New Year Extravaganza!
Are you thinking of spending New Year’s Eve 2023 in Cornwall? There are some fabulous New Year celebrations happening across the county, and we’ve collected a few of our highlights for you. Where would you like to say “Bledhen nowydh da” at midnight?
New Year’s Eve In St Ives 2023
Our hometown St Ives has become one of the top spots to see in the New Year, with people coming from all over the UK to celebrate by the sea.
What’s so special about New Year in St Ives? Firstly, it’s super-family-friendly, especially during the early evening. The streets are closed, and everyone parades through the town and harbour, usually dressed in the best fancy dress outfits they can find. Themed costumes are popular, so expect to see the Addams Family queuing for chips and a set of crayons propping up the bar.
Many places don’t serve food on New Year’s Eve but there’s a great choice of street food. Alternatively, some venues host pre-booked parties. We’ve found that one of the best things to do is book a table somewhere for the evening of the 30th (which is still an incredibly lively night in St Ives), then enjoy New Year’s Eve outdoors. Wander around soaking up the atmosphere before being wowed by the midnight firework display over the sea.
The Cathedral Masquerade, Truro
See in the New Year in style at one of the hottest tickets in town, The Cathedral Masquerade. This extraordinary event is held in the magnificent setting of Truro Cathedral, where you can expect spectacular aerial acrobatics, live music, DJs and a champagne bar.
Turn up in your best (and wearing a mask, of course) because you’ll be walking the red carpet when you arrive.This event is strictly for adults only, and we’d recommend booking asap because spaces are limited.
Otherwise, there’s always plenty going on across Truro at New Year’s Eve, from black tie dinners to firework displays.
New Year In Newquay
Like St Ives, New Year in Newquay involves finding your funniest or most glamorous fancy dress costume and heading out into the town. As you’d expect from Cornwall’s party town, there’s plenty happening both inside venues and in Newquay’s streets.
There’s always a good choice of ticketed parties among Newquay’s hotels and restaurants; however you may prefer to simply enjoy the lively atmosphere in the town, before heading down to the harbour for the midnight firework display.
See Mousehole Lights At New Year
If you’re on your Cornwall holidays with a young family, you might prefer to welcome 2024 in gentler style. Mousehole Lights are one of the highlights of the Christmas season in Cornwall. The pretty harbour village is festooned with Christmas lights, and there’s street food and music to enjoy.
The lights come on at dusk, so it’s the perfect evening event for littlies. Book a table at one of the village’s excellent places to eat or simply enjoy wandering among the lights. When the tide is right, the harbour beach is a lovely and exciting place for an evening scamper – expect to encounter many other welly-clad toddlers enjoying this unexpected evening treat.
And On New Year’s Day…?
If you’re greeting 2024 with a slightly woolly head, spend New Year’s Day blowing away the cobwebs. Cornwall now has a firm tradition of Christmas and New Year “dips”, and there are organised New Year swims on beaches across the county.
If this seems a bit extreme for your delicate state, try a refreshing walk along Penzance prom or St Ives harbour. For a longer walk, head for the beautiful Camel Trail mixed-use pathway, which runs between Padstow and Wenford Bridge. Many people come out for a walk on New Year’s Day in Cornwall, so it’s a genial and relaxed way to spend the morning or afternoon.
Feeling fresh anyway? Mark the New Year with something a bit different, such as ice skating at the Eden Project. Many Cornish attractions are open on New Year’s Day, including the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth, Pendennis Castle and the Lost Gardens of Heligan (morning only).
Cornwall Holiday Cottages for New Year 2023
Find the perfect base for your New Year in Cornwall. Celebrate 2024 in comfort and luxury in one of our Cornwall holiday cottages. If you’re planning to see in the New Year at home, our cosy cottages with features like wood burners, hot tubs and fire pits make wonderful at-home venues. Just add champagne.