Christmas in Perth brings sunny celebrations, fabulous light displays, and festive cheer under blue skies. From spectacular pageants and twinkling trails to waterfront dining and family-friendly markets, Perth transforms into a holiday wonderland each December.

1. Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail (28 November – 28 December)

Perth’s favourite festive tradition returns bigger and brighter than ever. The Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail features 22 dazzling light installations across the CBD and Northbridge, transforming the city into a glowing wonderland for 31 magical nights.

Explore the full trail or take “The Merry Mile” – a family-friendly 1.6km route perfect for little legs. Highlights include the spectacular Constellation Labyrinth in Cathedral Square and projections on St George’s Cathedral (from 7:45pm nightly). Enjoy festive entertainment and performances throughout the City on select nights, including visits from Santa Claus.

The trail runs from 6pm-1am nightly, and projections start around 7:45pm once the sun sets.

Perth CBD and Northbridge, various locations

2. Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant (6 December)

The 54th annual Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant brings Christmas magic to the streets of Perth with a parade you won’t forget. Expect festive floats, marching bands, performers, celebrities, dancers, and of course, the grand finale appearance from Santa himself aboard Fat Cat’s big red car.

The parade travels eastbound along St Georges Terrace from William Street, turning right into Victoria Avenue, crossing Terrace Road to turn left and finishing on Langley Park. Get there early to secure your spot – road closures begin at 3:30pm, and families are encouraged to arrive from midday onwards to enjoy free entertainment and settle in.

St Georges Terrace, Perth CBD | 7:00pm-9:00pm

3. Mandurah Christmas Lights Cruise (Late November – Early January)

WA’s biggest Christmas lights display comes alive along Mandurah’s canals, where more than 200 ornately decorated homes create a kaleidoscope of colour and festive wonder. This isn’t just a neighbourhood affair – it’s a full-blown tourism sensation drawing over 40,000 visitors each year.

The best way to experience the magic? From the water! Multiple cruise operators offer everything from luxury charters to pirate-themed adventures, complete with Christmas carols, the famous water wishing well (where coins are tossed for charity), and unbeatable 360-degree views of the gorgeous displays. Dress in your festive best, bring your own drinks (BYO allowed on most vessels), and prepare for an unforgettable evening.

Cruises depart nightly with tickets from $52 for adults, $35 for children aged 3-12. Most cruises run from late November through early January, departing at 7:15pm and 8:45pm.

Departing from Mandjar Square and Eastern Foreshore, Mandurah

4. Lotterywest Festive Lights (13 – 14 December)

Elizabeth Quay transforms into a spectacular wonderland with a breathtaking 500-piece drone show combined with fireworks launching from the Elizabeth Quay footbridge at 8pm. In previous years, this event has run across two packed nights in late November/early December.

Entertainment includes roving performers, hula hoop workshops, sideshow alley, and the BHP Water Park. Food trucks and waterfront eateries provide plenty of delicious options.

Elizabeth Quay, Perth

5. Santa’s Christmas Village (6 – 24 December)

Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre becomes home to Perth’s ultimate Christmas celebration – an all-indoor wonderland bursting with festive fun and hands-on activities. Kids can watch PAW Patrol LIVE on stage, meet Santa, sing with reindeer, decorate gingerbread cookies, navigate the Holly Jolly Maze, and craft sparkling baubles.

With over 20 magical attractions and experiences, it’s designed to create memories little ones will treasure forever. This is Christmas entertainment on a grand scale, all under one roof and out of the summer heat.

Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre

6. Christmas Markets Around Perth (Various dates)

Perth’s Christmas markets bring together local makers, artisans, and festive spirit in locations across the city:

Joondalup Christmas Twilight Markets (Every Friday: 28 November -19 December) Get into the festive spirit at the Joondalup Christmas Twilight Markets in Central Walk. Enjoy live entertainment, free kids’ activities, over 40 market stalls offering unique gifts and goodies, and a special visit from Santa himself. Browse local artisan creations while exploring the array of local restaurants in the city centre.

