Mayor invites public to enjoy best London has to offer this New Year’s Eve

• Mayor encourages Londoners and visitors to welcome the new year in style at the city’s world class restaurants, bars, clubs and attractions

• Tickets for London’s world-famous New Year’s Eve fireworks display, organised by the Mayor, are sold out

• The majority of services on the Transport for London (TfL) network will be running throughout the night but those coming into town are advised to plan their journeys in advance

With just days to go until the capital rings in the start of 2024, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is encouraging Londoners and visitors to enjoy the best London has to offer this New Year’s Eve.

Tickets for the Mayor’s world-famous fireworks display are sold out which means the best way to watch the iconic display without a ticket is on TV, BBC iPlayer or by celebrating at one of the capital’s fantastic nightlife venues.

Live music events, river cruises, theatre performances, late night theatre, trips to museums after dark, dining out, street food and live music events are just some of what will be on offer as London looks ahead to New Year’s Eve celebrations.

London is officially the world’s most desirable place to travel for Christmas - beating New York, Paris and Vienna in a recent survey¹ and has something for everyone. From ice skating at Battersea Power Station, enchanting Christmas markets along the Southbank, and the West End’s world-famous and free Christmas lights.

Londoners and visitors can find out more about some of the amazing events and attractions on offer on New Year’s Evevia the Visit London website² and are advised to book dinner and tickets for clubs and activities in advance to make the most of everything on in the capital.

Most TfL services will be running all night on New Year’s Eve but there will be some closures and central London stations are expected to be busier than usual. Anyone travelling around London is advised to use the online TfL journey planner or download the TfL Go app to plan your journey and check if your route is affected before travel – including your journey home.

In the run up to the celebrations, the Mayor and key partners in London have been working together to ensure everyone who attends the capital’s New Year’s Eve celebrations can enjoy them safely.

The Met Police will have thousands of officers working right across London to ensure everyone can enjoy the celebrations and will be working closely alongside colleagues from British Transport Police, London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and City of London Police.

This year the Met are again working with the charity Safer Spaces Now CIC on New Year’s Eve, to ensure there are designated safe places where women and girls can go to if they feel unsafe, are in need of advice or want to speak to someone. The spaces, which are being funded by the Mayor of London, will be located in the Strand and St. John’s Church Waterloo.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London is officially the most desirable city to visit this time of year - and with just days to go I’m incredibly excited about our city coming together to welcome the start of 2024.

"Tickets for the New Year's Eve fireworks in London have now sold out. If you didn't manage to get tickets to attend, the capital is packed with plenty more exciting New Year's Eve events.

“Our top-class attractions, theatres, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues are the envy of the world and are ready to welcome you with open arms. They are the perfect setting to ring in the new year in style alongside family and friends while supporting our hospitality, entertainment and night-time sectors and helping to build a better London for all. Please do book ahead and plan your journey in advance to make the most of what our spectacular city has to offer.”

London Night Czar, Amy Lamé, said: “There is no place like London when it comes to celebrating the festive season. From our world-leading theatres, comedy and music venues to our first-class restaurants, bars and nightclubs, you are guaranteed a fantastic night out.

“I know how important this time of year is for night-time businesses across London, especially the pubs and bars which are at the heart of our high streets. I’m doing all I can to support businesses to thrive and I encourage Londoners and visitors from all over the world to come out and celebrate the festivities with us over the next few days. Let’s welcome the new year in style!” 

Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “New Year’s Eve celebrations in London are very special and TfL is there to help you make the most of the night however you chose to celebrate.  The majority of TfL services will run throughout the night but we expect some services and stations to be busy, especially in central London, so please check before you travel to ensure you can travel as safely and smoothly as possible.  Please touch in and out when using a contactless or Oyster card, even if the gate is open, to ensure you only pay for the journey you make. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a fantastic New Year from us all here at TfL.”

Anna MacGregor, Founder of Safer Spaces Now CIC, said: “Look out for our team in the bright coral t-shirts out and about in the crowd this New Year’s Eve, feel free to chat to us if you need any support at all. Alternatively you can come along to the Safer Spaces Now CIC tents, we will have a calm space with a welcoming team to support anyone that feels vulnerable or just needs a chat. 

We are there to be a part of the solution and you can help us too, by not being a bystander and calling out inappropriate behaviour and abuse if you feel safe to do so. If not you can report to our team, the police or a member of security.”

Giles Shilson, City Bridge Foundation chairman, said: “London’s bridges are world famous and it’s no surprise people think of Tower Bridge when they’re looking for an iconic location to view the fireworks from, but the fact is, the view from there is non-existent.

“London is full of fantastic options to celebrate the new year but the bridges are not the place to be. You can’t see the fireworks from Tower Bridge or London Bridge, so if you go there, you’ll only be disappointed.

“To help us keep our bridges clear and make sure everyone is safe, we’re asking people without tickets to stay away this year. You’ll get a much better view watching the fireworks at home on TV, on BBC iPlayer or by celebrating at one of London’s many bars, pubs or restaurants.”

Met Commander, Karen Findlay, in charge of the policing operation said: “New Year’s Eve is a time of celebration for people right across the Capital, and the many visitors who come to London for the special occasion. Officers will be out across the central London fireworks display areas working closely with stewards, emergency service colleagues and partners to keep people safe, as well as ensuring we are responding to 999 calls and providing reassurance right across the city within our local communities. 

“We have been working hard with our partners in the run up to New Year’s Eve to ensure that everyone who wants to enjoy the celebrations can do so safely.  We will proactively intervene where anyone is intent on, or seeking to undermine the occasion.

“On extremely busy evenings such as these, we are always grateful from the support from the public as our extra eyes and ears.

“If you do have any concerns or see something suspicious, please speak with one of the officers so we can respond quickly.”

UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “New Year’s Eve in London has something for everyone – whether you’re going for dinner with friends and family, spending an evening in the pub, have a ticket to watch the fireworks by the river or celebrating the New Year in at one of the capital’s many clubs. 

“Visitors come from all corners of the country and the world to enjoy our world-famous nightlife on one of the most iconic nights of the year and there’s no doubt that London will, once again, see in the New Year in style.”