London’s New Year fireworks 2023 and parade

Celebrate the new year in London! The British capital promises the most original New Year's Eve party. Enjoy the Christmas lights with Tootbus and marvel at the popular, world-famous fireworks. On 1st January 2024, London’s New Year’s Day Parade takes to the streets of central London.

London New Year’s Eve

Whether you opt for fireworks or dinner in a rooftop restaurant, there are plenty of ways to celebrate New Year's Eve in London in 2023.

Discovering animals at the Natural History Museum

Celebrating the New Year with your favourite friends is one thing, but why not change things up a bit by getting to know the unique animals at the Natural History Museum? After the success of the sold-out event in 2022, this New Year's Eve will be an unforgettable experience once again. The theme is the four elements - earth, water, air, and fire - so start brainstorming your best fancy dress ideas now!

The event is packed with exciting activities, including live music, a silent disco, and much more. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the galleries after dark, from mammals to dinosaurs.

Sip cocktails in a rooftop bar

Bar Elba, Waterloo's only rooftop bar, offers views of St Paul's Cathedral and all-inclusive cocktails to welcome the New Year in style. For a New Year's Eve party with an exclusive set menu and entertainment, take the exclusive express lift at Radio Rooftop Bar on The Strand.

If you're looking for an oasis in the middle of the city, the famous SkyGarden rooftop bar on Fenchurch Street is for you. This bar, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, offers the best views in the city. It's the perfect place to watch the fireworks and stay up until 2am.

New Year's Eve in one of London's best clubs

The 1990s look is on point for a night out at the Bounce Club and for ping-pong tournaments before dancing the night away to classic club tunes.

Undecided about your New Year's Eve plans? The NYE Pub Crawl allows you to attend several parties in one. Experience expedited entry to four fantastic venues. Plus, relish in exclusive drink discounts and delightful shots all night long.

Experience the high life with a dazzling river cruise

Fancy a sumptuous New Year's Eve on the River Thames? A fine dinner and a privileged view of the fireworks in the night sky await you on the deck of a sophisticated Thames cruise, for a unique New Year's Eve experience. Whichever option you choose, you'll enjoy views of the city from the calm of your ship, sip festive champagne and forget your stress as you glide across the sparkling water with your loved ones.

Will there be fireworks in London for New Year 2023?

Of course! Every year to celebrate the start of the New Year, the city of London organises a spectacular party along the River Thames. The fireworks display takes place on 31 December, the festivities usually start at 10pm with a countdown from midnight when the fireworks are launched near the London Eye and light up the London Eye, Big Ben and the London’s skyline with a special sparkle.

The event is very popular and hundreds of thousands of people from different countries travel to London to watch this magnificent spectacle.

London New Year’s Day Parade

What is the London New Year’s Day Parade?

There really is no better place to welcome in the New Year than London. However, this was not always the case.

On January 1st 1986, the founders Bob and Geri Bone took their family for a day out in London, only to find that everything in the city was shut. The streets were empty and everywhere was closed. They decided to do something about it and met with the Lord Mayor of Westminster and this is how the parade was born.

It became one of the World’s greatest street entertainments and was initially known as the Lord Mayor of Westminster’s Big Parade.

What to expect for London New Year's Day Parade 2023?

Featuring over 10,000 performers from across the world, including dancers, acrobats, cheerleaders and marching bands, London’s New Year’s Day Parade (LNYDP) weaves through the streets of London, trailed by huge balloons, music, and confetti, for a highly colourful celebration of the New Year.

Cultural and community groups rub shoulders with leading professional entertainers and the mayors of London. Plus, more than 20 U.S. marching bands and 1,000 varsity cheerleaders, many of whom have been waiting in the wings for several years, are finally allowed to travel to London for their moment in the global spotlight.

Do not miss the ‘Borough’s Competition’ which involves all 32 boroughs competing for a shared prize pot to donate to local charities. In this key part of the parade, each borough presents an act, float or another form of entertainment. The acts are then judged by an international jury of foreign ambassadors and high commissioners.

Tips to enjoy the New Year's Day Parade in London

London’s New Year’s Day Parade runs from 12 noon to 3.30pm, with doors opening from 11am across all the grandstands.

The parade will start at 12pm on Piccadilly so make sure you arrive early to secure a good spot, especially if you are with small children. Or, you can buy a ticket for one of the grandstands to secure a good view.

If you want to listen to the live musical entertainment, we'd recommend choosing a viewing spot away from the Cenotaph. Indeed, this is because the bands are asked to march silently as they pass the war memorial on Whitehall.

To know who’s performing and the performance times, make sure to get a copy of the Parade Post on the day. They are available for free from the commentary posts or charity workers and donations are greatly appreciated.