Like everywhere else in the world, we love to celebrate New Year's Eve in London. The first thing you want to do is book a central London hotel – try Superbreak (buy direct) or compare London hotel rates on Kayak.
Note, Trafalgar Square used to be the focal point for New Year's Eve celebrations but nothing happens there anymore although there will be a large screen to see the fireworks happening the South Bank.
Fireworks Display
The big event for New Year's Eve 2011/2012 is the free fireworks display at the London Eye on the South Bank. The display will start after Big Ben chimes midnight and will last for 10 minutes. Its popularity means it gets very crowded and will be limited to 250,000 people in the viewing areas. The best spots to watch the fireworks are from Westminster Bridge and the north embankment of the River Thames, opposite the London Eye, but they will be visible from across central London, as well as being broadcast live on BBC1. (Full details on the official site.
Clubs and Bars
As you would expect, tickets for London clubs are more expensive on New Year's Eve. Also be aware pubs often charge an entrance fee to try and control the numbers. It is best to plan ahead and get tickets in advance. See the Top 10 London Nightclubs.
Following the huge success of last year's NYE event, belowzero and IceBar London are hosting Keep Calm and Party On. Tickets start from £39.
River Cruises
A luxury river cruise along the River Thames can be a romantic way to bring in the new year. Most boats plan to moor in sight of the London Eye fireworks at midnight so you will get the best view. Try these cruise companies:
The Art-Deco inspired London Eye Barracuda will journey along the Thames, taking in breathtaking views of the London skyline from the cruiser's stylish upper and lower decks. With intimate booth seated dining, mirrored 1930's bar with decorative iron grille facade, tan leather sofas and chaise longues lends itself perfectly to a night of luxury and glamour. A delicious selection of mouth watering eats will be served in the lower deck then dinner partygoers can dance their way through the night, celebrating the start of 2012. Call 01825 760065 for more details.
Dining
- Where can you dine with King Henry VIII in attendance? At the Medieval Banquet in St. Katherine's Dock, near the Tower of London. Enjoy a banquet with live entertainment from King Henry's court. Plus you get to dress up too! There's a special New Year's Eve 5 course banquet with champagne reception and at midnight from £80 per person. Find out more...
- The five star Royal Garden Hotel is having a NYE Gala Celebration with a banquet and Champagne on arrival for £125 per person. Find out more...
- The Boundary Restaurant (where the Albion is) is celebrating their third anniversary with a party hosted in both The Albion and Boundary Restaurant. There's an early dinner or NYE dinner. Find out more...
- Bella Italia has some specialty Italian options for NYE.
- Iconic riverside restaurant, Le Pont de La Tour, offers an early dinner or a dinner and dance. Find out more...
- Planet Hollywood has a 'Boogie Nights' NYE menu with tickets from £50 per person for a party from 7pm to 3am.
Ice Skating
- There are a few ice skating options for New Year's Eve 2011:
- The Natural History Museum Ice Rink is open till 1am for New Year's Eve/Day.
- Somerset House Ice Rink is open till 12.30am (last skate session 10.30pm-11.30pm) so it could make a great way to enjoy evening celebrations.
Fetish Ball
If you fancy breaking all your resolutions immediately, head on down to the Torture Garden New Year's Eve Ball – the largest fetish ball in Europe catering for all your fantasies (private rooms available).Music
Southbank Centre NYE Party
Stellar line-up of guests, including Gabby Young & Other Animals and Eliza Carthy's Motown Ceilidh, grace The Clore Ballroom and foyers at Royal Festival Hall for a unique night of live music, DJs, silent discos, entertainment and all manner of fun..
Viennese New Years Gala
The Barbican has had this tradition for over 25 years. They invite you to enjoy an evening of family favorites from the Strauss family and friends. Find out more...
Skiddle have lots of NYE events in London listed including restaurant offers and hotel deals. All their event content is entered by the organizers themselves so should be really up-to-date. There's also an interesting list of events on londonist.com.
New Year's Eve Travel
Free tube travel is usually available from 11.45pm till 4.30am. Use Transport for London's Journey Planner to plan your route by public transport.
Countdown
How long is there to go till London welcomes in the New Year? Keep an eye on this countdown site!
