There’s a long period from just before Xmas to normality in the middle of January. However, it’s not as bad as it used to be. Time was that shops were closed or open but empty, and there was no food to be had, even basics, until some weeks into January.
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is always a time for celebration, especially in big cities, for some at least.
London people used to go to Trafalgar Square or down onto the Embankment, to get drunk and loud and abusive and to fight and attack each other. There was a lot of injury and stealing and it was not nice. (In truth, it was more a tourist thing)
Getting home was a pain, often needing a long walk as there were no tubes.
But it’s all changed. We avoided it then and we do now, but we understand that, if you’re a visitor, you will want to see the fun. And if you’re in central London, getting home will be fine.
The big event is the firework display over the Thames.
The best viewpoint is across the river on the north bank. Be aware that there are over 100,000 people attending and you need to buy a ticket. Last year they were £20 and were gone very quickly. Without a ticket, you will not see the show. Stay home or go to a bar or something, and watch on the tv in warmth and comfort and have fun.