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 after having kids, welcoming the New Year became a much tamer affair.
For those of you 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 2024-2025!
New Year’s Eve 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. Rave with Big Fish Little Fish in New Cross, or head to Southbank Centre for the Kids’ Countdown with Just Vibez 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 amazing Wicked Christmas Tree at St Pancras created in partnership with Universal Pictures.
5. Dick Whittington and his Cat are this year’s panto at the Hackney Empire — see our London at Christmas theatre guide for more shows on New Year’s Eve.
6. Escape to the colourful world of Alice in Wonderland at Brixton House.
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).
10. It’s your last chance to catch The Fir Tree at Arts Depot! (until Dec 31)
11. Make your own DIY handprint calendar for 2025.
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 2025 in cupcakes and blow out the candles at midnight)!
15. Enjoy a magical matinee with Aladdin, the Lyric Hammersmith panto.
16. Strike out at Rowan’s Bowling Alley as the clock strikes.
17. Toast to 2025 via an early Champagne Flight on the London Eye.
18. Launch your year with an epic movie. Catch family favourites like Mufasa: The Lion King, Sonic the Hedgehog movie, Paddington in Peru, Wicked, Gladiator 2 or Moana 2 in cinemas now.
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 2024 on the IFS Cloud Cable Car from Greenwich or Royal Docks.
27. Take a trip to Moominvalley at Jacksons Lane. (until Jan 5)
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!
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 19);
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 London Christmas guide (loads of activities still happening)
Babes About Town Family Christmas Shows guide (many shows playing through January 2025)
**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!**ys check ahead with the venue (or the latest government guidelines) before making a trip!**
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