Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day Sea Swims in Cornwall 2023
Every year on Christmas day, boxing day and new years day, people voluntarily run into the Cornish sea in...
by Alice Parry / Blog
This spectacular street celebration is St Ives’ most famous and exciting time of year.
Enjoy fancy dress, live music, partying in the street and fireworks by the harbour. You won’t soon forget a New Year’s Eve in St Ives!
This annual celebration is a great occasion for everyone, including families, couples and groups.
We’ve put together a guide on everything you need to know about spending New Year’s Eve in St Ives…
The celebrations start early. Roads around the town centre and harbour front will close to traffic from 6pm.
This allows the early bird revellers to take to the streets. Parents with young children or big families tend to take the first sitting.
They appear early on in their costumes, kicking off the celebrations in style.
During the early evening, the local shops, pubs and bars are very welcoming towards families. They offer a safe, fun-filled experience for everyone.
Fancy dress is not obligatory, but it is the perfect opportunity to be a little outrageous!
You’ll be the odd one out if you don’t dress up.
We’ve seen everything from light-up jellyfish, hefty seagulls, and The Incredibles family. To Donald Trump, Oompa Loompas and even a St Ives postcard!
There are a handful of great charity shops in St Ives selling second hand clothes.
Visit one of these shops to find some quirky costumes, and help charities and local business at the same time.
For something to really blow fellow party-goers away, head to Kidz R Us at St Ives Theatre. Every year they offer a costume hire service, with the profits raised going back to the theatre.
You can also make a trip to Streetlife Fancy Dress Shop on Ventor Terrace, near the top of Porthmeor Hill for more great St Ives fancy dress options.
New Year celebrations spread throughout the St Ives town. The harbour front is where you’ll find the core of the activity.
Explore the streets and you’ll come across live music in the pubs and bars. The music ranges from traditional folk to modern covers.
If weather permits, the beach becomes a gathering point. The sands are lit up by the St Ives Christmas lights. Bring along a fold up chair and a blanket and watch the antics continue.
Do you prefer to people-watch and take in your surroundings from a plush chair rather than be on your feet?
If the answer is yes, then think about making a reservation at one of St Ives’ seafront restaurants.
There are several restaurants perched right on the seafront by the harbour. Check out our guide to St Ives restaurants to decide where to make your reservations.
For those who prefer a less formal meal or street food, there’s still plenty of choice. Grab fish and chips from one of the local shops, or order a takeaway to tuck into on the beach.
You could even pop into a bakery and get a Cornish pasty on the go!
As the seconds tick by closer to midnight, head to the harbour front. Join the crowds as you collectively count down to the New Year and point your gaze towards the pier.
A fabulous firework display will light up the town at midnight to bring in the New Year in style.
The day after the night before. New Year’s Day in St Ives is a peaceful affair.
Cafés and bars start to open mid-morning, allowing you to grab much needed coffees and breakfast.
The fresh sea breeze helps to clear the foggiest of heads too!
Drinking is allowed in the street, as long as you use plastic cups (no glass).
Yes, up until around 9pm.
If you have to bring a car, get to St Ives much earlier in the day. The car parks get full very quickly and St Ives roads close from 6pm.
Try the following car parks; St Ives train station, Leisure Centre, Barnoon, Rugby Club or Stennack Surgery. The train station car park is good for anyone wanting to leave after midnight.
Most Carbis Bay Holidays properties have parking spaces so you won’t need to worry about parking!
Unfortunately, no there aren’t many! It’s best to book one in advance if you definitely know you’re going to need one.
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a New Year’s Eve break to St Ives. At Carbis Bay Holidays, we have a beautiful range of holiday homes in Carbis Bay and St Ives to choose from.
Begin your New Year in style in a luxury Carbis Bay Holiday home.
Use our best coastal walks in Cornwall guide as a way to blow away the cobwebs after a heavy night celebrating.
Or, why not choose from one of the best spa days in Cornwall to begin the new year relaxed?
Adapted from content originally created by Tony Townsend.
by Alice Parry / Blog
Hi, I’m Alice! Since joining the Sykes family in April 2018 my love for UK staycations has only increased. From the beautiful be...
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