Newquay / Events
Christmas in Newquay
Newquay's Christmas starts with a lantern parade and builds to a free weekend on the Killacourt, with the lights switch-on and fireworks over the harbour. Here are the 2026 dates and what the organisers have published so far.
The dates
The Festive Weekend, day by day
Three free days on the Killacourt, run by Newquay Town Council. The council had published the Friday switch-on times but not the full running order when we checked.
Friday 27 November
Starts at 3pm with a Christmas market, a bar and a fairground ride. Oll an Gwella, Bubbles the Pixie, Rock Choir Cornwall and Strut Productions perform. The lights go on between 6.30pm and 6.45pm, then five minutes of fireworks over the harbour, then Still Dizzy.
Saturday 28 November
The market, the bar and craft activities through the day. Joe Hurworth and Selena Brose play, and Take a Chance on Us closes with ABBA hits.
Sunday 29 November
Family fun day: an inflatable snow globe, a children's disco and show, Elevate Youth Theatre and the Magical Christmas Mermaid, with the market open.
Part of Trebarwith Crescent is closed from 4pm to 8pm on the Friday. Allow extra time if you are driving in.
The lantern parade
On Friday 20 November, schools, community groups and residents carry handmade lanterns through Trenance Gardens from 5.30pm. The parade ends at Trenance Heritage Cottages, where the cottage lights are switched on. It is free.
You can make a lantern beforehand at C-Space on The Crescent. The community workshop is on Saturday 14 November from 10.30am to 3pm and is free, with no booking. The adult workshop on Thursday 19 November, 5.30pm to 9.30pm, costs £15, is for ages 16 and over, and has to be booked.
Also on
Bank Street markets
Newquay BID's street markets run from 10am to 2pm on Saturdays 5, 12 and 19 December.
The panto
Dick Whittington at the Lane Theatre, 3 to 6 December at 7pm, with a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday. Tickets are £10.
Lane TheatreMore at the Lane Theatre
Twelve Days of Christmas on Sunday 13 December at 4.30pm and 7.30pm (£17), and the Johnny Cowling Christmas Show on Thursday 17 December at 8pm (£15).
Lane TheatreStaying on for the new year? See New Year's Eve in Newquay.
Common questions
- When are Newquay's Christmas lights switched on in 2026?
- On Friday 27 November 2026, between 6.30pm and 6.45pm, on the Killacourt. Five minutes of fireworks over the harbour follow.
- Is Newquay's Festive Weekend free?
- Yes. Newquay Town Council says entry, entertainment and activities are free unless stated otherwise.
- When is the Newquay lantern parade?
- Friday 20 November 2026 at 5.30pm, through Trenance Gardens to Trenance Heritage Cottages.
Checked against Newquay Town Council, Newquay BID and the Lane Theatre on 10 November 2026. The council says full timings for the Festive Weekend are still to come.
Sources: Newquay Town Council: Festive Weekend · Newquay Town Council: lantern parade · Newquay BID: Newquay at Christmas · Lane Theatre