Newquay’s Christmas lights date set, with fireworks over the harbour

Fireworks over the harbour, a glowing parade through Trenance Gardens and a weekend of free music on the Killacourt. Newquay has set out its Christmas plans for 2026, and most of it won’t cost you a penny.

Newquay Town Council has unveiled the programme for Newquay at Christmas 2026, with festive events running through November and December. It includes the Lantern Parade and Trenance Cottage Light Switch On, a three-day Festive Weekend, the town’s main Christmas Lights Switch On and Fireworks Display, and a series of Christmas street markets in the town centre.

Lantern Parade through Trenance Gardens

Festivities begin on Friday 20 November with the Lantern Parade and Trenance Cottage Light Switch On. Local schools, community groups and residents will carry glowing handmade lanterns through Trenance Gardens before gathering at Trenance Heritage Cottages for the switch on.

Want to carry your own? Ahead of the event, Blystra Arts will run a series of community and adult lantern-making workshops for anyone wanting to make one for the parade.

The parade is delivered through a partnership between Newquay Town Council, Newquay BID and Blystra Arts, with sponsorship from WAX Events and The Atlantic Hotel.

📷Christmas Market on the Killacourt. Credit: Mike Searle

Three free days on the Killacourt

The following weekend brings Newquay’s Festive Weekend, on the Killacourt from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November. The free programme features the main Christmas Lights Switch On, a fireworks display over Newquay Harbour, live music, a Christmas market, family entertainment and children’s activities.

Friday 27 November: lights, fireworks and Still Dizzy

The weekend gets underway on the Friday afternoon with the opening of the market and performances from Oll an Gwella, Bubbles the Pixie and Strut Productions. As darkness falls, attention turns to the Christmas Lights Switch On and the fireworks over the harbour. Local favourites Still Dizzy then headline the evening.

Part of Trebarwith Crescent will be closed between 4pm and 8pm for the switch on and fireworks. Drivers are advised to allow extra time and follow any signed diversions.

Saturday 28 November: shopping and live music

Saturday is all about Christmas shopping and free live entertainment, with music from Joe Hurworth and Selena Brose. Take a Chance on Us close the day with a celebration of ABBA’s greatest hits.

Sunday 29 November: Family Fun Day

On Sunday the Killacourt becomes a Family Fun Day, with an inflatable snow globe, a children’s disco, performances from Elevate Youth Theatre, appearances from the Magical Christmas Mermaid and a host of free activities.

“Fantastic that the programme is free”

Mayor of Newquay, Cllr Drew Creek, said: “One of the things that makes Newquay such a special place is the strength of our community, and Newquay at Christmas is a chance to celebrate that. These events bring people of all ages together to share in the excitement of the Christmas season.

“At a time when many families are feeling the pressure of rising costs, it’s fantastic that the programme is free to enjoy. I hope residents and visitors will come along, support our local businesses, spend time with friends and family, and help create some wonderful memories in the heart of our town this Christmas.”

Christmas Street Markets on Bank Street

Alongside the main programme, Newquay BID has introduced Christmas Street Markets on Bank Street. They run from 10am to 2pm on Saturdays 5, 12 and 19 December.

Mark Warren, of Newquay BID, said: “We’re really excited to be working alongside Newquay Town Council, Cornwall Shop Small and all our fantastic partners to deliver an amazing Christmas in Newquay this year. We’ve got a brilliant programme of festive events planned, with something for everyone to enjoy.

“Alongside our existing Christmas celebrations, we’re also introducing additional Christmas Street Markets on Bank Street, taking place on Saturdays in the run-up to Christmas. These will bring even more festive atmosphere into the town centre and give people another reason to come in and explore.”

He added: “Most importantly, we’d love to see our local community supporting our fantastic independent businesses this Christmas. Even buying just one extra gift locally rather than online makes a real difference, supporting local jobs, businesses and our town’s economy.

“So come into Newquay, enjoy the festivities, shop local, spend local and help us make this a fantastic Christmas for our town.”

A marquee of local makers

Cornwall Shop Small returns to co-host and curate the market for Newquay at Christmas. Sarah Curley, of Cornwall Shop Small, said: “We’re so excited to be returning to co-host and curate the market for Newquay at Christmas. The marquee will brim with a changing lineup of the very best local arts, crafts and festive treats from Cornwall’s independent creators. It’s the perfect opportunity to shop small, support local, and celebrate the season in a truly spectacular coastal setting.”

Boardmasters provides the tree again

Newquay at Christmas is supported by a range of organisations, businesses and community partners. Boardmasters has once again provided Newquay’s Christmas tree on the Killacourt.

Boardmasters spokesperson Robert Spring said: “We are delighted to support Newquay this festive season by contributing towards the community Christmas tree on the Killacourt. Seeing the town come alive and bring people together throughout the year has been fantastic, and we are proud to continue working alongside Newquay Town Council and local partners to help make this Christmas extra special for residents and visitors alike.”

Full event information, timings and booking details are on the Newquay Town Council events page. Updates are posted on social media by @NewquayTownCouncilEvents.

📷Fireworks over Newquay Harbour. Credit: Mike Searle