Sometimes the pressure to have a great night on New Year’s Eve can get the better of us, and plans can either end up falling through or just not living up to our high expectations. Regardless of this, after an eventful 2016 it’s a great opportunity for people to let their hair down and welcome a brand new year.

If you’re ahead of the game, you may have even noticed that this New Year’s Eve falls on a Saturday. For a lot of people, Saturday nights are usually spent dressing up and heading out for a few drinks after a long week spent in the office, so after all the festivities of Christmas have died down, it may be time to leave behind your family in favour of your friends to party the night away in the Big Smoke.

So put on your glad rags and get ready for a great night, because from family events to sophisticated nights, we’ve picked out our favourite offerings in London on the 31st of December to see you into the new year.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

A firm family favourite for New Years Eve in London has got to be watching the fireworks over the Thames. You can catch the display along the Queen’s Walk, where you can choose from five ticketed viewing areas. Sure to be a night you’ll never forget, not only do you get to soak up the upbeat atmosphere, but you also get to watch a magnificent display of fireworks against a pretty breathtaking backdrop.

You may want to leave behind the heels and cocktail dresses for this one though, as it’s an outdoor event where the December weather will require you to wrap up warm, so layer up and bring along the family for an exciting occasion. The display ends at 12:15 too, so whether you’re wanting to head to a bar to dance into the early hours, or head home on the free tube for a cosy night in, this event makes for a perfect time to spend with friends and family.

Where: The London Eye, The Queen’s Walk

When: 7:30pm Sat 31st – 12:15am Sun 1st

How much: £10 (adv)

The Views Firework Display Boat Party

If you’re still wanting to catch the New Year’s Eve fireworks, but looking for a slightly more glamorous experience, hop on The Dutch Master for a spectacular trip along the Thames. The evening will see you cruising through down the river, catching a glimpse London’s magnificent skyline, whilst partying under the stars to a combination of party classics and club mixes. Upon arrival you will be greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne to warm you up for the evening and at 12am the ferry will be positioned in the perfect spot to catch a magnificent view of the fireworks.

The event oozes glitz and glamour, so make sure you’re dressed to impress as the dress code requires. If you’re wanting to continue your night into the early hours, once docked you’ll be able to attend the complimentary after party in a secret location.

Where: The DutchMaster, Greenwich Pier Ferry Terminal, King William Walk

When: 8:45pm Sat 31st – 1:15am Sun 1st

How much: £70-£90 (adv)

Party Animals

Fancy dress more your thing than black tie? Dressing up to the nines isn’t for everyone, so if you’re more into a fun theme for an evening out, this is certainly the event for you. Held in Adventure Bar’s, Covent Garden, you should expect a truly animal filled affair. With a £100 bar tab up for grabs for the best dressed, the fancy dress game will be on top form, and if you forget to dress up expect to get a complimentary cat face drawn upon arrival. Delicious cocktails will be on offer throughout the evening, and if you get there before 9pm you’ll even get one on the house. Make sure you leave your younger friends at home for this one though, as Adventure Bar is a strictly over 21 venue.

Where: Adventure Bar, Covent Garden

When: 6:30pm Sat 31st – 3:00am Sun 1st

How much: £15 (adv)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BM1Ppu1BQl4/?taken-by=adventurecoventgarden

Pandora’s Box

Gilgamesh’s Pandora’s Box event is the perfect opportunity to dress up and party 2016 away in the heart of Camden. Ideal for those wanting a classy affair surrounded by beautifully intricate interiors, Pandora’s Box boasts a line up of 6 DJ’s spread throughout three different rooms. If you’re looking to party the night away, the event will take you through to 4am, including a spectacular countdown to midnight. If you’re looking to come with a group, check out the venue’s table reservations complete with drinks packages. With a smart and stylish dress code, expect a night of glamour and luxury to take you into the new year.

Where: Gilgamesh Restaurant Bar & Lounge, Camden

When: 9:00pm Sat 31st – 04:00am Sun 1st

How much: £35 (adv)

NYE Gala Ball

For a more family oriented affair, head to the South East of the City to The Rivoli Ballroom. Famed for being one of London’s oldest ballroom’s, the building still features all of the original decor from the 1950’s. Usually an over 21’s venue, the ballroom has opened it’s doors to children for a New Years Eve family spectacular. A DJ will play popular party tunes throughout the evening, so you can happily dance the night away. Two bars will serve your celebration bubbles, and soft drinks for the kids and designated drivers.

Dress to impress, but expect to be surrounded by party hats, streamers and balloons.

Where: The Rivoli Ballroom, Nunhead

When: 8:00pm Sat 31st- 1:30am Sun 1st

How much: £25 adults/£12 children age 6-13 (adv)

Bottomless NYE Party

Leave your money at home this new year’s eve and party 2016 away in Simmons Bar. Last year Simmons sell out Bottomless NYE Party was a success, so they’ve brought it back this year and have made it bigger and better. Your ticket includes entry and bottomless drinks all night from a choice of beers, wine, spirits, soft drinks and more.

Just think of the best house party of your life, without the clean up in the morning. Expect feel good party tunes all night from the bar’s resident DJ’s, in a self proclaimed unpretentious atmosphere. Staying open ’til the extra late time of 2am, you’ll certainly be getting your money’s worth!

Where: Simmons, Fulham

When: 5:00pm Sat 31st – 2:00am Sun 1st

How much: £40-£75 (adv)