Celebrate the New Year in London

Still no plans for New Year’s Eve? There are countless ways to count down to 2010 in London. Whether you

want a party atmosphere or are looking for something more subdued, the city offers plenty of ways to celebrate. New York Habitat vacation rentals in London will also suit any style, fit your budget and keep you close to the action, no matter how you choose to ring in the new decade. So while you still may not have plans for New Year’s Eve, you’ll definitely have a great place to stay!

For visitors who want to experience London’s famed nightlife, there’s no better time to take part than on New Year’s Eve. Fans of 007 should head to The Bond Ball in Kensington, where guests dress as their favorite Bond characters—and there are sure to be plenty of martinis on hand (shaken, of course). For a very old school celebration, Shoreditch is the place to be—particularly at the Golden Age of Babylon party, which promises all forms of ancient hedonism.

Although it’s a little late in the year for Oktoberfest, you can still make the German-themed Beer Hall Bash on Fulham Road. The road is located in South Kensington, a neighborhood offering plenty of nice and cozy accommodations. Or check out the variety of free New Year’s Eve events held at bars and clubs all across London.

If you have a quieter, more romantic evening in mind, The Somerset House has the answer. Their sophisticated New Year’s Eve celebration involves champagne, French cuisine and watching fireworks from the balcony. Of course, you can always join the crowds along the Thames River for the festive London Eye fireworks.

For family-friendly celebrations, consider the ice skating rinks outside of major London landmarks. The Natural History Museum has a main skate and junior rink—not to mention an unbeatable backdrop. The Tower of London in the City and Hampton Court in Islington also have evening skating, with holiday snacks, hot cocoa and mulled wine on offer to keep revelers happy and warm.

The festivities don’t end with New Year’s Eve, however. At noon on New Year’s Day, the London Parade 2010 winds its way through the center of town—from Piccadilly in Soho to Whitehall in Westminster. Join the throngs of people who turn up along the parade route to watch this traditional, free family spectacle.

The choices for an amazing place to stay during your visit to London are just as unlimited. Consider the following New York Habitat vacation rentals:

•    This showcase of modern design: a 1-bedroom vacation rental in Southwark (LN-865) off Bermondsey Street on the first floor of a period converted industrial building. Near both Borough Market and London Bridge, this flat comes with a double bed, double sofa bed (perfect for the kids perhaps), hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and a terrace right off the bedroom.

•    A bright, stylish and contemporary 1-bedroom vacation accommodation in Bermondsey, Southwark (LN-687), conveniently located on Tower Bridge Road. This fully equipped flat offers a double bed, laundry/dryer and parking space, and is a short walk from The City district, as well as tube stations and bus stops.

Celebrate the new year in style in a New York Habitat vacation accommodation—and let us know your plans for New Year’s Eve in London with a comment below.