The 5 Best Cities For New Year's Eve in the UK

New Year’s Eve is a night of anticipation, celebration, and hope as the world bids farewell to the old year and eagerly embraces the new one. In the United Kingdom, this momentous occasion is marked by a dazzling array of festivities, from grand fireworks displays to lively street parties, making it a remarkable time to be in the country.

In this blog, we invite you to join us on a journey to discover the top cities in the UK for celebrating New Year’s Eve. Each of these cities has its unique charm and traditions, offering a variety of experiences to suit different preferences.

Join us as we explore each of these cities in detail, uncovering their New Year’s Eve traditions, the best places to view fireworks, and the exciting events that make them the best destinations for the new year in the UK. Whether you’re a resident or planning a visit, these cities promise unforgettable moments and a warm welcome as you bid farewell to the old year and step into the possibilities of the new one.

London 

One of the best cities to visit in the UK during New Year is London. People from all over the world come to watch the dazzling fireworks light up the sky as we start the new year. 

The fireworks are displayed near the London Eye and the best views of the fireworks can be seen by purchasing tickets to view it along the River Thames. The tickets went on sale on the 4th of November and while a good portion of them are sold out, there are still some that are still available to purchase. Click here to purchase the tickets.

If you haven’t been able to get a hold of the tickets, don’t worry there are still plenty of locations where you will be able to get great views of the London New Year’s Eve Fireworks, all for FREE!

Some of the famous spots to watch the London Fireworks for free are Cannon Street, Vauxhall Bridge, and more. Click here to view the full details about the London New Year’s Eve Fireworks and where you can watch them for free.

And if you don’t fancy going out to beat the crowd to watch them, that’s fine too. BBC One will livestream the entire fireworks display.

Newcastle

Newcastle is another vibrant city that is perfect for New Year’s if you are looking for something different. The city will be having a major laser show to start the New Year as opposed to fireworks to make it more environmentally friendly.

This year’s laser show will be even bigger than last year. They will have over 80 stunning lasers lighting up between Tyne Bridge and Millenium Bridge. According to the Newcastle council, the best place to enjoy the laser show will be the Quaiside. 

Another great thing about this laser show is that it is not limited to just New Year’s Eve for a couple of minutes. Last year they had 20 displays every hour of the night between December 30 and January 1 making it more accessible for everyone to enjoy it. 

So not only is this better for your pets and the environment, but it’s also just as beautiful.

Edinburgh 

Edinburgh is known to be one of the best cities in the UK to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival is one of the biggest New Year celebrations in the world. Hogmanay is the Scottish word that translates to New Year.

Hogmanay typically lasts for 3 days and there are several exciting events like candlelight concerts, stand-up comedy, street parties, and more that are spread across those days. Each of the main events is individually ticketed, so you get to choose the event that sparks your interest. Click here to view the full list of events and the tickets. 

Although there is no official announcement of fireworks in the Hogmanay festival this year, there is still a chance that like the previous years, you will be able to watch the fireworks directly above you if you were attending the silent disco, street party, or concert. 

To learn more about the festival, click here.

St Ives

St Ives has one of the largest crowds for New Year’s Eve in the region and is on a lot of people’s bucket lists! The fireworks display is in St Ives Harbor where people gather with their friends and family to start the new year with a bang. An interesting fact about how people celebrate New Year’s Eve in St Ives is by dressing up in fancy costumes! But you are more than welcome to enjoy the beautiful fireworks even without! 

Click here to read more about all the events that take place in St Ives on New Year’s so you can be prepared!

 

Bideford

Bideford’s New Year celebrations are a hidden gem, bursting with excitement and charm that make it an unforgettable experience. Despite its lesser-known status, the festivities in Bideford are a delightful surprise.

As the clock strikes midnight, the town transforms into a lively spectacle. Thousands of celebrants, dressed in vibrant costumes, joyfully sprint across the historic Old Bridge. Beneath the dazzling fireworks illuminating the night sky, they unite in a rendition of “Auld Lang Syne.”

They also have several family-friendly events during the day, ensuring that everyone, young and old, can partake in the merriment. Bideford’s New Year’s celebration promises an exhilarating and heartwarming experience, where the town truly comes alive.

To sum it up, the United Kingdom boasts an array of cities that know how to throw a fantastic New Year’s Eve celebration. From the dazzling fireworks lighting up London’s sky to the spirited Hogmanay festivities in Edinburgh, there’s a New Year’s experience to suit every taste. Whether you prefer grand spectacles or intimate gatherings, these cities offer a memorable start to the new year. When the clock strikes midnight and the cheers fill the air, these cities come alive with infectious energy, ensuring a spirited and joyful kickstart to the fresh year ahead.