New Year’s Eve in London: 2012’s best parties and events

New Year’s Eve can be hard to organise, with the looming question ‘Am I having enough fun yet?’ hovering over us all. Whether you’re new in town or a seasoned London party goer, Australian Times is here to help. We’re debunking the oldest New Year traditions and giving you some exciting new ideas to see in 2013.

Top Three Worst Things to do on NYE

• Go to Embankment and watch the fireworks. I’m going to save you all some time here. Don’t bother. Oh you’ve just moved to London and you’ve heard that’s what all the cool kids do? Well they were lying to you. They’ve all gone to a party in Shoreditch and didn’t want you to come. Sure if you’ve enjoyed your rush hour tube experience so much you want to recreate it in the freezing cold with more drunk people then go ahead. I’ll be indoors getting ironically mashed.
• Jools Holland’s Hootenanny. There’s a time and a place for Mr Holland, and that’s when you’re visiting your parents and they’ve gone to bed, but you’re not tired yet, but equally want to keep your TV viewing family friendly in case they wander downstairs to get a glass of water. If that scenario describes your New Year’s Eve then go ahead. You have my blessing. If not, then go out. Seriously.
• Throwing a dinner party last minute. Deciding not to do anything, then at the last moment panicking and throwing a dinner party, but the only available people were free for a reason, and that’s because they’re boring: we’ve all done it once. Don’t make it twice.

Ten Awesome Ideas to try instead

Sometimes New Year’s is just an excuse to charge double the entrance fee to drink warm white wine and listen to JLS, but sometimes, just sometimes, it can actually be fun. Here are some creative ideas.

Sex and The City Party

London Groove are throwing their fifth Sex and The City Party at The Anthologist, in the heart of the City. With a soul influenced playlist, a stylish dress code and 23 + year age limit, this is the perfect place to enjoy a Cosmopolitan with your girlfriends and reminisce about when pagers were new technology.

Tickets: £20
See: www.londongroove.co.uk

Secret Speakeasy

If you’re a fan of Prohibition-chic then Uncle Bart’s New Year’s Holiday House Party might be for you. Despite a name that makes it sound like an operation Yewtree honeytrap, this is one of the coolest places in town — if you can find it. Situated in a private Chelsea apartment block, ‘Uncle Bart’ is opening up his speakeasy — at £60 a ticket.

Tickets: £60
See: www.barts-london.com

Earlsfield 366

Bar 366 are throwing a sexy cocktail and dance party to take you into the New Year. The dress code is glitter and sequins and silver. Oh my.

See: www.bar-366.com

Reggae Reggae

Nothing says ‘holiday season’ like a reggae/dance-hall mash-up. Thankfully the lovely people behind the Big Chill festival are here to help with their ‘Reggae Roast and Nice Up!’ night in Kings Cross. With performances by General Levy and Serial Killaz and a DJ set by Terror Danjah, these boys will prove that their irreverent approach to spelling translates to banging tunes.

Tickets: £20
See: www.reggaeroast.co.uk

La Belle Époque

Head to Shoreditch for a little taste of Paris, where the Belle …poque crew will entertain you with acrobatics and cocktails. It’ll be a lot like Les Enfant du Paradis, but without the subtitles.

Tickets: £41.80
See: www.belleepoqueparty.com

‘Roxy’ Music

The Roxy by Tottenham Court Road are having their ‘Don’t You Want Me Baby?’ dance night, with the imaginatively named DJs Jim and David playing hits from 60s onwards.

Tickets: £15
See: www.theroxy.co.uk

Club-athon

If a 12 hour clubbing session appeals to you then congratulations sailor! Fabric are hosting a 9pm-9am with super-hot and in-demand dance producer Four Tet alongside club regulars.

Tickets: £40
See: www.fabriclondon.com

Eyes Wide Shut

Camden’s Bar Vinyl is holding a masked ball. Your names have to be on the guest list but there is free entry.

Tickets: Free
See: www.barvinyl.com

Winter Wonderland

Somerset House’s ice rink has been a firm Christmas favourite for years. With their late night New Year’s Eve opening you can see the popular London fireworks with a free glass of champagne and the Edmond J. Safra fountain court and river terrace.

Tickets: £17
See: www.somersethouse.org.uk

Keep it Vintage

The Southbank Centre are throwing a Vintage New Year’s Eve party — with DJs and dancing, dinner, pop up beauty parlours and the UK’s number one George Formby impersonator (yes, really). With big names like that, booking in advance is essential.

Tickets: £80
See: ticketing.southbankcentre.co.uk

So now there is no excuse. Turn off Jools Holland and get out there and enjoy!