London's New Year's Day Parade
London's New Year's Day Parade, now officially called the London Parade, takes place on Friday 1 January 2027, from 1pm to 4:30pm, on a route from Piccadilly to Whitehall. Watching from the street is free; ticketed grandstands along the route open at midday. With more than 8,500 performers, it is one of the world's largest New Year's events.
What the parade is
The parade, long known as the LNYDP, brings together representatives of London's boroughs and marching bands from around the world, with dancers, acrobats, cheerleaders and musicians. It was first held in 1987, raises money for charity each year and draws an international audience.
Route, times and grandstands
The parade sets off at 1pm and finishes at 4:30pm, following Piccadilly, Regent Street St James's, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. Ticket holders can enter the grandstands and the Fun Zone from midday. The Fun Zone, new for 2027, is a festival-style viewing area at Waterloo Place. Elsewhere on the route you can watch from the pavement.
Getting there on 1 January
Check our transport guide for road closures, bus diversions and service changes on 1 January. Some attractions are closed that day, such as the Tower of London and the National Gallery; what is open is listed in the guide to New Year's Day in London.
After the parade
When the parade ends at 4:30pm, the Christmas lights tours are still running: the open-top bus tour with a live guide, the Singalong Christmas Lights Tour with festive food and drinks, and the walking tour from Piccadilly Circus.
Other plans for 31 December and 1 January
If you would rather spend 1 January outside London instead of at the parade, the Windsor, Oxford and Stonehenge Tour runs that day.
If you are still planning the night before, you can see the midnight fireworks from the river on a New Year's Eve cruise in London.
London New Year's Day Parade – FAQ
- When is the London New Year's Day Parade 2027?
On Friday 1 January 2027, from 1pm to 4:30pm. Ticket holders can enter the grandstands and the Fun Zone from midday.
- Is the parade free to watch?
Yes, from the pavement along the route. Grandstand seats and entry to the Fun Zone at Waterloo Place are ticketed.
- What is the parade route?
The parade follows Piccadilly, Regent Street St James's, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall.
- What is the Fun Zone?
A ticketed, festival-style viewing area at Waterloo Place, on the parade route, new for 2027.
- Where can I check road closures and transport for 1 January?
Check our transport guide for road closures, bus diversions and service changes on 1 January.
- What can I do after the parade?
The Christmas lights tours run after the parade, by open-top bus, as a singalong bus tour or on foot. Christmas at Kew and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland are also open on the evening of 1 January.
