Things to do on New Year's Eve in London 2021

The London New Year's Eve fireworks light up central London every New Year's Eve with a dazzling spectacle of pyrotechnics.

London's NYE fireworks have been ticketed since 2014. If you want to be part of the celebrations on the night, you must have secured a ticket to be able to attend.  

If you're not attending the fireworks, there are plenty more London New Year’s Eve 2021 activities to enjoy – take a look at some alternatives below, including other ways to see the London NYE fireworks.

• Choose a magical New Year's Eve cruise on the Thames, where you can watch the NYE fireworks and enjoy live entertainment as you welcome 2022.
• Watch the London NYE fireworks from the river on one of City Cruises' New Year's Eve cruises: choose from dinner cruises, speedboat rides, traditional boat trips with champagne and live music, and even dinner in the R.S. Hispaniola ship, moored opposite the London Eye.
• Take a thrilling speedboat ride with Thames Rockets, before cruising back to central London in time to see the firework show. Or tuck into a celebration hamper including bubbly on a Thamesjet speedboat as you watch sky light up. 

• Party through the decades at the Southbank Centre's annual New Year's Eve Spectacular. Take a breather from dancing and enjoy prime views of the London fireworks from the outdoor spaces.
• Treat yourself to an unforgettable London NYE at The Rooftop with views of Trafalgar Square and the fireworks. 
• Feast on scallops and beef wellington at the legendary Savoy Grill, before making the most of riverside views as the sky erupts at midnight. 
• See the skyline sparkle from the riverside restaurant at Sea Containers hotel, or head to the rooftop and party to live music at 12th Knot.
• End the year on a high with dinner and music at a restaurant with amazing views of the London New Year’s Eve fireworks.

• Treat yourself to a meal at one of London's finest Michelin-starred restaurants. 
• Find and book a restaurant for New Year's Eve, many of which put on special New Year's Eve menus.
• Go for an unusual end to the year at one of London’s quirky restaurants.
• Start your celebrations off early with an indulgent afternoon tea in London. 
• Enjoy a pre-dinner drink or toast midnight at one of London’s sparkling champagne bars or swish cocktail bars.

• Dance in front of spectacular views of the fireworks, cocktail in hand, with the New Year's Eve party at The Shard. 
• Be transported to Times Square with the New Year’s Eve Ball at Battersea Evolution. 
• Get your skates on and head to the NYE bash at Skylight’s rooftop bar, complete with an ice rink and bookable igloos to nestle in.

• Enjoy an evening of classical music from the Johann Strauss Orchestra with the Viennese New Year’s Eve Gala at the Barbican.
• Take in the magic of The Nutcracker as the Birmingham Royal Ballet returned to the Royal Albert Hall. 

• Enjoy an afternoon skate at one of London's top ice-skating rinks.
• Get stuck into festive fun at Winter Wonderland with rides, markets and shows.
• Take the family to a top Christmas show or a spectacular West End performance (not all productions have shows on New Year's Eve, so check dates in advance).
• Tick off some of London’s top attractions, many of which are open during the day on New Year’s Eve.
• Watch The Shard illuminate the sky with a special New Year's Eve light show.

• Start the new year off with the London New Year’s Day Parade 2022, which usually sees around 10,000 performers parade through central London.
• Hit the shops in one of London’s top shopping destinations to pick up bargains in the January sales.
• Marvel at the Christmas lights and Christmas trees, which can still be spotted across the city.
• Take a look at what else is on in London on New Year's Day.

Find more things to do for New Year's Eve and Christmas in London.