New Years Eve

The way that I see it, you have four main options for how to spend a New Years Eve in England, be prepared to answer questions about and discuss what you will be doing for New Years Eve from the start of December.  Most people seem to make a very big deal of their New Years Eve plans, but most people you ask will insist that it is an overrated night. Figure that one out. So here are your options:

Go to London – I have never actually done this, but I know loads of people who have and say it makes for a wonderful night, provided that the great British weather doesn’t decide to rain on you. Head down to the banks of the Thames and join in the festivities waiting for Big Ben to chime the countdown to midnight and then of course there is the fireworks display. Of course there is then the cost and trouble of finding accommodation and transport, but if you can sort that out then by all accounts it is an interesting way to welcome in the New Year.

Go to a Nightclub – This is a very popular option, but be aware that it will definitely cost you. Pretty much every club will have a big theme night planned, and will be advertising and selling tickets for this event in the weeks leading up to New Years Eve. This includes places that usually wouldn’t charge for entry, expect to pay at least £10 for the cheapest tickets and no, this doesn’t include anything other than entry. Be sure to check what the club is offering, as sometimes there is entertainment, particularly for the countdown, and be sure not to miss out on a balloon drop. Aside from the entertainment you can expect to be paying at least double the amount that you usually would for a drink, sometimes even more and don’t expect any breathing room, everywhere will be crammed full of people. But that being said a great night out can be had, just make sure that you have budgeted for it.

Go to a House Party – This is my preferred choice for a New Years Eve celebration, especially if it is somewhere near to home. This is what I did this year, my friend held a party at her house and we all had a great knees up, we didn’t have to pay for alcohol, bring your own and of course people don’t tend to charge for entry to their homes. The only real cost is transport. I find that a theme is often a good move for these things, and have been to several interestingly themed ones in the past including Cowboys & Indians and of course Decades. The only big question with a house party is what you will do for the countdown, watch the television for the Big Ben countdown or listen to the radio for it. Then of course you have pretend to know the words to Auld Lang Syne, I always promise myself that one day I will actually learn the words to it.

Stay at Home – This seems like a fairly boring option on the surface, but really if there is nothing all that good about New Years Eve, then there is no problem with it is there? 

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