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There are some fabulous activities to enjoy in London during New Year’s week including seasonal concerts, ballets and theatre shows, ice skating, exhibitions and of course the iconic New Year’s Day Parade.
New Year’s Eve Candlelight Concert at St Martin in the Fields, Trafalgar Square
This year’s New Year’s Eve concert is Music from The Movies at Christmas which will include songs from The Snowman, Elf, Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones and Love, Actually. The family-friendly concert starts at 3pm and will run for 2 hours.
New Year’s Day Parade
London’s New Year’s Day Parade (LNYDP) will start at midday by Green Park station on Piccadilly. The route goes along Regent Street St James’s, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square and will finish at Whitehall. At various points there are big screens to ensure you don’t miss any of the display which is made up of c. 10,000 participants.
New Year’s Day Proms
Held at The Barbican Centre and featuring the London Concert Orchestra, the programme includes Giuseppe Verdi’s Brindisi from La traviata, Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus Overture, Georges Bizet’s Flower Song from Carmen and Giacomo Puccini’s O soave fanciulla from La bohème.
The Snowman at The Peacock Theatre, Sadlers Wells (until 4 January)
A beautiful stage adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ festive story in its 27th year at The Peacock Theatre.
Napoleon: Un Petit Pantomime at Jermyn Street Theatre (until 5 January)
Jermyn Street Theatre has collaborated with Charles Court Opera to present this fun, family-friendly panto. “Wittiest and cleverest lyrics you can imagine.” (London Theatre).
Winter Wonderland (until 5 January)
Open from 10am to 10pm each day, Winter Wonderland offers attractions to suit all ages. Highlights of this winter’s event include Magical Ice Kingdom, ice skating, ice slide and ice sculpting workshops, giant wheel, Cirque Berserk: Thunderbolt, Zippos Christmas Circus: Candyland, Santaland, fairground rides, Bavarian Village (with chalets, outdoor seating, bars, cafes and restaurants) and Explorer’s Rest (with live music sets and bar).
The English National Ballet’s Nutcracker at the London Coliseum (until 12 January)
Enjoy the ENB’s new interpretation of this festive tale set in Edwardian London, told to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. With over 100 dancers and musicians and the most beautiful sets and costumes, it has been described by The Standard as “fun, cohesive and astoundingly pretty” – perfect for the whole family to enjoy!
Skate (until 12 January)
One of London’s most beloved winter attractions, Skate at Somerset House, is back this season with a fantastic selection of DJ line-ups, pop-up restaurants and bars and of course ice skating beside the stunning 40-foot, fairy lit Christmas tree. Skate is open each day, with bookable sessions from 9am until 10pm.
Monet and London: Views of the Thames at the Courtauld Gallery (until 19 January)
Monet visited London three times between 1899 and 1901 (staying at the Savoy Hotel, just a short distance from the Courtauld), during which time he was fascinated by how the industrial fog affected the light. He created a series of studies, capturing views of the Thames, the surrounding architecture and the winter’s light, which are incredibly evocative. Astonishingly, this is the first time the series has been exhibited in London.