, all in the comfort of Bar Elba’s unique, heated rooftop terrace. Then countdown to the new year as you enjoy London’s iconic fireworks display with your mates.

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Crawl across London’s top cocktail bars

Experience London through the power of taste this New Year’s Eve! The capital’s buzzing cocktail scene is renowned for its fresh and visionary take on mixology, with multiple entries on The World’s 50 Best Bars List. Check out our top five picks for a mesmerising cocktail experience this NYE.

6. The Connaught Bar – Mayfair

Praised for its masterful mixologists, creative concoctions and cosy candlelit atmosphere, The Connaught Bar, brings sophisticated elegance to the capital’s thriving bar scene. Located in London’s ritzy Mayfair, The Connaught Bar is a perfect spot for ringing in the new year in style!

7. Swift – Soho

The multi-award-winning Swift bar has become one of Soho’s favourite watering holes for whiskey and cocktail lovers alike. Swift Soho residence is split across two levels, with a sensual basement lounge offering vibrant live music alongside whiskey delights. Plus, upstairs presents an array of cocktails, non-alcoholic mixes, wines, beers and entrées, the perfect ingredients for an intimate New Year’s Eve experience in Soho.

8. Tayēr + Elementary – Shoreditch

Ranked No.2 in the world on The World’s Best Bar List, Tayēr + Elementary combines two different bar experiences into one captivating Shoreditch venue. With every aspect of the cocktail bar experience reimagined, Tayēr’s produce-driven vision combines modern techniques with traditional mixology practices. Meanwhile Elementary offers cocktails classics with seasonal twists and ingredients.

9. A Bar with Shapes for a Name – Haggerston

This new entry to The World’s 50 Best Bars List, A Bar with Shapes for a Name (yes, the name is quite literally a yellow triangle, red square and blue circle), brings modernism and minimalism together in this interior design paradise. With crisp, elegantly balanced drinks served throughout, this quirky East London cocktail spot has become a firm favourite for couples and groups looking for an unparalleled atmosphere this NYE.

10. Satan’s Whiskers – Bethnal Green

Satan’s Whiskers is described on The World’s 50 Best Bar List as London’s ‘bartender’s bar’ and for good reason! Satans’s Whiskers prides itself on creating a no-frills cocktail experience. Crafted by devoted bartenders using fresh ingredients throughout a daily changing menu, make your friends jealous of your NYE plans this year at Satan’s Whiskers.

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Stay nearby

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Enjoy festive brunch or afternoon tea 

In the mood for a relaxed, low-key ending to 2023? Why not treat your loved ones to a festive brunch or afternoon tea in the city this New Year’s Eve? Reminisce on the year whilst enjoying miniature sandwiches, endless tea or even a satisfying brunch spread – the choice is yours!

11. Vicinity Tower Bridge – Tower Hamlets

Uncover marvellous views of London’s iconic Tower Bridge as you eat your way through a delectable afternoon tea spread. Vicinity Tower Bridge’s contemporary restaurant and bar features a cosy, heated outdoor seating that offers sensational views of the Thames alongside traditional finger sandwiches and classic desserts.

Choose from a classic glass of bubbly or discover Vicinity’s gorgeous tea collection, from English Breakfast to Chamomile and Darjeeling.

12. OXO Tower – South Bank

Get ready for a truly delightful British afternoon tea experience at the OXO Tower Restaurant. With the stunning backdrop of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Thames, savour an endless array of scrumptious sandwiches, including classics like smoked salmon and the unique roast beef with truffle cheese.

And let’s not forget the essential buttermilk scones, generously garnished with clotted cream and jam – a tea-time must-have. To wash it all down, choose from a fantastic selection of loose-leaf teas or coffee.

13. Sketch – Mayfair

Discover one of Mayfair’s most iconic restaurants and bars this New Year’s with an outstanding afternoon tea at Sketch. Walk into the dreamlike land of Sketch this New Year’s Eve, with its 70s hotel-inspired decor and sunshine palette debuting in 2022, creating a magnificent experience for any afternoon tea enthusiast.

Enjoy a luscious tower of mini sandwiches, pastries, and dessert treats served with a delicious assortment of high tea.

14. Vintry & Mercer – City of London

Get the royal treatment this New Year’s Eve at Vintry & Mercer. Located in the historic City of London, afternoon tea at Vintry & Mercer combines majestic dining with a gastronomic twist.

Choose from the Crown Afternoon Tea, the Royal Tea Pot Tail Afternoon Tea or the Crown Cream Tea Menu. Your little ones can also join with the splendid Princess & Prince’s Afternoon Tea. And what’s the crown jewel of Vintry & Mercer’s afternoon tea? Their rich selection of handcrafted deserts – each fit for a king!

15. Fortum & Mason – Westminster

Looking for an unmatched, elegant afternoon tea experience in London this New Year’s Eve? For over a century, Fortum & Mason has been serving the capital’s undisputed afternoon tea spread. After you’ve finished browsing Fortum & Mason’s endless floors of festive goodies, head to the inviting Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience.

Afternoon Tea at Fortum offers freshly baked cakes, perfectly crafted sandwiches, impeccable scones, and an array of delightful teas.

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Catch London’s NYE fireworks

Whether you’re grooving with your mates until dawn, venturing across the capital’s favourite cocktail bars or enjoying a luxury afternoon tea experience, nothing beats ending New Year’s Eve night gazing at London’s spectacular fireworks display. But don’t worry if you’ve missed out missed out on tickets to London NYE Fireworks.

Check out these unique London spots for a great view of the show!

16. The Shard – Southwark

Renowned for being London’s highest and finest view of the capital, The Shard’s 72-storey viewing platform offers remarkable 360-degree views where you can even catch the splendid London New Year’s Eve Fireworks show. Watch as the city explodes with twinkling joy as you and your loved ones see out 2023 over 1000 feet above London’s gorgeous skyline.

17. Garden Rooftop – Westminster 

Set in the iconic Leicester Square, discover this rooftop gem set 10 storeys up and overlooking London’s grand skyline. The Garden Rooftop offers charming views of the London New Year’s Eve Fireworks alongside a whole host of festive treats! From exciting entertainment all night long to tasty canapés with unlimited house drinks, the Garden Rooftop has everything you could need for a classic NYE.

18. Sky Garden – City of London

In the last few years, Sky Garden has become a staple to London tourism guides. With its panoramic views of the city set amongst a tropical haven, Sky Garden’s gorgeous venue is a truly remarkable sight throughout the festive period – especially at NYE. Sat atop the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building, catch the exceptional views of London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks display amongst the capital’s legendary landmarks including The Shard, Tower Bridge, The London Eye and Big Ben.

19. Peckham Levels – Peckham

Great food, great people and magnificent skyline views of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display – what’s not to love? Peckham Levels is the perfect spot if you’re looking to catch the NYE fireworks while enjoying hearty, tasty grub. Nestled inside an old multistorey car park, Peckham Levels is a quirky NYE spot to welcome 2024, perfect for those looking to escape the city madness while still catching the stunning fireworks display.

20. Alexandra Park & Palace – Haringey

If you’re prepared to brave the cold this New Year’s Eve and witness the splendid fireworks show outdoors, Alexandra Park & Palace is a superb place to cosy up with loved ones and enjoy the citywide views. With plenty of food and drinks spots nearby, enjoy a restful New Year’s Eve night in a local pub, then head up the hill to catch the spectacular views of the capital and the fireworks!