Although New Year’s Day in London is a bank holiday, it is certainly not a day for boredom in the British capital, as there are quite a few things you can do on this day in London!
If you are visiting London during these days, then New Year’s Day is like any other day – most tourist attractions will be open, as well as most shops, museums and restaurants. Sometimes opening hours may vary, but otherwise, you’ll still be able to make the most of the city. And, as a bonus, you can go and see one of London’s most anticipated events: The New Year´s Day Parade.
What to do on New Year’s Day in London
If you are wondering what to do on New Year’s Day in London, I can assure you there will be loads for you to choose from. We have written this article to let you know what attractions are open, including museums and London markets. If you want to do something special on New Year’s Day, we highly recommend you attend the New Year’s Parade in the morning and consider going to one of London’s best musicals in the afternoon. If you want something festive take a look at Circus 1903 or if you´re visiting London with kids maybe book some surprise tickets to see Frozen or Peppa Pig´s Best Day Ever. Winter Wonderland is also a great plan for spending New Year’s Day in London.
New Year’s Day Parade in London
London celebrates New Year’s Day with one of the most important parades that take place in the British capital: The New Year’s Day Parade. It is free, and having been a few times; I can say it is a great experience.
Dancers and acrobats from the whole world participate in this 2.5 km parade. It starts at 1 pm from the Ritz Hotel on Piccadilly Street, goes through Piccadilly Circus and then towards Trafalgar Square and the Big Ben. You can stand for free to watch practically all along the route of the parade, it can get quite busy near the Big Ben and Trafalgar Square so I´d recommend getting there early. You can also buy tickets for London New Year´s Day Parade if you want to make sure you have the perfect view.
Find out more: London New Year´s Day Parade
Musicals and Plays on January 1st
Some of the best musicals in London will open their doors on January 1st, but it is not surprising that many of them will take this day off, as it is a bank holiday after all. Some Christmas musicals and pantomimes will also have performances on New Year’s Day in London.
On January 1st some of the most famous musicals in London’s West End, such as The Lion King, Wicked or Matilda will perform to the public. Even though there are normally two performances each day, it is not unusual for them to only offer one performance on New Year’s Day.
In addition to these London musicals, I must highlight Circus 1903, a family show that will take you back to the Golden Age of the Circus, which is available to watch on New Year´s Day.
Museums open on New Year’s Day in London
Although some museums will remain closed on New Year’s Day in London, such as the National Gallery, many of London’s fantastic museums will open to the public on January 1st, 2023. The following museums in London will be open on New Year’s Day:
Madame Tussauds (museo de cera): Open on New Year’s Day, from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.
Churchill War Rooms: Open on New Year’s Day, from 9.30 am to 6 pm.
Imperial War Museum: Open on New Year’s Day, from 10 am to 6 pm.
London Transport Museum: Open on New Year’s Day, from 10 am to 6 pm.
Sherlock Holmes Museum: Open on New Year’s Day, from 9.30 am to 6 pm.
Science Museum: Open on New Year’s Day, from 10 am to 6 pm.
Museum of London: Open on New Year’s Day, from 10 am to 6 pm.
Natural History Museum: Open on New Year’s Day, from 10 am to 6 pm.
Victoria and Albert Museum: Open on New Year’s Day, from 10 am to 5.45 pm.
Tate Modern: Open on New Year’s Day, from 10 am to 6 pm.
British Museum: Open on New Year’s Day, from 10 am.
Attractions open on New Year’s Day in London
Many London attractions are also open on New Year´s Day in London.
London Eye: London Eye will be open on New Year´s Day from 11 am to 6 pm.
Sightseeing Bus Tour: The sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus tour will operate as normal on New Year´s Day in London.
Sea Life London Aquarium: The Sea Life London Aquarium will open on New Year´s Day from 10 am to 6 pm.
Zoo de Londres: London zoo, in Regent´s Park, will open on New Year´s Day from 10 am to 4 pm.
Shakespeare´s Globe Exhibition: Shakespeare´s Globe will open on New Year´s Day from 9 am to 5 pm
Westminster Abbey: Westminster Abbey will open to the public on New Year´s Day from 10 am to 3.30 pm and the coffee shop and souvenier hop will open until 6 pm.
St Paul´s Cathedral: St Paul´s Cathedral will open to the public from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm on New Year´s Day.
Harry Potter Studios: Harry Potter Studios in London will open to the public from 11.00 am to 4.30 pm on New Year´s Day, closing at 8 pm.
Tower of London: The Tower of London will remain closed on New Year’s Day.
Shops open on New Year’s Day in London
Most shops in central London will open on New Year’s Day, including shops on Oxford Street and Regent Street. You will also find some shops open in Carnaby, Soho, Covent Garden area and Seven Dials. Harrods, Liberty, and Fortnum & Mason will open on New Year’s Day.
Markets in London open on New Year’s Day
Some Christmas Markets in London will have already closed for the 1st of January, but others, such as Winter Wonderland and the Christmas Market in Leicester Square will be open on New Year’s Day.
The following markets in London are normally open on Tuesdays:
Ice Skating Rinks and Christmas Fairs open on New Year’s Day in London
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park will open on the 1st of January, including all the attractions and Christmas market. The ice skating rinks will also open on New Year’s Day, including the one in Somerset House.