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Make the most of the first day of 2027 with these New Year’s Day events and activities in London.
Many of London’s iconic attractions and most popular activities can be enjoyed on 1 January – discover the best things to do on New Year's Day in London and check back nearer the time for confirmed details for 2027 events and activities.
London's New Year's Day Parade 2027
The London New Year’s Day Parade 2027 is one of the biggest annual events in the city calendar, drawing visitors from across the UK and overseas.
It's the highlight of the New Year’s Day celebrations in London, where you can usually expect performances from around 8,000 dancers, cheerleaders, musicians and entertainers in central London.
Last year marked the 40th anniversary of the tradition, with more than half a million people lining the 2.2-mile-long (3.5km) route.
Where is the best place to see the New Year's Day Parade in London?
The parade's route normally begins outside The Ritz hotel near Piccadilly Circus. From there, it usually heads south down Regent Street, St James's, left through Pall Mall, through Trafalgar Square and Whitehall, finally finishing at Westminster. Given its centralised location, you can expect all these locations to be busy, so try to get down early to secure a good spot near the front of the barrier.
Top tip: Many Tube and train services run on a reduced schedule on 1 January, so plan your route in advance.
What time is the New Year Parade in London?
The New Year's Day Parade usually kicks off around 1pm, giving you ample time to recover from the big celebrations of the night before!
The celebrations usually finish near Westminster Tube station around 4.30pm.
Is London New Year's Day Parade free?
Yes, the parade is completely free! If you do fancy spending a bit of cash however, merchandise is available to purchase at selected points.
Did you know? The London New Year’s Day Parade has been running since 1987 and raises money for London charities each year.
How long is the London New Year's Day parade route?
The route stretches around 2.2 miles (3.5km) and tends to last for around three hours in total.
New Year’s Day concerts in London
- Catch internationally acclaimed choirs, bands and orchestras perform at venues across the capital as part of the London Parade Concert series.
- Head to the Barbican Centre for its annual New Year’s Day Proms and listen to classical music from the likes of Tchaikovsky and Strauss.
- Visit one of London's beautiful cathedrals and churches for spectacular New Year's Day concerts.
Fun New Year's Day activities in London
- Make the most of your last chance to visit Christmas at Kew and Winter Wonderland.
- See the city's top sights and twinkling lights on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
- Go ice skating on one of London's coolest ice rinks, including Hampton Court Palace and Westfield.
- Visit the capital’s famous museums and attractions; the London Transport Museum, Tate Modern, the London Eye and more are usually open.
- Absorb the last of the festive cheer at Christmas markets that remain open into the new year.
- Check out some of London's top indoor attractions, such as Madame Tussauds, SEA Life London Aquarium and the London Dungeon.
- Take a long stroll in a beautiful London park.
- Shop the January sales at London’s best department stores and top shopping destinations.
- Catch up on culture at a top exhibition.
- Go on a day trip and discover fantastic destinations near London, including on a Simply Stonehenge tour or a Stonehenge and Bath day tour.
Things to do in the evening of New Year's Day in London
- Spot the London Christmas lights still shining bright across the city and look out for some of the capital's best Christmas trees. It's even more fun to see them on an evening open-top bus tour!
- Watch a best-selling West End show or musical, from the Lion King to Mamma Mia!
- If you're still feeling festive, there's plenty of time to see a magical Christmas show.
- Party at one of London's New Year’s Day club nights, which usually feature a long list of live DJs and hosts to keep the new year celebrations going.
- Wrap up warm and enjoy one of the capital's dazzling winter light festivals.
- Relax in one of the capital’s best cosy pubs or toast to 2027 with a cocktail at a rooftop bar.
Travelling in London on New Year's Day
Public transport is limited on New Year’s Day, so check Transport for London's Journey Planner for travel information.
If you're staying in London over the festive period, find transport opening times and other essential travel information and check out these things to do on New Year's Eve and Christmas in London.
New Year's Day in London FAQs
Are shops open on New Year's Day in London?
Most shops will usually be open on New Year's Day, however, this is not the case for all. Selected shops will open and often operate on bank holiday opening hours, meaning they will operate for shorter periods of time. It is best to plan ahead and search to see if specific locations will be open and at what times.What’s open in London on 1 January 2027?
Most London shops, museums, galleries, attractions and theatres remain open on New Year's Day. Some may operate bank holiday opening hours, so check ahead of your visit for the latest information. Restaurants, pubs and bars are also usually open. The same goes for Christmas markets and festive takeovers at major attractions.
Public transport is more limited, with reduced services. Make sure to plan ahead and check information online before you travel.
Ready to celebrate New Year's Day 2027 in London? Whether you’re after a lively start or a relaxing day of recovering from the night before, plan your day with our recommendations above and don't forget to book early if you'd like to visit top attractions like the London Eye, catch a West End show including the best Christmas shows, or attend a festive event, such as Winter Wonderland and Christmas at Kew. Make sure to also secure tickets in advance for festive tours and day trips, including the hugely popular Christmas lights bus tour.