Perth Makers Market – Christmas Twilight (29 November, 4pm-9pm) Supreme Court Gardens hosts over 80 WA makers and stallholders. Browse handmade gifts, indulge in food truck treats, enjoy live entertainment, and catch Santa’s special appearance. It’s relaxed, festive, and perfect for unique gift hunting.

South Perth Christmas Markets (14 December, 9am-12pm) The first-ever South Perth Christmas Markets at Mindeerup Piazza feature high-quality handmade products from local makers, plus free festive entertainment and family-friendly activities.

7. Christmas Carols and Concerts (Various dates)

Get into the festive spirit with Perth’s line-up of Christmas concerts and sing-alongs:

Brass on the Grass (7 December, 4pm-7pm) Victoria Gardens hosts a free community concert featuring the City of Perth Brass Band playing all your Christmas favourites. Bring a picnic blanket, enjoy children’s activities, face painting, and a surprise visit from Santa.

Carols in the City (20 December, 6:30pm-9:30pm) This free family-friendly celebration at Supreme Court Gardens includes pre-show entertainment, kids Santa-land, food vendors, and a fireworks finale. The carols start at 7:30pm.

Victoria Gardens, Supreme Court Gardens,

8. Christmas Nativity Show (21 -22 December)

A Perth tradition for over 25 years returns to Forrest Place for two special nights. See the traditional story of Christmas brought to life on stage with festive performers, talented singers, entertainers, dancers from Perth’s top dance companies, and choirs including WAAPA, One Big Voice, Second Chance Choir, Brownley Gospel Singers, and African Gospel Singers – all against a stunning backdrop of colour and visual effects.

It’s a show for everyone and a chance to sing along to your favourite Christmas carols. Admission is free, no tickets required.

Forrest Place, Perth | 7:00pm-9:00pm

9. Christmas Day Dining – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Skip the stress of cooking and let Perth’s restaurants handle the festive feast. Numerous venues across Perth offer special Christmas Day menus:

Breakfast Options:

• Rendezvous Perth Scarborough: Breakfast buffet featuring pancakes, bacon, pastries, and festive specials (8am-11am, Adults $55, Children 5-12 $35)
• Pagoda Resort & Spa: Christmas Day Buffet Breakfast with continental options and hot favourites (7am-10am)

Lunch and Dinner:

• Fraser’s Restaurant, Kings Park: Three-course set menu or buffet with oyster station, carvery, and Swan River views (tickets from $240 per adult)
• C Restaurant: Three-course lunch with unbeatable revolving views amongst the clouds (from 11am)
• Songbird Bar at Ritz-Carlton: Quintessentially Australian seafood experience featuring Abrolhos Island scallops, octopus, and oysters with Elizabeth Quay views
• Santini Grill at QT: Decadent spread of Christmas classics with a QT twist
• The Wray Hotel, Fremantle: Special 3-course Christmas lunch menu ($99pp)
• Wildflower: Six-course tasting lunch high above the clouds
• Esplanade Hotel Fremantle: Traditional Christmas spread with options in the Atrium Garden Restaurant or premium Gala Ballroom
• Crown Perth (Atrium Buffet, Firewater Grille): Multiple dining options from buffets to set menus

Bookings are essential and many venues fill up fast, so reserve early.

Various locations across Perth and Fremantle

10. Santa Photos and Meet & Greets (Throughout December)

Capture the magic with Santa at these top Perth locations:

Myer Santaland (8 November – 24 December) Follow the elves to the magical Santaland Express train at Myer’s North Pole. Kids can colour, play with Lego, post letters to Santa, watch festive films, and get photos. Entry is free with printed and digital packages from $29.95.

Perth Zoo (13 – 24 December) Meet Santa at Bulkit Station opposite the Elephant Amphitheatre, post letters to the North Pole, and snap endless pictures.

The Perth Mint (Fridays and Saturdays in December) Gold Santa swaps his famous red suit for something more glitzy, roaming the grounds dripping in gold. Professional photos are free of charge.

Myer Perth, Perth Zoo, The Perth Mint

11. Mandurah Christmas Lights Trail (28 November – 4 January 2026)

While you’re in Mandurah for the canal cruise, explore the City of Mandurah’s free Christmas Lights Trail. Running from 28 November to 4 January, the trail transforms the City Centre, Eastern Foreshore, and Mandurah Ocean Marina into a glowing wonderland of festive lights and colour.

