New Year’s Eve falls on a Sunday this year, which means more of us won’t be working and can
start the festivities early. If you want to make the most of the final day of 2023, here’s our guide
for the best events happening during the day in Brighton on New Year’s Eve.
Many festive activities are running until 31st December or into January, so NYE could be the
perfect opportunity to see Brighton’s Christmas lights or Yuletide shows before 2024.
Check out our listing of the best pantomimes and festive shows. Sleeping Beauty at The Pavilion Theatre in Worthing and Snow White and the Seven Dwarves at The Royal Hippodrome in Eastbourne both have two NYE daytime shows.
Why wait until the evening to start the 2023 festivities? From Afternoon to Evening: New Year’s Eve Events in Brighton
| Royal Pavilion Ice Rink | Ice skating at the Royal Pavillion – food and drinks available. |
| A Christmas Carol | Escape room with Dickens-themed puzzles across multiple rooms. |
| Kids Party with Little Ravers | Children’s disco at The Hartington pub. |
| Kidz With Attitude | Daytime hip-hop, funk, and soul party for children. |
| Family-Friendly Ladies Mile Pub | Afternoon of fun with arts and music as well as visits through the day from special guests. |
| Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra | Afternoon concert at Brighton – soprano Ellie Laugharne performing. |
| Brighton Music Hall Party | Live music and drag performance with karaoke beach huts. |
| Paint & Sip NYE Party | Art workshop with wine and other drinks on offer. |
| Komedia Comedy Club | NYE gig with Laura Lexx, comedy, and a meal. |
| The Forge Comedy Club | Comedy event where Stephen Grant MCs with Joe Wells and more. |
Royal Pavilion Ice Rink
There are still some booking slots available on New Year’s Eve at the Royal Pavilion ice rink, which runs until 7th January. Ice skating is a really fun daytime activity and the staff here were really friendly and attentive when I slipped over in November (wear gloves!). Skate across the ice (anti-clockwise, remember) with the beautiful Brighton Dome as a backdrop.
Where: Royal Pavilion, Brighton, BN1 1FN
When: Until the 7th of January 2024.
Website: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/royal-pavilion-ice-rink-tickets/artist/1502139
A Christmas Carol at Preston Manor
We’ve checked and there are still timed slots available for Pier Pressure’s festive escape room A Christmas Carol at Preston Manor on its final day – 31st December. If you want to wring out the last of the Christmas spirit then take the opportunity to solve the Dickens-themed puzzle in a team of four to eight people this New Year’s Eve.
This experience allows guests to become part of the story, going from room to room to meet the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet To Come while solving puzzles and watching the story unfold. Tickets are from £26 per person and the minimum age is eight.
Where: Preston Drove, Brighton, BN1 6SD
When: 31st December 2023. Slots between 10 am – 5.30 pm.
Website: https://pierpressure.co.uk/escape-room/a-christmas-carol/
Fun for all the family on New Year’s Eve 2023 in Brighton
New Year’s Eve Kids Party with Little Ravers
It’s not just the adults who get a New Year’s Party this year. Little Ravers is back for children aged four plus with a disco, games and lots of fun at The Hartington pub with a daytime party. Entry is £5 per child and includes a goody bag. Accompanying adults do not need a ticket.
Where: 41 Whippingham Rd, Brighton, BN2 3PF
When: 31st December from 3 pm – 5 pm
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/new-years-eve-kids-party-with-little-ravers-tickets-763354101667
Kidz With Attitude – New Year’s Eve Special
Elsewhere, in the North Laine, there’s a daytime party for children in Komedia’s basement. Kidz With Attitude is a two-and-a-half hour club afternoon playing the best (non-explicit) hip-hop, funk and soul alongside great entertainment. There will be vinyl giveaways, face painting and even an early “midnight countdown”.
This one’s also for aged four plus with a maximum of three children to adult. Tickets are £10 for children, £12 for adults or £40 for a family of four (plus fees).
