London New Year’s Eve 2016: The Best Events, Parties And Locations To Watch The Fireworks

London might be damp and foggy, but on New Year’s Eve it will light up and glitter as it welcomes 2016. If you’ll be in the rainy city on Thursday, consider heading out to one of the many activities the city offers to usher out 2015.

Fireworks:

London’s not known as the “Old Smoke” for nothing. The annual fireworks display over the Thames River is so popular that the city had to ticket the event for the very first time last year. This year’s fireworks celebration will also sell tickets for £10 apiece that are still available and can be bought here. But if you’re up for a hike — and a bit of a long-distance view — you can can still get great views for free at Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill and Hilly Fields.

Comedy:

British humor is both infamous and infectious, so why not launch your new year with a laugh? The 99 Club team is throwing a New Year’s Eve stand-up comedy extravaganza at the Grange Hotel in London’s west end, featuring English comics Mike Gunn, Brett Goldstein, Mae Martin and Matt Green. And after the laughs are over, a DJ party will keep the night going until 1 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., the show starts an hour later and tickets are still available, running from £40 to £85.

Party:

Party it up on New Year’s Eve, but forget the expensive clubs and head over to Strongroom Bar & Kitchen for their “Nineties New Year” celebration. Dig out all your old flannel and corduroy, and bop to the beat of Nirvana and Spice Girls while you go all out on Super Mario Bros games.

Live Music:

If it’s beats you’re looking for, start 2016 with a bang at the popular Jazz Cafe in Camden featuring live music running through the night. DJs will be spinning and disco jams will be playing, along with the 12-piece jazz ensemble Nubiyan Twist. Tickets are £35 and the venue opens at 7:30 p.m.