New Year's Eve in London

New Year Celebrations in London

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.com or lastminute.com as they have some great festive packages.

Note, Trafalgar Square used to be the focal point for New Year's Eve celebrations but nothing happens there anymore although there will be big screens to see the fireworks on the South Bank.

Fireworks Display

The big event for New Year's Eve 2009 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 it will not be possible to enter the viewing area once capacity has been reached. (Check the detailed map of the viewing area.) 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.

Ministry of Sound at The 02

There is also a Christmas Fair at The O2 with rides and fun all through the night until 6am!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.

Music

Bellowhead at Southbank Centre
Bellowhead perform three strikingly different sets alongside DJs, and more. Shortly before midnight the party moves outside to an exclusive terrace overlooking the Thames, where you can enjoy the fireworks away from the crowds.

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...

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:

• City Cruises
• Bateaux London
• Silver Sturgeon

Comedy
The FymFyg Bar in Bethnal Green will have a One Man Show from Lee Hurst for only £12. The middle section of the show will be "The LeebaY Auction" where Lee will Auction off your unwanted things and you could make 1000's of pence for your own pocket. So if you have unwanted stuff, bring it along and Lee will try and sell it to the rest of the audience.

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 for £110 per person.
  
  
• The Boundary Restaurant (where the Albion is) is celebrating their first anniversary with a 4 course dinner and entertainment at £90 per person. Find out more...
  
  
• Strada is also offering a 3 course menu, including dishes such as grilled veal cutlet, Italian sausage, mushroom & white wine risotto and grilled tuna steak with Castlevetrano olives.
  
  
• Cafe Rouge has everything you'll need to party in style this New Year's Eve. On offer is a 3 course set menu offering a selection of classic French dishes - from sirloin steak and frites to sea bass fillets with pastis sauce.
  
  
• Bella Italia has some specialty Italian options for NYE.
• Quaglino's has a 'Fashionably Glamorous Ball' with live band, DJ and dancefloor in the restaurant. Early seating seating tickets (6.30 and 7pm) are £60 for a 3-course dinner and Champagne. Late seating tickets and a 5-course dinner and Champagne at midnight are £150. Bar tickets are available for £25 and all early diners are welcome to move to the bar afterwards till 3am.
  
  
• Iconic riverside restaurant in London Bridge Le Pont de La Tour is offering a 4-course dinner, plus at 10.30pm all guests board a private glass-roofed boat and sail up towards the London Eye to watch the magnificent firework display and Big Ben's chimes at midnight.
  
  
• Enjoy a circus-themed party at Meza Bar & Grill, with DJs, circus acts, and performers. Open until 3am, there is various fun food offerings and cocktails at the bar. Bar tickets are priced £20 entry and dining tickets are £50.
  
  
• Downstairs in Floridita, they are welcoming in 2010 'Big Band' style, with a host of big band and showgirl performances. Dinner tickets are £150 and include a cocktail and canapé reception followed by a 4-course dinner. Bar tickets are £35 each.
  
  
• TBC: The Blue Elephant in Fulham is a luxury Thai restaurant offering dinner, traditional Thai dance, music and dancing for £70 each. At midnight greet the New Year with a glass of chilled champagne.
  
  
• TBC: Acclaimed London restaurant Galvin at Windows are offering a luxurious evening of entertainment.
  
  
• TBC: Bluebird in Chelsea has turned their forecourt area into a winter wonderland with a 20ft Christmas tree, a winter chalet offering mulled wine and a selection of fondues (for adults and children!) and also a rotisserie offering roast sandwiches to keep everyone warm! There are lots of heaters to keep everyone warm and rugs too.

Ice Skating

The Natural History Museum has a 1050-square-meter rink, plus a Cafe Bar and fairground carousel. Open till 1am on 31 December 2009.

Somerset House Ice Rink is open 10am-8pm (last session starts at 18.45) so it could make a great way to start your evening celebrations.

Casino Etrange: Part II

Fetish Ball

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