Where: 44-47 Gardner Street, Brighton, BN1 1UN
When: 30th and 31st December at 1.30 pm
Website: https://www.komedia.co.uk/brighton/christmas/kidz-with-attitude-new-years-eve-special/
A full day of family entertainment at The Ladies Mile Pub
Over in Patcham, there will also be an early midnight countdown for the kids (or anyone who wants to go to bed early) with Big Ben bongs at 8 pm on this family fun day in the hall. The Ladies Mile is laying on an afternoon of fun including visits through the day from special guests Peppa Pig, Spiderman, Elsa from Frozen and a magician.
There will also be arts and crafts, music and more. This popular pub will be serving Sunday roasts until 4 pm and then an evening NYE menu. Make sure you book ASAP if you want a table.
Where: 2 Mackie Ave, Patcham, Brighton, BN1 8RA
When: 31st of December from 2 pm
Website: https://theladiesmilepub.co.uk/
Daytime music on New Year’s Eve
Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra 2023/2024 New Year’s Eve Gala
There will be an afternoon concert at Brighton Dome on New Year’s Eve as the city’s philharmonic orchestra plays seasonal music by Lehár, Johann Strauss, Prokofiev and more. Stephen Bell will be conducting with operatic soprano Ellie Laugharne singing. Tickets range from £13 to £40.
Where: Church Street, Brighton, BN1 1UE
When: 31st of December at 2.45 pm
Website: https://brightondome.org/event/34033/brighton_philharmonic_orchestra/
Brighton Music Hall New Year’s Eve
NYE kicks off early at Brighton Music Hall with live music and drag from 11 am. “Party for free by the sea” is the invitation from this beachside outdoor venue (wrap up warm). New this year, Brighton Music Hall also features karaoke beach huts and igloos, which are free to hire (£100 minimum spend though). You just need to book.
Where: Brighton Music Hall, Kings Road Arches, Brighton, BN1 2LN
When: 31st of December from 11 am
Website: https://www.brightonmusichall.co.uk/
Paint & Sip
If you fancy doing some art while sipping some afternoon wine on New Year’s Eve, then Pinot and Picasso’s workshop could be a great activity for you. Tickets at £39 include all art materials, There is a bar available with drinks and snacks.
Where: Ground Floor, 127 Gloucester Rd, Brighton, BN1 4AF
When: 31st of December from 2 pm – 5 pm
Website: https://www.pinotandpicasso.uk/brighton/session/sunset-in-santorini-2/
Comedy in Brighton on New Year’s Eve
If you’d rather spend the early evening at a show rather than out on the town, or fancy some comedy on New Year’s Eve before some drinks at midnight, then there are two standout shows on offer.
Komedia Comedy Club New Year’s Eve
Laura Lexx will MC this NYE gig at Komedia in the North Laine with a line-up including Paul McCaffrey, Mamoun Elagab and Alistair Barrie. What we love about this venue is there’s food and drink on offer to enjoy while you’re laughing away at the end of the year.
Komedia has a New Year package offer where if you book comedy, a meal and tickets to its Boogie Wonderland NYE Disco in the evening, you can save up to £16. Ticket only from £42.
Where: 44-47 Gardner St, Brighton, BN1 1UN
When: 31st of December from 7 pm (Doors 6 pm) – 9.30 pm
Website: https://www.komedia.co.uk/brighton/christmas/komedia-comedy-club-new-years-eve/
The Forge Comedy Club New Year’s Eve Special
Over at Ironworks, Stephen Grant will be MCing an evening with comedians Joe Wells, James Ellis and Jen Brister. Tickets are priced at £15 and go up to £90 for the royal box. The bar will be open after the show until 11 pm.
Where: Ironworks Studios, 30 Cheapside, Brighton, BN1 4GD
When: 31st of December from 7.30 pm (Doors 6.30 pm) – 10 pm approx
Website: https://www.ironworks-studios.co.uk/31st-december-the-forge-comedy-club-new-years-eve-special
Once you’ve enjoyed your New Year’s Eve, check out our pick of the best parties and club nights happening in Brighton.
