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Make the most of the first day of 2026 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 – check back later in the year for confirmed details of the best New Year's Day events for 2026.
London's New Year's Day Parade 2026
The highlight of the New Year’s Day celebrations in London is the New Year’s Day Parade, where you can usually expect performances from around 10,000 dancers, acrobats, musicians and entertainers in central London.
Last year, Peter Andre performed to the crowds of more than half a million people along the two-mile-long (3.2km) route.
Where is the best place to see the New Year's Day Parade in London?
The parade's route begins outside The Ritz hotel near Piccadilly Circus. From there, it 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 we would recommend getting there early to secure a good spot near the front of the barrier.
What time is the New Year Parade in London?
The New Year's Day Parade normally kicks off around 12 noon, giving you ample time to recover from the big celebrations the night before!
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.
How long is the London New Year's Day parade route?
The route stretches around two miles (3.2km) and tends to last for around three hours in total.
New Year’s Day concerts in London
- 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
- Go ice skating on one of London's coolest ice rinks, including Hampton Court Palace and Westfield.
- 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.
- Absorb the last of the festive cheer at Christmas markets that remain open into the new year.
- Visit the capital’s famous museums and attractions; the London Transport Museum, Science Museum, Tate Modern and more are usually open.
- 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.
- Visit some of London's top indoor attractions, such as Madame Tussauds, SEA Life London Aquarium, and the London Dungeon.
Things to do in the evening of New Year's Day in London
- Watch a best-selling West End show or musical, from the Lion King to The Play That Goes Wrong.
- If you're still feeling festive, there's plenty of time to see a magical Christmas show.
- Party at a New Year’s Day club night which usually feature a long list of live DJs and hosts to keep the new year celebrations going.
- 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!
- 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 2026 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.
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.
