Want to mark the arrival of 2015, but not into parties or clubbing? We’ve found a few alternative ways to see in the new year in London.
Natural History Museum’s ice rink is open until gone midnight
Comedy
AMUSED MOOSE: The regular comedy night takes over the swanky Sanctum Soho Hotel. Line-up features topical comedian and writer Ian Stone, actress and writer Felicity Ward, radio comedian Nick Revell and Amused Moose Star Search finalist Chris McCausland. Tickets also include access to the hotel’s party afterwards. £40/£45, prebook, 7.30pm
COMEDY STORE: The line up for the Stand Up Show at The Comedy Store consists of relative newcomer Prince Abdi, comedy storyteller Jarred Christmas, comedian and TV actor Romesh Ranganathan, American TV comedian Pete Johansson and impro comedy troupe The Noise Next Door, as well as a special guest. MC’d by circuit regular and BBC radio presenter Stephen Grant. Food and drink available at an extra cost. £59-£85, prebook, 8pm
COMEDY CARNIVAL: The annual Comedy Carnival at Clapham Grand has a line-up of Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Phil Nichol, Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Pete Johansson, award-winning Felicity Ward and Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow star Imran Yusuf. The aftershow party features club classics and commercial dance music, a midnight balloon drop and party cannons. £26-£76, prebook, 8pm
99 CLUB: The Covent Garden comedy venue has Patrick Monahan as NYE headliner, plus two more guests to be announced. £35, or upgrade to a two course meal and champagne for £55, prebook, 8.30pm
BANANA CABARET: The comedy club at The Bedford in Balham presents comedians Paul Sinha, John Moloney, Angela Barnes, John Fothergill and Adam Bloom, followed by a club night until 3am. £26.50, prebook, 8.30pm
CRACK COMEDY: Alexis Dubus’s stereotypical Frenchman headlines Crack Comedy at the Slug and Lettuce in County Hall, with Jessica Fostekew, Erich McElroy and Joel Dommett. It’s not cheap, but gets you a glass of fizz, canapes, a late bar and DJ and a view of the NYE fireworks. £60, prebook, 8.30pm
Ice skating
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM: South Kensington’s icy delight is open until gone midnight, and tickets include two glasses of champagne, a mince pie, party nibbles and a free cloakroom. £45, prebook, from 9am on New Year’s Eve
SOMERSET HOUSE: See in 2015 on the Fortnum & Mason ice rink at Somerset House. The terrace has a partial view of the fireworks on the river, and live DJs will be providing music all evening. All ticket holders have access to the Skate Lounge, Fernandez & Wells, and the Fortnum’s Lodge, where food and drink will be available to buy. Tickets include champagne at midnight and exclusive access to the Somerset House courtyard and River Terrace. £62 for skaters of £45 for spectators, prebook, from 8pm
If it’s daytime ice skating you’re looking for, take a look at our round up of seasonal ice rinks.
Other
ULTIMATE FEAST: Head to Casa Negra in Shoreditch for an evening of food, booze and dancing. Stock up on a four course dinner before toasting midnight with a tequila shot and enjoying a night of Motown and soul in the basement until 4am. £85 (or £15 without the meal), prebook, from 6pm
DINNER DANCE: See in 2015 at London’s only lighthouse; Disappearing Dining Club’s Dinner Dance takes place at The Chainstore Lighthouse on Trinity Buoy Wharf. Enjoy a four course dinner with cocktails and canapes on arrival. Spanish DJ José Padilla provides the music for dinner, and is joined later in the evening by Phil Mison and Scott Martin, blending disco, pop, rock, techno and acid house music to create a Balearic vibe. £86-£101, prebook, from 7pm
CAMP CABARET: Cabaret artist Scottee (who we interviewed earlier in the year) brings his camp brand of variety cabaret to the Black Cap in Camden. Expect a mixed bill of dance routines, cheap champagne, expensive confetti and a gaggle of gay cliches. £20 for entry/£40 including a three course “afternoon tea”, prebook, from 7pm
BURLESQUE MASQUERADE: Kettners in Soho hosts a black tie masquerade ball. Expect a glamorous night of cabaret, live music, burlesque, swing dance lessons, a live band and DJs until 3am in a Georgian Town House. Enjoy a three course gourmet meal as well as the party for £110, or just entry to the party costs £50. Prebook, from 7.30pm
MURDER MYSTERY: Warren House in Kingston Upon Thames offers a murder mystery evening. The lavish mansion provides the backdrop for wine on arrival, a four course meal, murder mystery puzzle and champagne in the lounge at midnight. £160 (rooms available at extra cost), prebook (PDF), from 8pm