Love Fever NYD, Dalston

Dance all night at a New York-style disco with house acts A&A, FCL, Jimmy Edgar plus some secret guests. Not only was Love Fever’s New Year’s Day party a sell-out last year, but it has hosted events in a strip club, a yacht club and a film studio – proof that its NYD event is going to be a packed-out night of arty debauchery.

January 1. 4pm-4am
36-44 Stoke Newington Road, N16 7XJ 
ilovethenest.com 
Tube: Dalston Kingsland

All Stars at Egg New Year’s Day Carry On, King’s Cross

Kicking off just four hours into 2012 as an extension of Egg’s Rio-themed White & Gold NYE Ball – it’s the ultimate after- party and will have you dancing through the first sunrise of the year. With Karizma, Audiowhores, Anderson Noize, Tomasuchy AKA Tomas Tesla and more to be confirmed. There’s really no reason to head home yet.

January 1. 4am-1pm
200 York Way, N7 9AX 
egglondon.net
Tube: King’s Cross

New Year’s Day Parade, Central London

London boasts the biggest New Year’s Day parade in the world. The procession also kicks off a year of celebrations for Queenie’s Diamond Jubilee with more than 10,000 performers – including marching bands and cheerleaders – making their way along the two-mile route.

January 1. 11.45am-3pm
The parade goes from Piccadilly to Parliament Street 
londonparade.co.uk 
Tube: Green Park/ Piccadilly Circus/ Charing Cross/ Westminster

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park

If you haven’t visited the festive extravaganza that is Winter Wonderland, there’s still time. Wrap up warm and hit the ice rink; the all-human circus, an extreme acrobatics show filled with risky manoeuvres; and lots of thrilling rides – but don’t eat candy floss before going on the rides, as you’ll regret it. There’s also a giant observation wheel, which lets you check out some awesome city views from the comfort of your own  enclosed pod – hire the VIP pod from £55 for a group of up to six and you’ll get plush leather decor, privacy glass, an sound system and champers. Sounds pretty fancy.

Open until January 3. 10am-10pm
Hyde Park, Serpentine Road, W2 2UH 
hydeparkwinterwonderland.com 
Tube: Hyde Park Corner 

Bugged Out All-day-er, Islington

After a decade of legendary acts like Erol Alkan, Mylo and Friendly Fires, The Old Queen’s Head pub is holding its 10th and final NYD party. The headliners will be revealed on the day, but so far, acts include Tayo, Frank Tope from Wild Geese and Joe Ransom.

January 1. 12pm-1am
44 Essex Road, N1 8LN 
theoldqueenshead.com
Tube: Angel

Skate, Tower of London

Hit the Tower of London Skating Rink for a wintery jaunt on the ice in a historical London setting.

Open until January 8. 10am-10pm
Tower of London, EC3N 4AB 
toweroflondonicerink.com 
Tube: Tower Hill

London Transport Museum, Covent garden

Do something a little touristy to get rid of your hangover, like visit the London Transport Museum. There’s nothing like a bit of British transport patriotism to make you fall back in love with London when you’ve got a sore head.

January 1. 10am-6pm
Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB 
ltmuseum.co.uk 
Tube: Covent Garden

Go running by the Serpentine, Hyde Park

If you’re really up for keeping your resolutions, start 2012 with some vigorous running. There’ll be a 10km and a 3km fun run around the Serpentine lake in Hyde Park, which might be a good place to start a new year fitness kick. There’ll also be prizes for the winners in each age category or team, so it’s a great chance to  unleash your competitive side early … or just jog off the alcohol in your system.

January 1. Registration starts at 9am, 10k race 11am, 3k race 12pm
Hyde Park 
serpentine.org.uk 
Tube: Lancaster Gat

The Comedy Store Players, West End

Belly laugh your way out of the pain of a blinding headache with a start-of-the-year show from the legendary Comedy Store Players. Six top comedians – Paul Merton, Lee Simpson, Andy Smart, Niall Ashdown, Steve Edis and Suki Webster – perform hilarious, satirical and silly improvised sketches, comic dramas and games. It’s something of a British institution and has been going strong for the past 26 years. Make sure you don’t sit at the front … unless you’re game for getting involved in the show.

January 1. 7.30pm
1 Oxendon Street, SW1Y 4EE 
thecomedystore.co.uk 
Tube: Piccadilly Circus

Next page: Even more ideas for New Year's Day