New Year's Eve in Cornwall, around Mevagissey and St Austell, is mostly about harbour towns. Mevagissey holds a street party on the harbour to see in the New Year, Looe has fancy dress and fireworks, and the pubs stay busy until midnight. Then, if you're brave, there are sea dips on Boxing Day and New Year's Day along the coast.
We're The Rising Sun, the pub on the beach at Portmellon, a mile south of Mevagissey. Here's what's on in our part of Cornwall over the New Year, and what we know so far about our own plans.
What happens in Mevagissey on New Year's Eve?
Mevagissey welcomes the New Year with a street party on the harbour, under the Christmas lights. It's a village do rather than a ticketed event.
Parking is hard that night. Walk in, get dropped off, or stay nearby. Our Mevagissey Christmas lights guide has the parking advice.
Where are the nearest New Year's Eve fireworks?
The nearest big public display we know of is at Looe, on the south coast east of Fowey. Looe is known for its New Year's Eve fancy dress, with two free firework displays from Banjo Pier: an early one at 6pm for families with young children, and the traditional one at midnight. Collections are taken in the street. Check Looe's own listings in December for this year's details.
Further afield, the big towns like Newquay and St Ives put on their own nights.
What's on at The Rising Sun on New Year's Eve?
New Year's Eve 2026 is a Thursday. We have our very own New Years Eve party, a free event, a good ole fashion knees up and its now confirmed with have the amazing dj little legs performing from 9pm to 1am, bringing a retro 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 00’s vibe to the beach. Check out our NYE blog post for details
The Rising Sun Inn is a 17th-century free house on the beach at Portmellon, a mile from Mevagissey in south Cornwall, with Cornish ales, locally sourced food, live music and sea-view rooms. Dogs welcome in the pub. You can see in the New Year with the sea outside the window.
Can I stay over for New Year near Mevagissey?
Yes, and we'd recommend it. Taxis book up fast on New Year's Eve. Our two sea-view rooms above the pub are room only (no breakfast), up a flight of stairs, with check-in from 4pm and check-out by 10am. Dogs are welcome in the pub but not in the rooms. Book on the rooms page. If we're full, our guide to where to stay in south Cornwall in winter has other options nearby.
Where can I do a New Year's Day swim in Cornwall?
Last year's New Year's Day swims included Newquay Harbour Beach and Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth, both at midday. New Year's Day 2027 is a Friday. Dates and times change, and swims are called off in rough seas, so check with the organisers the day before.
However, why not just come to Portmellon, we are right on the sea and our cove is amazing, if the sea is not too rough there will be plenty of locals taking a dip on New years day, come and join us.
Is Cornwall good for New Year's Eve?
We think so, if you want something quieter than a city. The harbours are lit, the pubs are full of locals, and on New Year's Day you can walk it off on an empty beach or the coast path (in daylight). For the rest of the season at the pub, including our Xmas Party Nights on 28 November, 12 December and 19 December, see Christmas at The Rising Sun and What's On.
Quick answers
Does Mevagissey celebrate New Year's Eve? Yes. A street party is held on the harbour to welcome in the New Year, under the Christmas lights.
Where are the nearest New Year's Eve fireworks to Mevagissey? The nearest big display we know of is in Looe, with a family display at 6pm and the main one at midnight. Check this year's details in December.
Is there a Boxing Day dip near St Austell? Last year Charlestown held one at 11.30am on Boxing Day, raising money for Young People Cornwall. Check this year's date and time nearer Christmas.
Can I stay at The Rising Sun for New Year? Yes, if there's room. We have two sea-view rooms above the pub, room only. Book early on our rooms page.
The Rising Sun Inn, 2 Portmellon Park, Portmellon, Mevagissey, Saint Austell PL26 6PL · 01726 473214 · Book a room