If you missed the fireworks, London offers another spectacular way to welcome 2026. The capital's famous New Year's Day Parade returns on Thursday, 1 January 2026, transforming central streets into a vibrant carnival of music and colour.
What Time Does The 2026 Parade Start And Finish?
The festivities commence at 1:00 pm on New Year's Day. The procession is scheduled to conclude in Westminster at approximately 3:30 pm, offering over two hours of continuous entertainment for the anticipated crowd of around half a million spectators.
The 2026 Parade Route Through Central London
The parade will kick off in Green Park. From there, it will travel east towards the iconic lights of Piccadilly Circus, looping around the Eros statue before heading south down Regent Street St James's.
The route then turns left onto Pall Mall, passes Trafalgar Square, and continues along Whitehall to its final destination at Westminster. The entire journey covers some of London's most famous landmarks and takes roughly three hours to complete.
How To Watch The Celebrations For Free
The best news is that this major event requires no ticket. All members of the public are welcome to watch for free from any point along the published route. Simply find a good spot and enjoy the show.
This beloved tradition, now almost four decades old, promises a fantastic mix of marching bands, dancers, cheerleaders, and live performances to ring in the new year with energy and joy.
