Visiting London over New Year with kids
As the home of Greenwich Mean Time, the eyes of the world often turn to London at New Year’s Eve and London doesn’t disappoint with a spectacular annual firework display. But navigating a visit to London over New Year with kids (traditionally a time for adults to have fun) isn’t easy. This post is your guide is to experiencing London’s New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day with children. We’ll dive into everything from the city’s legendary fireworks display and public celebrations to practical tips about weather, public transport, restaurant bookings, and family-friendly activities.
Visiting London at New Year
Weather
What is the weather like in London at New Year?
British weather is legendary for its unpredictability, and December is no exception. If you are planning a holiday visit over New Year, prepare for (nearly) anything. It could be rainy, it could be dry and crisp, it could be windy or still – it could be all of these things on any one day. Luckily the variability of London’s weather means that it is unlikely to be bad weather for your whole trip.
December typically sees around 10 rainy days in London. This means there’s a solid likelihood you’ll encounter some precipitation during your stay. But don’t let this dampen your spirits – or your plans. Come prepared. A compact, sturdy umbrella and a waterproof coat with a reliable hood are your best friends.
How cold does London get at New Year?
The temperature in London can vary a lot from year to year. In 2023, the New Year’s Day temperature in London hit a high of 14 degrees Celsius and a low of 10 degrees Celsius. A few weeks out and the predictions for 2024 are that it will be colder in 2024.
In general though, it is rare for temperatures in London to drop into minus figures during the day, even in the coldest months of winter.
The best way to deal with the weather is to wear layers – London’s winter temperatures can fluctuate, and the ability to add or remove layers will keep you comfortable whether you’re exploring outdoor markets or ducking into a museum to warm up.
New Year’s Eve in London
What is there to do in London on New Year’s Eve?
Unlike over the Christmas period, tourist attractions tend to be open on New Year’s Eve. Although, if there is somewhere particular you are planning to visit, do check that it is open and any special opening hours. Likewise if you plan on going shopping, check opening hours before making a special trip anywhere.
Check out our guide on free things to do in London in December for ideas of things to do, including an early New Year countdown.
Where can you watch the fireworks with children?
The London New Year’s Eve fireworks are held at the London Eye each year.
Official viewing areas
Official viewing areas are set up around the London Eye and across the river on Victoria Embankment. The organisers do not recommend that young children attend due to it being a late night and crowded, outdoor event, unsuitable for young children. Entry to the official viewing areas is permitted between 20.00 and 22:30 – so there is a lot of waiting around in the cold until the fireworks at midnight, even older teenagers may struggle.
Tickets for the official viewing areas go on sale in mid-October and sell out quickly. Admission to these viewing areas is not permitted without a ticket.
Other options
The best place to watch London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks with children is on TV from home, your hotel or other accommodation. You stay warm, you get the best view of all of the action and if your kids get tired, you can always put on last year’s fireworks a bit early, do your own countdown and then catch up on the real deal the following day.
There are certain points in the city where there is a skyline view across to the London Eye. One example is Primrose Hill and this has become a popular place for people to gather to view the fireworks from a distance. However, it should be noted that this is not an official viewing point and as such, does not have the same facilities or security that an official viewing area does. If you do decide to go, be aware that it will be dark, expect there to be crowds and understand that the view is a distant one – see this video that was posted to Youtube with footage from a previous year’s display.
Note that bars and pubs will be out of the question with children due to licensing restrictions which mean that children will not be allowed in after 20.00/21.00.
How to get around London on New Year’s Eve
That there will be road closures in certain parts of central London from the early afternoon, due to the fireworks.
During the day on New Year’s Eve the Tube network, tubes will run a Saturday service (so will be less frequent than on a week day but still frequent). Services will be running all night on all tube lines.
During the day, buses will run a Saturday service. Some buses in central London will be on diversion from early afternoon due to road closures.
Some bridges will be closed to foot and road traffic and so you may be required to use the Tube in order to cross the river in central London.
Where to eat in London on New Year’s Eve?
Most restaurants will be open, although do note that some will shut earlier than usual and many will be busy with pre-bookings. If you are hoping to eat out on New Year’s Eve, it would be better to do so early and having made a reservation.
New Year’s Day in London
What is there to do in London on New Year’s Day?
New Year’s Day is a Bank Holiday and so some of London’s tourist attractions will be closed (see our post on when London attractions are closed over the Christmas and New Year period), although many will be open.
If you are looking to see something unique on New Year’s Day, there is the London New Year’s Day Parade that takes place along Piccadilly, Regents Street St James’s, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. It is free for the general public to attend and features various marching bands and other groups.
If you are thinking about doing some shopping, note that large shops are limited in the hours they can open on Bank Holidays. Although there are no restrictions on small shops, some may well be closed on New Year’s Day. Do check before making a special journey somewhere.
How to get around London on New Year’s Day
During the day on New Year’s Day the Tube network, tubes will run a Sunday service (so will be less frequent than on a week day but still frequent).
During the day, buses will run a Sunday service.
There will be road closures and crowds along the route of London’s New Year’s Day Parade. Some buses will be on diversion as a result.
Black cabs, taxis and Ubers will be operating on New Year’s Day. Until 06.00 on Thursday 2 December black cabs will charge an extra £4 per journey in addition to the usual meter charges. Expect Ubers and other taxis to also impose higher rates.
Where to eat in London on New Year’s Day?
Although New Year’s Day is a Bank Holiday, it isn’t like Christmas Day and most restaurants will be open (although some will still be closed and many will operate shorter Sunday hours).
Note that large grocery stores are limited in the hours they can open on Bank Holidays. Although there are no restrictions on small shops, some may well be closed on New Year’s Day.
Have you spent New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day in London before? What did you do? Share in the comments!