New Year's Day in London is a spectacular celebration filled with world-class entertainment, cultural experiences, and festive cheer. Whether you're recovering from New Year's Eve celebrations or looking for exciting ways to start 2026, London offers an incredible array of activities to suit every taste and energy level.
London's New Year's Day Parade 2026
The UK's Biggest New Year Celebration
The highlight of New Year's Day celebrations in London is the world-famous London New Year's Day Parade, featuring performances from around 10,000 dancers, acrobats, musicians and entertainers marching through central London.
Last year, Peter Andre performed to crowds of more than half a million people along the spectacular two-mile route. The 2026 parade promises to be even more spectacular with international performers and dazzling floats.
⏰ What Time?
The New Year's Day Parade normally kicks off around 12 noon, giving you ample time to recover from the big celebrations the night before!
⏱️ How Long?
The route stretches around two miles (3.2km) and tends to last for around three hours in total.
🎫 Is It Free?
Yes, the parade is completely FREE! If you fancy spending a bit of cash, merchandise is available at selected points along the route.
📍 Best Viewing Spots
Arrive early to secure a good spot near the front of the barrier at key locations along the route.
📍 Parade Route 2026
Outside The Ritz Hotel near Piccadilly Circus
South down Regent Street St James's → Left through Pall Mall → Through Trafalgar Square and Whitehall
Westminster - Perfect location near the NYE fireworks viewing areas
💡 Top Tip: Given the parade's centralised location, all these spots will be busy. We recommend arriving early (by 10:30 AM) to secure the best views!
☀️ Fun New Year's Day Activities
Make the most of your day with these exciting daytime activities
Ice Skating
Go ice skating on one of London's coolest ice rinks, including Hampton Court Palace and Westfield. Perfect for families and couples!
Find Ice Rinks →Christmas at Kew
Make the most of your last chance to visit Christmas at Kew and Winter Wonderland before they close for the season.
Book Kew Tickets →Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
See the city's top sights and twinkling Christmas lights on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Book Tour →Christmas Markets
Absorb the last of the festive cheer at Christmas markets that remain open into the new year.
Museums & Culture
Visit the capital's famous museums: London Transport Museum, Science Museum, Tate Modern and more are usually open.
Explore Museums →London Parks
Take a long stroll in a beautiful London park - perfect for clearing your head after the celebrations. Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and Richmond Park are stunning in winter.
🎢 Top Indoor Attractions
Visit some of London's top indoor attractions - perfect for escaping the winter weather:
🎻 New Year's Day Concerts
Barbican Centre - New Year's Day Proms
Head to the Barbican Centre for its annual New Year's Day Proms and listen to classical music from the likes of Tchaikovsky and Strauss.
Book Concert TicketsChurch & Cathedral Concerts
Visit one of London's beautiful cathedrals and churches for spectacular New Year's Day concerts. St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and Southwark Cathedral often host special performances.
🌙 Evening Entertainment
Keep the celebrations going into the night
West End Shows
Watch a best-selling West End show or musical, from The Lion King to The Play That Goes Wrong. If you're still feeling festive, there's plenty of time to see a magical Christmas show!
Browse Shows & Book TicketsNew Year's Day Club Nights
Party at a New Year's Day club night which usually features a long list of live DJs and hosts to keep the new year celebrations going. Many venues offer special day-to-night events.
Find Club EventsChristmas Lights Tours
Spot the London Christmas lights still shining bright across the city. It's even more magical to see them on an evening open-top bus tour!
Winter Light Festivals
Wrap up warm and enjoy one of the capital's dazzling winter light festivals. Canary Wharf Winter Lights and other installations create magical evening experiences.
Pubs & Rooftop Bars
Relax in one of the capital's best cosy pubs or toast to 2026 with a cocktail at a rooftop bar. Many venues offer special New Year's Day menus and extended hours.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, The Churchill Arms, The Mayflower
Sky Garden, Aqua Shard, Madison, Radio Rooftop
🛍️ January Sales Shopping
Shop the January sales at London's best department stores and top shopping destinations. Most shops will be open on New Year's Day, though many operate on bank holiday hours with shorter opening times.
⚠️ Are Shops Open on New Year's Day?
Most shops will usually be open on New Year's Day, however this is not the case for all. Selected shops will open and often operate on bank holiday opening hours, meaning they will operate for shorter periods of time. It's best to plan ahead and check if specific locations will be open and at what times.
Oxford Street
London's premier shopping street with major department stores like Selfridges, John Lewis, and flagship brand stores
Covent Garden
Boutique shops, designer brands, and the famous covered market with unique finds
Regent Street
Luxury shopping destination featuring Hamleys, Liberty, and premium fashion brands
Westfield London
Europe's largest shopping center in Shepherd's Bush with 300+ stores
Westfield Stratford
Modern shopping destination near Olympic Park with excellent transport links
Knightsbridge
Home to Harrods and Harvey Nichols - luxury shopping at its finest
🚇 Travelling in London on New Year's Day
⚠️ Important Travel Notice
Public transport is limited on New Year's Day, so check Transport for London's Journey Planner for the latest travel information before you set out.
🚊 Tube & Rail
London Underground and rail services typically run on a reduced Sunday service. Some lines may have engineering works. Check TfL.gov.uk for updates.
🚌 Buses
Bus services operate on a reduced bank holiday schedule. Night buses may continue running from New Year's Eve into the morning.
🚖 Taxis & Ride-Sharing
Black cabs and Uber operate but expect high demand and surge pricing, especially near parade routes and popular areas.
🚴 Cycling & Walking
Santander Cycles are available. Walking between central London attractions is often the best option on New Year's Day.
📱 Essential Resources
- • TfL Journey Planner - Real-time travel updates
- • Live Tube Status - Check line disruptions
- • National Rail - For mainline train services
- • Download the Citymapper app for easy navigation and real-time updates
💡 Top Planning Tips for New Year's Day 2026
Book Ahead
Popular attractions, restaurants, and shows sell out fast. Book tickets and tables in advance to avoid disappointment.
Arrive Early for Parade
Get to parade viewing spots by 10:30 AM to secure the best positions along the barrier.
Check Opening Times
Verify attraction and shop opening hours for New Year's Day as many operate on reduced schedules.
Plan Transport
Check TfL journey planner before traveling. Consider walking between central locations.
Dress Warmly
January weather in London is cold. Layer up, bring umbrellas, and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Combine Activities
Plan your day geographically - watch the parade, then visit nearby museums, shops, or restaurants to maximize your time.
Plan Your Complete London New Year Experience
🎆 New Year's Eve Events
Discover the best NYE celebrations, fireworks, and parties
📍 Fireworks Viewing Spots
Find the perfect location to watch the midnight fireworks
🚢 Thames NYE Cruises
Celebrate on the water with dinner, drinks, and fireworks
🍸 Rooftop Bars
Toast the new year with panoramic city views
🏨 NYE Hotels
Book accommodation near the fireworks and celebrations
🎊 London Traditions
Explore centuries-old New Year customs and heritage
Ready to Celebrate New Year's Day 2026 in London?
From the spectacular parade to world-class entertainment, January 1st in London offers unforgettable experiences. Start planning your perfect New Year's Day now!