Things To Do In London On New Year's Day 2024

Laura Reynolds
By Laura Reynolds Last edited 10 months ago

Looks like this article is a bit old. Be aware that information may have changed since it was published.

Last Updated 03 January 2024

Things To Do In London On New Year's Day 2024
A group of scooter riders riding through London
Start your engines and welcome in 2024. Photo: London New Year's Day Parade

Looking for something to do on New Year's Day? Get your 2024 off to an excellent start with these events taking place on 1 January (note: it's worth checking opening times before you travel, as they may differ from usual as it's a bank holiday).

ICE SKATING: What better way to shake off a fuzzy head than by going ice skating? Twinkly lights, elegant gliding — it'll have you feeling right as rain quick-sharp. London's seasonal ice rinks are mostly open into the new year.

GO FOR A WANDER: Take your pick from our series of weekend walks — wherever in London you are, and however energetic you're feeling, there's something for you. Alternatively, the Walking with the Snowman art trail is still in situ around Fleet Street, and likely to be a little less busy this side of Christmas.

DUVET DAY: Can't be bothered with the outside world? Stock up on mince pies, kick back and work your way through the videos on our YouTube channel.

WINTER WONDERLAND: Today's the final day of this year's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, offering you a final chance to ride the fairground, take to the ice, ride the ice slide, or catch the circus. Today is classed as off-peak, meaning entry to the site is free (extra charge for attractions) but you still need to book in advance. 10am-9.30pm

A Ceilidh band performing on stage
Ceilidh your way into 2024. Photo: Ollie Denton

NEW YEAR'S DAY PARADE: Floats from all over the world feature in the New Year's Day Parade, alongside a number of boroughs, bands, schools and car rallies. The parade begins on Piccadilly, before making its way down to Whitehall. FREE, from 12pm

NYD CEILIDH: More into doing the dancing yourself than watching others at the parade? The Ceilidh Liberation Front are at Southbank Centre for a New Year's Day Ceilidh, a family-friendly event which requires no prior experience. Simply turn up, pick up the steps and get dancing. FREE, 1pm

NEW YEAR'S DAY PROMS: Barbican's usual New Year's Day Proms is a celebration of classical music, including works by Mendelssohn, Elgar, Verdi, Puccini and others, performed by the London Concert Orchestra. 3pm

CHRISTMAS AT KEW: Yeah, we know, Christmas has gone, but bear with us. At time of writing, there are still some tickets available for the ever-popular Christmas at Kew light trail tonight. While it does have slight festive leanings, it's a fantastically put-together illuminations trails choreographed to music, and one of our favourite events in the capital, well worth seeing if you can. You'll need to be quick to blag those tickets though, as it always sells out. 4.20pm-10pm

COMEDY STORE PLAYERS: If you've made it to 7.30pm on New Year's Day after last night's antics, you deserve a laugh. Head to The Comedy Store in Leicester Square for an improv show by the resident Comedy Store Players. They ask the audience for suggestions, and improvise a show based on the answers. 7.30pm