No one quite knows how to throw a party like London does, so if you’re thinking of heading down to the capital to help bring in the New Year, you certainly won’t be disappointed!
With so much to see and experience as the festive season draws to a close and Big Ben rings in the New Year, here are a few of our top picks for what’s happening in the city at this time. Be sure to make your reservations to stay at the Park Grand Hyde Park as soon as possible to avoid missing out on all the festive fun.
Watch the Fireworks on the River
Thousands upon thousands of people flock to London to see the light spectacular that is the annual New Year’s Eve display, but many don’t realise that this event is ticketed and strictly policed to ensure that only ticket holders get the best riverbank position.
Tickets go on sale in late September and usually sell out very quickly, so if you don't manage to get yourself some of these sought-after entry passes, then there are other options you can consider.
The Dixie Queen Riverboat hosts a fabulous NYE party with drinks, canapés and dancing. It also offers unrivalled views of the riverbank fireworks. Boarding at 8pm, this over 18s event is perfect for couples and groups looking to bring in the New Year with a glass of fizz and good company.
To reach the Dixie Queen from the Park Grand Hyde Park, take the Tube from Knightsbridge to Butlers Wharf where the boat departs, and you'll be there in just over half an hour.
Party into 2020
London is famous for having some of the best bars and nightclubs in the entire world, so expect to see a series of special NYE party events popping up at venues close to the Park Grand Hyde Park.
One that has really piqued our interest this year is the Creatures of the Night event hosted by the Natural History Museum where you can sing Auld Lang Syne directly beneath their resident blue whale exhibit.
The museum takes on a whole new personality for the big event with several spaces set up for different types of activity. Get to know your inner animal better at the Howl at the Moon silent disco, try your luck at musical bingo or daub yourself in UV body paint to shine all night under the illuminating lighting that’s been set up especially for the party.
As the bubbles and good times are sure to be in plentiful supply, you’ll want to find a hearty breakfast around Paddington the next morning to help soak up all of that alcohol and restore your energy. If you’re lucky enough to be staying at the Park Grand Hyde Park you won't have to go too far as our restaurant will be ready and waiting to welcome guests who are in need of a good meal and a strong coffee.
Head to the West End
If hitting the dance floor isn't exactly what you had in mind for the New Year, then you'll be happy to discover that there is an array of amazing toe-tapping musicals, gripping dramas and family-friendly shows happening all over the West End that can help you celebrate the departure of 2019 in style.
Choose from the jaw-dropping opulence of the family-friendly tale Aladdin with a star-filled cast and glittering costumes and stage sets or roll in the aisles with the intelligent and laugh out loud funny Book of Mormon for older audiences. Just make sure that you check which performances are on as many special shows and events are available during the New Year period.
With so many shows to choose from, getting to the West End show of your choice is easy. Take the Tube from the Park Grand Hyde Park, and you'll be soaking up the bright lights and buzz of the West End in around 20 minutes.
Get your skates on
If you’re an active family that wants to make the most of London’s ice rinks before they disappear for another year, then there are plenty of special NYE ice skating events taking place around the city.
From the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland rink which is surrounded with fairground rides, a mega dome circus tent and its own ice bar to the classical backdrop of Somerset House and its beautiful 40ft Christmas tree, skate the night away as we bring in the New Year.
Don’t forget to book your breakfast around Paddington on New Year's Day as many cafes and restaurants are closed in the morning. A quick chat with your concierge can help you reserve a table at the Park Grand Hyde Park restaurant so you can replenish those calories burnt off on the ice the night before.
Get an early night
Not exactly the advice you’d expect when talking about things to do on NYE in London, but if you’re keen to catch the New Year’s Day parade and want to get a prime position on the streets of the West End, then it’s a good idea to get an early breakfast around Paddington and make your way from the Park Grand Hyde Park to the West End via Tube early in the morning.
This annual event sees more than 10,000 professional and amateur performers including stunt riders, brass bands, dancers and pearly kings and queens taking to the streets so it’s well worth the early start.
To get the best view, you can book paid grandstand tickets to get a perfect position for watching the parade, but getting up early and joining the crowds that line the street is the best place for participating in the carnival-style atmosphere and starting 2020 with some fun and laughter. Get an early night so you can be up with the lark to secure yourself a good spot on the streets.
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