New Year's Eve in London: what you need to know

Published on 24 novembre 2022

Londres

Why not celebrate the New Year in one of the world's most beautiful capitals. London is a cosmopolitan, dynamic and trendy city. It is a unique opportunity to enjoy the New Year festivities.

 

 

1. Admire the fabulous fireworks 🎆

If you want to spend New Year's Eve in London, then you shouldn't miss the incredible fireworks display. It is simply the main event and it will be launched on the south bank of the Thames, more precisely in Southbank. However, in order to admire it in the best way, you will have to enter a viewing area. It will cost you £10.

But don't forget to book in advance, as the event is still very popular and you may not get your tickets if you are not organized. The alternative is to enjoy the show for free on nearby bridges such as the Southwark Bridge or the Vauxhall Bridge.

Feu d'artifice

2. The not-to-be-missed meeting at Trafalgar Square 📍

If there is one place to celebrate New Year's Eve, it is Trafalgar Square. You will find there thousands of Londoners, but also many tourists who gather to celebrate the new year. On the program, an exceptional atmosphere and many animations with famous DJs. To eat, you will enjoy many food stands. To accompany the party, there will be many drinks outlets and the atmosphere will be relaxed and festive. Naturally, people will be talking to you and hugging you as they say Happy New Year.

Trafalgar Square

3. The New Year's parade 🎉

Once the night of December 31 is over, the festivities don't stop there. January 1st is a particularly lively day in London. The party continues the day after New Year's Eve and you'll find thousands of performers marching through the capital in the famous New Year's Eve parade.

Each year, over 600,000 spectators attend this major event. There is truly something for everyone with floating structures, street performers, motorcycles and vehicles. All this with the elusive English brass band. So if you're interested in the event, be aware that the parade starts at Piccadilly Street and ends at Parliament Square.

parade nouvelle année

4. What you need to know about public transport in London 🚎

During the New Year's Eve period, public transport runs without any interruption. This means you can easily get around London's various districts. This is not only true for the subway lines. In fact, the latter run without interruption in normal times. It also applies to all forms of transport such as cabs and buses.

But be careful, because some stations like Trafalgar square are closed to avoid crowds. So if you have to go to one of these stops, you will just have to walk for a few minutes.

Bus Londonien

5. Conventional store hours in London ⏰

On December 31, most stores do not change their opening hours. You will be able to take full advantage of the department stores and big chains in London, especially on Regent Street and Oxford Street. Ideal if you want to finish your shopping before focusing on the New Year's Eve. But be aware that the next day the stores will be closed as it's a bank holiday. With a few exceptions, it is not advisable to shop in London on this day.

magasins

6. Where to park your car to get to London airport? 🚙

If you've decided to spend New Year's Eve in London, you may be flying to the city. In this case, you don't need to worry about parking your car. There is the Blue Valet service. Specifically, a valet parking service. When you arrive at the airport drop-off point, someone will be waiting for you. Discover our services just below!

valet at the airport

 

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