Things To Do Today In London: New Year's Eve - Monday 31 December 2018

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If you're looking for parties, clubbing, and lively ways to see in 2019, have a read of our New Year's Eve events guide. Below you'll find things to do during the daytime on 31 December.

For ways to countdown to midnight, click here

Have a read

Catch up on some of our 2018 highlights:

Things to do

ICE SKATING: Why not take a twirl on the ice at one of London's winter ice skating rinks? From Somerset House to Canary Wharf, and JW3 to Hampton Court Palace, there's an ice rink somewhere near you. Various prices, advance booking recommended.

AFTERNOON TEA: Treat yourself to one of these festive afternoon teas, offering a Christmas twist to regular afternoon tea at hotels, bars and restaurants around the capital. Christmas may be over but some of them are still running — a few finish today, while others run for another week or so.

WEEKEND WALKS: This week is practically one long weekend anyway, so grab your walking boots and head out on one of our weekend walk routes. See a part of London you haven't visited before, and best of all, it's free — unless you stop in a pub for a pint or two...

WINTER WONDERLAND: It's the last week of this year's Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Get stuck into the markets, food and drink stalls, giant ferris wheel, ice rink, ice kingdom, circus shows and more. 10am-10pm (although it may close early today)

PLANT HUNT: Get out in the fresh air and join South London Botanical Institute for a walk around Brockwell Park, spotting as many different species of plant and wildflower as possible. Brockwell Park, free (donations welcome), just turn up, 11am-1pm

SCULPTURE IN THE CITY: Tracey Emin and Sarah Lucas are among the artists whose work is on display at this year's Sculpture in the City, a trail of artworks dotted through the Square Mile. Join this guided walk to visit each of the artworks and hear a bit more about them. Liverpool Street station, £12/£9, book ahead, 11am

CHRISTMAS AT LONDON ZOO: The team behind Christmas at Kew have also brought their expertise to London Zoo this Christmas, for a festive light trail through the zoo. Most of the animals are tucked up in bed, but they're recreated in the form of light sculptures along the 1-mile trail. £19.50 adult/£13 child, book ahead, 4.45pm-8pm (until 6 January)

I'll have what she's having at the Prince Charles Cinema

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY: Head to the Prince Charles Cinema for a screening of 1989 rom-com When Harry Met Sally starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal and featuring that famous orgasm scene. I'll have what she's having. Prince Charles Cinema (Leicester Square), £11, book ahead, 6pm

COMEDY CARNIVAL: Pick from venues in Leicester Square and Clapham for Comedy Carnival's New Year's Eve shows. Tom Deacon and Bobby Mair are among the acts taking to the stage. Choose between just a show ticket, or a show + club ticket, to continue partying. Various prices, book ahead, from 7pm

SEE IN 2019: If you're looking for parties and places to countdown at midnight, here's our guide to New Year's Eve happenings.

Good cause of the day

There are many good causes worthy of support, but one that comes to the fore at this time of year is homelessness. If you've got a bit of cash spare, why not donate to a homeless charity to help someone less fortunate. Options include sponsoring a room at Centrepoint, providing a hostel welcome package at St Mungo's, or paying for a meal or a bed at Hackney Winter Night Shelter — just a handful of the many worthy charities and causes out there.