New Years Eve: The Four Elements

Event information

Following last years’ sell-out event, our New Year’s Eve party is back, so come make natural history with us as we celebrate the arrival of 2024.

This event has passed, check back later this year for the 2024 event

Following our sold-out event in 2022, we’re back to make this year’s New Year's Eve another night to remember. 

This 31 December, we’re theming our celebrations around the four elements - earth, water, air and fire - so get thinking and have your best fancy dress at the ready. Come enjoy a cocktail with us and see in the new year, natural history style.

We’ve jam-packed the event with a whole lot of activities. Enjoy live music in Hintze Hall from special guests Old Dirty Brasstards and sets from And One DJ. Take part in a silent disco in Earth Hall and sessions from our regular animal handling experts Zoolab, plus you’ll get the chance to explore many of our galleries after dark. 

Remember to keep an eye out for our wandering acts throughout the evening and with our new, special VIP area, this year’s party promises to be bigger and better than ever. Tickets for our exclusive VIP area are limited, so make sure you bagsy one so you can enjoy its private bar, exclusive entertainment from the human jukebox, singer and pianist Kirsty Newton, interactive science content and a complimentary drink 

Get the earth quaking with your dance moves, start a Mexican wave, set the world on fire with your fantastic fancy dress and step into 2024 like a breath of fresh air.

Please note that some activity sessions have limited capacity and places will be offered on a first come first served basis. 

  • Important information

    Doors open at 20.00, last entry is at 22.00 and event ends at 01.30.

    This event is for those aged 18 and over. We’ll ask to see a valid form of photo ID on entry, as we operate a challenge 25 policy.

    You can’t bring your own alcohol in with you. We’ll be doing bag searches to check, and any alcohol will be confiscated. Further checks will be carried out at our VIP area.

    Bring an electronic or printed copy of your ticket with you.

    Sadly, we can’t give refunds or exchanges.

    This event is wheelchair accessible.

    Our cloakroom will be available to use.

    If you’re one of our Members, don’t forget to show your Member’s ID when you enter the event.

  • FAQs

    What does the event include?

    Enjoy live music in Hintze Hall from special guests Old Dirty Brasstards and sets from And One DJ, plus sessions of musical bingo will take place throughout the evening. We will also be running our popular Zoolab animal handling station where you can get up close to a range of critters. You will be able to explore our popular exhibitions Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Titanosaur: Life as the Biggest Dinosaur as well as select ground floor galleries. Tickets for our exclusive VIP area include a private bar, exclusive entertainment and science content and a complimentary drink.  

    I can no longer make the event can I get a refund?

    Unfortunately, we can’t give refunds or exchanges.

    Will there be food and drink to buy?

    There will be a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, light snacks and some hot food such as pizza available to buy.

    Which areas will be open?

    You’ll have access to our Dinosaurs Gallery, Images of Nature Gallery, Mammals Gallery, Hintze Hall and Earth Hall. You can also see our popular exhibitions Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Titanosaur: Life as the Biggest Dinosaur.

    What time can I arrive?

    Doors open at 20.00. Use our entrance on Cromwell Road. Last entry will be at 22.00. If you arrive early, we may ask you to queue outside the main gates, so dress for the weather.

    Which entrance should I go to?

    Go to our main entrance on Cromwell Road. We will be running two separate queues, so please ensure you join the correct queue based on the ticket type you have purchased.

    I can’t find my tickets, what do I do?

    Email us at feedback@nhm.ac.uk with your booking number and a short explanation of your situation and we’ll process the reissuing of your tickets.

    What time will the event finish?

    The event will finish at 01.30, though some activities will end before this time. Last orders at the bar will be 01.00.

    Is there a dress code?

    There’s no official dress code, wear whatever you feel most comfortable in. The theme for this event is the four elements, so feel free to wear fancy dress. The best costume will win an annual membership. 

    I have a very elaborate costume planned, are there any restrictions?

    If you plan to wear an elaborate costume, make sure it’s not indecent. Make sure you wear appropriate clothing underneath in case we have to ask you to remove your costume due to health and safety concerns.

VIP tickets

This year, for the first time ever, we will be offering a limited number of VIP tickets offering guests an exclusive area with a private bar, entertainment, a complimentary drink and more!

Discount Member tickets

Members can purchase discount tickets for this event. Please bring your membership card with you to the event. Not a Member?

Join today from just £62 per year.