There's no better way to welcome the new year than by watching the night sky light up with a dazzling display of fireworks, surrounded by those you love. This New Year's Eve, instead of watching distant fireworks on TV, why not turn the celebration into an adventure? You can make it even more special by planning a staycation to one of the best spots to ring in the new year, where you can enjoy the excitement of local fireworks shows firsthand.
Newcastle and Gateshead
New Year’s Eve is a time for spectacular celebrations, and Newcastle, known for its vibrant atmosphere, is the perfect place to ring in the new year with style. The city’s dazzling fireworks display lights up the sky, accompanied by live music and electric energy from the excited crowds. Previous years have featured everything from pyrotechnic performances to carnival parades, creating a festive and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re drawn by the incredible entertainment or simply want to soak in the lively atmosphere, Newcastle is a prime destination for welcoming the new year.
CrossCountry offers services to Newcastle from all over the UK, many of which come with a stunning view over the River Tyne as you cross the bridge from Gateshead into Newcastle. Whether you’re coming a long way - like from Edinburgh, Durham, or elsewhere in the UK, CrossCountry has a whole host of routes to get you to Newcastle in comfort.
St Ives, Cornwall
Get your glad rags on and get yourself down that favourite seaside spot - St Ives! Over the years, the St Ives celebrations in West Cornwall have grown from a local occasion to a full-blown event that people flock to for a great evening of costumes, fireworks, and fun. The fun tradition of fancy dress on New Year’s Eve in St Ives means that as you stand in the crowd watching fireworks become spellbinding colours in the night sky, you’ll be amongst all kinds of animals, aliens, characters, and much more!
St Ives is just a short train or bus ride away from St Erth station, which is on a direct line from Plymouth, Bristol, Exeter, and many different stations along the way.
Centenary Square, Birmingham
Join the biggest New Year’s celebration in the West Midlands at Birmingham’s stunning Centenary Square. This vibrant and modern space sets the stage for an unforgettable evening as England’s second city lights up the night sky with its magnificent fireworks display. With a history of bringing together people from all walks of life, Birmingham offers the perfect atmosphere to welcome the new year surrounded by excitement, joy, and a spectacular show to remember.
Only a ten minute walk away from Birmingham New Street station, not only is this a mesmerising New Year’s fireworks celebration, but it is also super convenient to reach from a whole host of UK towns and cities with CrossCountry services.
Hogmanay, Edinburgh
For a truly unforgettable New Year’s Eve, look no further than Edinburgh’s world-famous Hogmanay celebrations. While Hogmanay simply means the last day of the year in Scots, it has come to represent one of the most extraordinary New Year celebrations on the planet. As the heart of these festivities, Edinburgh delivers breathtaking fireworks displays, lively street parties, and large-scale events that create an electric atmosphere. Ring in the new year as Edinburgh Castle becomes the centrepiece of a spectacular fireworks show, making this historic city the ultimate destination to welcome the year ahead.
If you’re coming from the South, you can reach Edinburgh Waverley station from plenty of English cities and towns, including Durham, Darlington, Derby, and more. As you might expect, you can also reach Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations with ease from around Scotland, like from Dundee, Aberdeen, and Glasgow.
York Minster, York
Look to the year ahead in one of the UK’s most historic places, right outside York Minster in the city of York. There is something truly special about ringing in the New Year with chiming Church bells, and York Minster is one of the UK’s most striking and special churches. As the clock strikes midnight, marvel at the light and fireworks display by the Gothic cathedral, marking a fresh start in 2024. With so many fantastic restaurants and bars nearby to begin your celebrations, head to York Minster for New Year’s Eve fireworks with a captivating historical sensibility.
York is one of the many UK cities along the CrossCountry network, connected to Newcastle, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, and more. Hop on board your local CrossCountry service to York station to kick off your New Year’s Eve celebrations in style.
If you’re planning to see some of the UK’s best fireworks displays or you're looking for a place to see in the New Year, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Julia