As the final days of 2025 slip away, the anticipation along Brighton’s iconic seafront becomes almost tangible. With its legendary nightlife, this city-by-the-sea doesn’t just host a party; it delivers an experience, perfectly poised to be the best place to say goodbye to 2025 and dance into 2026.
Whether you dream of a black-tie gala with ocean views, dancing to disco classics until dawn, or a quirky, intimate celebration, your perfect New Year’s Eve is waiting in Brighton and the wider Sussex region. Here’s your essential guide to planning an unforgettable start to the new year and don’t forget to reserve your holiday rental in Brighton with MyGetaways for somewhere to stay.
The Grand Affair: Glamorous Galas & Fine Dining
For those who believe the turn of the year calls for elegance, Brighton’s hotels and restaurants deliver unforgettable sophistication.
- The Grand Brighton’s New Year’s Eve Ball: Welcome 2026 in the height of style at one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The evening begins with a champagne reception, followed by a delectable four-course tasting menu in the elegant Empress Suite.
- Carnival Extravaganza Gala: Step into a night of “luxe-meets-carnival flair” at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole. This charity gala in support of the Starr Trust offers first-class hospitality with welcome drinks, canapés, a three-course feast, wine, and midnight bubbles, with entertainment lasting until 1am. The dress code is black tie with a carnival twist.
- Coastal Dining at The White Horses: Escape to the coastal bliss of Rottingdean for an adults-only Gala Dinner. The evening features a specially curated three-course menu of seasonal British produce, a glass of fizz at midnight, and live entertainment from a jazz singer and DJ.
- Timeless Glamour: Other notable options include a James Bond-inspired party at Bohemia, complete with a complimentary Prosecco welcome and bespoke cocktails, or the stylish countdown at the newly opened No. 124 Brighton hotel.
The Ultimate Party: Dancing Into the New Dawn
If your plan is to dance until your feet ache, Brighton’s venues have you covered with an incredible array of themes and sounds.
- PRYZM Brighton: Consistently hosting one of the biggest parties on the South Coast, PRYZM’s 2025 event promises a UV-themed spectacle with lights, glow sticks, inflatables, and top DJs.
- Komedia’s Triple Threat: One venue, three epic choices. Laugh into the new year with top comedians at the NYE Comedy Club, get down to nothing but the best 1970s disco at Boogie Wonderland, or embrace Goth, post-punk, and new wave at the legendary Spellbound alternative 80s party.
- The Mesmerist: This iconic multi-space venue in The Lanes is a party in itself. With DJs across three floors, a restaurant, live music stage, cocktail bars, and a roof garden, you can dance, drink, and toast your way into 2026 until 3am.
- Unique Celebrations:
- Silent Disco at Shelter Hall: Don your headphones for three channels of party magic at this stunning seafront venue, with the option to dine in cosy private igloos beforehand.
- Our Roots: Brighton Dome joins forces with local collectives for the ultimate queer NYE party—a glitter-filled space to dress up, feel free, and dance to pop, R&B, house, and queer bangers.
- Barbara’s Bier Haus & The Lido: For a lively vibe, head to Barbara’s for a Bavarian-style “après” party with steins and live music, or to The Lido for soulful and funky covers of legends like Bowie, Amy Winehouse, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
Something Different: Quirky & Unique Celebrations
True to its character, Brighton excels at offering celebrations that are anything but ordinary.
- Karaoke & Games: Belt out power ballads in a private room at Lucky Voice Brighton, or combine arcade games, a race track, and a DJ-led knees-up at The World’s End.
- Roaring Twenties Speakeasy: Step back in time at The Bootlegger for an evening of live piano, themed cocktails, and a Prohibition-era vibe.
- Vinyl Vibes & Circus Fun: Discover craft beer and a strictly non-commercial vinyl playlist at Dead Wax Social.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Start the celebrations early with Kidz With Attitude, a daytime club where kids and guardians can enjoy DJs, dance-offs, face painting, and games together.
Celebrations Beyond Brighton: Sussex’s New Year Magic
The festive spirit extends far beyond the city limits, with enchanting events across Sussex perfect for a memorable day or evening out.
| Event | Location | Experience & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Eve Dining Train | Bluebell Railway | Celebrate aboard a vintage steam train with a festive dinner journey. |
| Christmas in the Land of Oz | Hever Castle & Gardens | Follow the Yellow Brick Road through illuminated, twinkling gardens until early January. |
| A Christmas Enchantment | Petworth House | Wander through dreamlike, nature-inspired rooms adorned with festive decor. |
| Magical Christmas at Tilgate Park | Tilgate Park, Crawley | Visit Santa’s Grotto, enjoy free entertainment, festive food, and family rides on select December dates. |
| The Jungle Book Christmas | Bateman’s (Rudyard Kipling’s home) | Explore the family home adorned with handcrafted decorations based on the classic tale. |
Plan Your Perfect Brighton & Sussex Getaway
To ensure your New Year’s escape is seamless, a little planning goes a long way.
- Book Early: Tickets for popular dinners, parties, and igloo experiences sell out quickly. Secure your accommodations and event tickets as soon as possible.
- Consider Transport: Brighton is well-connected by train and bus. If you’re staying in a Sussex village, check local taxi services for your return journey.
- Explore Your Options: From cosy pubs with roaring fires to vibrant LGBTQ+ parties, there’s a celebration for every taste. For the full spectrum of events, visit local guides like Design My Night or the Visit Brighton blog.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, Brighton and Sussex offer the perfect backdrop to end one year and begin another. Staying at one of our holiday rentals in Brighton is the perfect way to make sure you have a relaxing place to stay at the end of New YearHere’s to a joyful finale to 2025 and a brilliant start to 2026