I have many fond (and somewhat scanty) memories of New Year’s Eve past, whether that involved kissing strangers in strange locations or braving the throngs on the South Bank to party like it was 1999. But since having kids, welcoming the New Year has been a much tamer affair.
Still for those of us who haven’t managed to bribe book babysitters, there are loads of ways you can have fun with the babes indoors or out.
Just remember that New Year’s Eve is a whole day event. And when you’ve got little ones, there’s no excuse not to rock around the clock.
**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue (or the latest government guidelines) before making a trip!**
UPDATED FOR 2023-2024!
1. Let it snow! Watch The Snowman dancing in the air at Sadler’s Wells, before he melts away until next Christmas.
2. PARTY TIME! Midday is the new midnight. Party with your crew from 10.30am to noon with hip hop and club tunes for all ages at FUN DMC bash (Dec 31). Over at Southbank Centre, join Len Blanco for a Kids Countdown to New Year at midday, from 10.30am, all ages welcome! (Dec 31)
3. Wrap up warm, pack a winter picnic and watch the London Eye fireworks from the happy distance of Richmond Park, Parliament Hill or Primrose Hill.
4. Pimp your Xmas Tree for the New Year with glitter balls, party blowers, leftover crackers, masks etc. Or go take a look at the brilliant Christmas Book Tree at St Pancras created by the team at Hatchards bookshop.
5. There’s a genie waiting to be uncorked at the Hackney Empire Panto: Aladdin — see our family Christmas theatre guide for more seasonal shows playing on New Year’s Eve.
6. Escape to the colourful world of My Neighbour Totoro Live at Barbican Centre.
7. See high-flying colobus monkeys leaping and climbing in Monkey Valley at London Zoo.
8. Have a Wizard of ‘Oz’ theme party – red shoes, kangaroos, any interpretation! – and celebrate New Year’s at 1pm London time (that’s midnight, Down Under).
9. Go ice skating until the clocks chime at Glide at Battersea Power Station, Skate at Somerset House, Ally Pally ice rink (see more in the Christmas guide). Alternatively, you can glide with your smallies at Rollerscape, an immersive pop-up roller rink at Wembley Park (until Mar 10, 2024)
10. It’s your last chance to catch Cinderella… in Brixton! (until Dec 31)
11. Make your own DIY handprint calendar for 2024.
12. Go on a Rainforest Adventure at Sea Life London Aquarium.
13. Take your little ones ages 0-8 for a free interactive play session in Mudlarks at Museum of London Docklands.
14. Bake one of these New Year’s Eve cakes with the little ones (or just spell out Happy 2024 in cupcakes and blow out the candles at midnight)!
15. Enjoy a magical matinee with Cinderella, the Lyric Hammersmith panto.
16. Strike out at Rowan’s Bowling Alley as the clock strikes.
17. Toast to 2024 via an early Champagne Flight on the London Eye.
18. Launch your year with an epic movie. Wonka is out in cinemas or look out for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (Dec 21) and the new Hayao Miyazaki animation from the legendary Studio Ghibli, The Boy and the Heron (Dec 26).
19. Invite friends with kids round for a sleepover party with dancing, retro games or YouTube karaoke (or bundle the babes in one room with a movie, while grown-ups party till dawn).
20. Dress up for a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at the Sanderson Hotel’s Suka restaurant. Find more quirky afternoon teas in London.
21. Mums, dads and even little ones (ages 4-16) can get prepped and pampered for the night/year ahead at Brown’s Hotel Spa in Mayfair.
22. Make it pop with this NY Eve Balloon Countdown.
23. Get high with an early evening trip up for the best views of the city at View from the Shard.
24. You and the kids can put on your glad rags or fancy dress, set up a DIY photo booth with homemade props, plus mini makeover/tattoo parlour, and get snap happy.
25. Escape for a mini break with spectacular fireworks at 9.30pm KST (Kids Standard Time) at Legoland Windsor Resorts or thrills and sparks at Chessington Holidays theme park.
26. Wave goodbye to London 2023 on the IFS Cloud Cable Car from Greenwich or Royal Docks.
27. Take a trip to the moon in an immersive journey with Tom Hanks at Lightroom King’s Cross. (until Apr 21, 2024)
28. Experience the winter market, a Magical Ice Kingdom and more at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
29. Book into a room with a view to see the South Bank fireworks (back with a bang).
30. Camp out in the living room with sleeping bags/duvets etc for an all-night movie marathon. Pillow fights optional! Check out our guide to Best Ever Movies to Watch with your Kids.
31. Make and decorate your own capes or just gift the family with superhero undies (one of our traditions) for a kick ass New Year!
New Year’s Day Events
And if you sleep through it all, here are some fun ideas for New Year’s Day with Kids in London:
Join the crowds for London’s annual New Year’s Day Parade (Jan 1 from 12pm, all ages, FREE);
Be one of the first to visit the magical world of Harry Potter this year and see Hogwarts in the Snow (until Jan 14);
There’s still time to marvel at The Gingerbread City at Westfield London (until Jan 7);
Or take in 360 panoramic views of London at Battersea Power Station’s unique experience Lift 109 (ongoing)
More Festive Guides for London Fun
Babes About Town Guide to London at Christmas (loads of activities still happening)
Babes About Town Christmas Theatre Guide (many shows playing through January 2024)
**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue (or the latest government guidelines) before making a trip!**
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