Is it that time of year already?
If you haven’t managed to sort childcare for the big night, I’ve rounded up some fun and family-friendly activities to do with the kids on New Year’s Eve.
Whether you go out to explore New Year’s in London or celebrate at home, here’s a mix of ideas to make sure you and your brood see 2013 out in style.
From all of us, Happy New Year!
Where to Go on New Year’s Eve in London with Kids
Board the Mince Pie Special steam and diesel train heritage rides along the Epping-Ongar Railway and receive a free pie and gift! (9am until around 6pm, Dec 31 and Jan 1)
Take the kids for some movie magic with Mary Poppins or fantasy fun with Rise of the Guardians at Vue Kids AM screenings (from 10am)
Take part in Family Events at V&A Museum in SW7 with Imagination Stations, Digital Kids and Pop-Up Performances (until Jan 5)
See a family-friendly production of A Christmas Carol at Museum of London, EC2 (Dec 31, 12-1pm, 2.30-3.30pm & Jan 1, 2-3pm)
Catch one of our Top 20 London Kids Theatre picks for Christmas 2013 – we recommend The Snowman, The Wind in the Willows, Puss in Boots and Slava’s Snow Show for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve!
Watch Music and Dance from the Ballet at Raymond Gubbay’s Christmas Festival at Barbican Centre (2.30pm)
Glam up for a matinee screening of Oscar-winning flick The Artist at Royal Albert Hall, with live orchestra accompaniment (3pm)
Hear arias and scenes from favourite operas at the New Year’s Eve Operetta Matinee at St-Martins-in-the-Fields, WC2 (3.30-5.30pm)
Tuck into a Festive Afternoon Tea inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at One Aldwych hotel in Covent Garden (until Jan 5)
Indulge in a family feast at London Marriot County Hall’s New Year’s Eve Dining in King George V Suite (Dec 31, from 5.30pm)
Go ice skating at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (to Jan 5, until 10pm) or on the gorgeous Natural History Museum Ice Rink (to Jan 5, until 1am on New Year’s Eve), both on our 30 Coolest Things to Do at Christmas
Celebrating New Year’s Eve at Home with Kids
Every year we pimp our Xmas tree with glitter balls, champagne bubble blowers, party masks and Christmas crackers that you pull at midnight
Sing your hearts out to cheesy classics with the The Karaoke Channel YouTube selection
Set up a DIY photo booth with homemade props and get snap happy as 2014 rolls in
Invite other friends with kids round for an old-fashioned pyjama party with music and/or family games
Camp in the living room with sleeping bags, duvets and piles of cushions and settle in for an all-night movie marathon (younger ones can nod off as they please). Pillow fights optional!
Prepare an ‘Around the World’ midnight feast by gathering snacks and treats from different countries and tucking in once the clock strikes 12
Create New Year’s Eve crafts with these fab ideas from Maggie at Red Ted Art
Pull out the projector and big screen (or big blank wall) and turn your living room into a live music arena with a concert film DVD – we recommend Talking Heads Stop Making Sense, Bob Marley: The Legend or (for when the babes are sleeping) Prince’s Sign of the Times and Dave Chapelle’s Block Party!
Make and decorate your own capes and throw a Superhero costume party to kick 2014 off in style
Get out the glow sticks, headbands and old-skool dance tunes and hold a family disco in your living room
Toast the New Year with bubbly for the grown-ups and these sweet milk and cookies shots or glasses for kids, a la The Inspired Room
IDEAS FROM THE ARCHIVES
31 Ideas for New Years Eve (with Kids)
12 Things to do on New Year’s Eve with Kids in London
31 MORE Ideas for New Year’s Eve with Kids