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Have a New Year's Day out: hot tubs, naked rollerskaters and food markets

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Ah New Year's Day, that 24-hour period after many of us have obliterated our livers in a single evening and need to do some serious recuperating. Typically this is done from the confines of our beds and sofas, but here's an idea – just wait, you're gonna love it – try… stepping outside! It's mad, but it just might work. Distract your aching head/throat/stomach with one (or more, if you're feeling truly nuts) of our fun-filled NYD suggestions.

Hang out in a Hackney Wick hot tub

Soak is offering two-hour, apres-ski style party slots (£20pp) throughout the day, starting at 2pm, during which you can chill (or warm?) with friends in an outdoor, wood-fired tub while waiters bring drinks direct to your tub.

Do something thought-provoking

Take a stroll along The Line, an art trail between The O2 and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park featuring sculptures by Damien Hirst, Martin Creed, Eduardo Paolozzi and more (visit the-line.org for a map of the route). Or head to Eddie Peake's performative takeover in the Barbican's curve, with live actors interacting with the space around them (including naked rollerskaters), before exploring human consciousness at Ann Veronica Janssens' 'State of Mind' exhibit (pictured above) at the Wellcome Collection in Euston.

© Nick Reynolds

Look in on the New Year's Day Parade

The parade celebrates its thirtieth year in 2016 and takes place throughout central London. More than 8,500 performers representing 20 countries will take part, including Pearly Kings and Queens, cheerleaders, marching bands, dancers and representatives from West End shows.

@StKats

Mooch around one of the few markets open today

Try the St Katharine Docks Good Food Market, where you'll find a selection of food from all over the world, and London Bridge City Christmas Market, which has German-style chalets serving mulled wine, handmade crafts and a variety of food, plus there's a free pop-up cinema to boot.

© Johan Persson

Have a bit of a laugh

Head to the production we gave a very respectable four stars to, 'The Book of Mormon', by ‘South Park’ creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone.

© Joanna Woodley

 

Get yer skates on while you still can

Most rinks are only open until early January. Here's where you can still glide around the ice:

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

Natural History Museum Ice Rink

Tower of London Ice Rink

Eyeskate at the London Eye

Skate at Somerset House

Ice Skating at Wembley Park

Westfield, Shepherd's Bush 

Canary Wharf Ice Rink

Get some air in your lungs 

Shake off the hangover and get some ‘bracing air’ into your lungs by stomping around one of London's best parks. Don't worry, there are lots of benches to rest on every time it all gets a bit too much. If the idea of being around people is all a bit too much, try one of London's best hidden green spaces instead. 

If you’re keen to get crunching calories, this alternative tube map shows how many calories you burn walking between stations.

Detox

If getting healthy is high on your list or you’re just jumping on the bandwagon whilst the hangover lasts, try a detox restaurant and stock up on super foods. Try The Detox Kitchen or one of London’s best rawvegan or vegetarian restaurants

Tea’s up

Tea is known to cure any confusion or ailment the British might suffer (that includes hangovers). Here are the best afternoon teas to keep you caffeinated and cosy and if that’s not enough, we’ve got the 15 quirkiest teas, too. Chocolate teacups at the ready. 

More jolly holiday events, activities and pop-ups to entertain you this Christmas.

By Danielle Goldstein and Claire Tayler.

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