Things To Do In London On New Year's Day

Happy New Year! Well, maybe not quite yet but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start planning how you’ll spend the first day of 2020. Have a look at our round-up of the best things to do on New Year's Day.

The New Year’s Day Parade is definitely one of the best ways to start the year. The parade has been going for over 30 years and just keeps getting bigger and better. Starting at Piccadilly and ending on Parliament Street, it’s one giant celebration for the whole family.
 

Head to the Museum of London for this brilliant immersive and interactive exhibition. Narrated by the animals themselves, learn about the creatures that helped to shape London into the city it is today. Listen out for some familiar voices as you work your way around the exhibit!
 

Roll up and roll into the New Year with Circus 1903. From classic acrobats and magicians to life-size elephant puppets and a Brazilian Wheel Of Death, this circus is seriously impressive. You’ll all be left mesmerised by its magic.
 

This city walk from Charing Cross to the Tate Modern is a great way to get out and about for some fresh air. Wander along Strand and down towards the river and see some of the city’s most famous sites. 
 

Go and say hello to all of the animals at London Zoo on New Years Day. Whether your kids are mad for monkeys or love lions, there is some incredible wildlife to go and see. Make sure you say hello to the penguins!
 

Soak up the last of the festive fun at the Leicester Square Christmas Market! There’s plenty of food and drink as well as some traditional market stalls to explore.
 

Get competitive at Plonk Crazy Golf in Camden Market! They’re open for all of your neon putting needs so why not challenge the family to a game and see if you can get a hole in one!
 

Seeing this smash-hit musical will be a Wicked start to the New Year. Learn what happened in Oz before Dorothy arrived in this wonderful world of wizards and witches. The music, set and costumes are all incredible, it’ll definitely be popular with the whole family.
 

If you’re seeking a bit of peace and quiet on New Years Day then Westminster Abbey is the place to go. Learn about the building’s incredible history, from coronations to weddings, you’ll have a royally good time.
 

Learn about the incredible world under our skin at Body Worlds. The fascinating exhibition is open 365 days a year but it’ll probably be quieter on New Year’s Day, so we think it’s a great time to go and explore!
 

Sally has organised a special Gruffalo Adventure Club for New Year’s Day. Hunt for minibeasts, sing some songs and enjoy storytime at this Gruffalo-themed adventure in Highgate wood.
 

It’s your last chance to see London’s Christmas lights and we think this bike tour is a great way to do it. You’ll have your favourite festive hits playing to sing along to as you make your way around the city! We’ve got 10% off for you to enjoy too.
 

Spend New Year’s Day with everyone’s favourite nanny, Mary Poppins. She’s landed back in London at the Prince Edward Theatre for a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious performance of the smash-hit musical.  
 

There isn’t long left to head to one of London’s biggest winter attractions. Whether you want to go ice-skating, have a go on the rides or just soak up the atmosphere at the traditional market, Winter Wonderland has so much to do.
 

Go and explore the Old Royal Naval College and enjoy afternoon tea at the Painted Hall. It’s a cream tea fit for Kings and Queens and the Painted Hall is the perfect setting, it has been beautifully renovated and the roof is incredible.
 

Start the year by getting out in the crisp January air and take the family to Hampton Court Palace. The gardens are beautiful and have a brilliant maze to explore, there is plenty to see in the palace itself too. Wrap up warm and go and explore.

If none of those take your fancy, there are plenty more things for you to do!