To make your New Year indeed happy, The London New Year’s Day Parade (LNYDP) is perhaps the best option. Millions of people wait for this grand moment once the clock strikes 12. London cheers up in glory and glamour with outstanding performances and vibrant colours during the event. The Parade area features various exciting activities, an array of amusements, and vendors with their food and games trucks. The intensely hued floats and the dynamic march echo the essence of ongoing winter festivity and celebration across the United Kingdom.
Start your journey to the New Year with flashy colours, smiles, and energy all around, and explore the brighter side of life with the iconic London New Year’s Parade. Find some essential tips for experiencing the spectacular London New Year’s Day Parade here, and be a part of this exemplary moment.
If you want to experience a hassle-free watch of the grand London New Year’s Day Parade (LNYPD), you must start planning early. It generally begins at midday and lasts for almost four hours. Plan according to the route and duration for a seamless day.
It starts from the Piccadilly Circus and covers Trafalgar Square, and Whitefell before ending at Parliament Square. Check route details, timing of the event, performance lineups, and all recent updates on road closures on the website of LNYPD for better access.
Thousands of people, all over the world come together on this day to celebrate the iconic Parade and begin the New Year positively and peacefully. To secure yourself a convenient spot from where you can clearly spectate the vibrant floats and stunning performances, you have to arrive early, at least an hour and a half before the scheduled time.
Some of the best spots for you to watch the colourful event include Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and Whitefell. Reach out as early as possible to find a space at the front to enjoy prominent views and record the show by taking beautiful pictures and videos.
Winters in London are really cold and windy. Dress accordingly to keep yourself from getting frozen as you have to stand for long hours to enjoy the entire Parade. Layer your clothes with a thermal, a sweater, and a long high-neck bomber hooded jacket. You can also use earcovers. Wear hand gloves to keep your palms warm. You must wear the right shoe otherwise standing for so long in the biting cold will make your feet sore and numb. Put on woolen socks and a long boot for the best impact.
Rainfall is a common phenomenon during winter in London. But it is completely unpredictable. Prepare yourself for sudden drizzling and mild showers. Carry an umbrella or a raincoat, in that case. Raincoat is a better option as it will not block your hand and the space around you where you stand to watch the program. It will be advantageous if your long jacket is quilted and waterproof instead of a furred overcoat.
There will be likely a road closure over a long route due to the Parade. Roads will be closed almost an hour or two before the New Year’s Parade, starting from Piccadilly up to Parliament Square. It is better to take tubes or London Underground instead of any ground transportation because chances are high that you will not find any parking and have to walk a long way to reach the starting point. The nearest stations are Piccadilly Circus, Charing Cross, and Westminster City. Go through Transportation for London’s (TfL) official website for exact updates on closures, routes, and other details.
In any way, if you prefer to use a chauffeur driven car for luxury transportation, then specifically ask for professional chauffeurs in London who are experienced in handling event transfers. They can plan the most optimal route when driving you to street events and drop you off at the nearest location. They are capable of finding parking and wait till you are done.
Bring some quick snacks for munching on during three hours of the Parade and some coffee or hot chocolate to yourself warm. Cafes and eateries will be overcrowded and moreover, you cannot leave your position, fight with the huge gathering, and reach for food. If you are keen to try those cafes around, then fetch yourself your takeaway much before the show begins and you find yourself a place to stand.
Bring some quick snacks for munching on during three hours of the Parade and some coffee or hot chocolate to yourself warm. Cafes and eateries will be overcrowded and moreover, you cannot leave your position, fight with the huge gathering, and reach for food. If you are keen to try those cafes around, then fetch yourself your takeaway much before the show begins and you find yourself a place to stand.
One of the essential tips for experiencing the spectacular London New Year’s Day Parade: engage in various interactive and fun-filled activities before and after the Parade for a more delightful time. You will see vendors, gaming and activity stalls, and food carts, along the entire Parade routes. Sneak into each stall and have a hearty moment.
Plan for the whole day to have a gala time. Start by exploring nearby significant attractions after the Parade. Visit Buckingham Palace and The Houses of Parliament or take a tour of The National Gallery, all within walking distance. Have fun in the ice-skating rinks, stroll around winter markets after sundown, and buy some local gourmets. Many performers organise solo performances post the Parade in pubs and karaoke bars, you can spend a cosy evening watching them with your favourite drink.
Take part in this stunning moment. Shout out loud and cheer to amazing performances, explore some of London’s mindblowing landmarks alongside, enjoy the festive air in the evening, a walk on the shimmering high streets and winter markets, treat yourself to mouthwatering street foods, and immerse yourself in the spirit of festivity. Follow these essential tips for experiencing the spectacular London New Year’s Day Parade and relish the time with your loved ones.