Stroll along the trail every night, enjoy festive activations, and soak up the magical atmosphere just an hour south of Perth. It’s the perfect complement to your Christmas lights cruise.

Mandurah City Centre, Eastern Foreshore, and Mandurah Ocean Marina

12. Christmas on the Green (13 December)

Atwell Reserve transforms into a Christmas wonderland for this free, family-friendly evening featuring a Christmas symphony under the stars. Enjoy live performances from homegrown talent and Australian Idol finalist Gisella Colletti, carollers, roving Christmas characters, and festive fun for all ages.

Pack a picnic blanket and settle in for a magical evening celebrating the festive season.

Atwell Reserve

13. Beaufort Street Christmas Festival (13 December)

The annual Beaufort Street Christmas Festival kicks off at 4pm with activities for kids, local performers, community carols, and Twilight Markets featuring unique wares from local artists and craftspeople.

It’s a vibrant community celebration perfect for soaking up the festive atmosphere on one of Perth’s most loved streets.

St Albans Church grounds, Beaufort Street, Highgate | 4pm-8pm

14. Hillary’s Boardwalk Christmas (14 November – 19 December)

The boardwalk sparkles with Christmas cheer every Friday night from mid-November until Christmas. Roving Christmas performers fill the area with festive tunes and joyful energy, plus there’s a Christmas Selfie Swing – the ultimate festive photo spot by the water.

Free entertainment, beautiful waterfront views, and plenty of holiday spirit make this a regular Friday night tradition.

Hillary’s Boat Harbour

15. Elle Enchanted’s Family Fairytale Christmas Show (13 December)

Perth Town Hall hosts this magical family-friendly event featuring classical vocalist Elle Enchanted performing favourite Christmas songs alongside Dolce Ensembles and special guests. Expect delicious popcorn, fairy floss, and enchanting performances that captivate audiences of all ages.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience fairytale-inspired festive magic.

Perth Town Hall | 4pm

16. BrewDog Perth Christmas Family Fun Day (20 December)

Celebrate the festive season with a Christmas Family Fun Day at BrewDog Perth. From 2-5pm, kids can decorate baubles, enjoy balloon twisting, glitter tattoos, and meet Santa (visiting 3pm-5pm). Live music starts at 7pm, creating a full day of holiday cheer.

It’s casual, festive, and family-friendly – everything you want from a pre-Christmas celebration.

BrewDog Perth | 2pm-5pm (Santa 3pm-5pm), Live music from 7pm

17. Mandurah Christmas Pageant (28 Novemeber)

The festive season kicks off in style at the City of Mandurah Christmas Pageant, supported by Lotterywest. Watch the streets light up with over 30 dazzling floats, marching bands, dancers, and community groups spreading Christmas cheer through the city centre. The evening culminates with Santa’s grand arrival, officially launching Mandurah’s biggest celebration of the year.

Kids can join free creative workshops throughout the evening, and as a special bonus, the pageant marks the official first night of the Mandurah Christmas Lights Trail. Grab dinner from nearby restaurants, pick up takeaway, or bring a picnic to settle in along the route and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Eastern Foreshore and City Centre, Mandurah

18. Christmas Eve at The Claremont Hotel (24 December)

The Claremont Hotel hosts a special Christmas Eve celebration featuring crafts, carols, and a final chance to meet Santa before the big day. It’s a festive evening perfect for families looking to embrace the magic of Christmas Eve.

The Claremont Hotel, Claremont

19. Christmas Church Services (24 – 25 December)

For those looking to celebrate the religious significance of Christmas, Perth’s churches and cathedrals offer special services:

St George’s Cathedral (Anglican): Christmas Day services at 8am and 10am

St Mary’s Cathedral (Catholic): Multiple Mass times across Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Various other churches across Perth offer Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services – check individual church websites for times.

Various locations across Perth

20. Elizabeth Quay Fun Fair (6 December – 9 January 2026)

Perth City’s favourite summer tradition returns to the waterfront with the Elizabeth Quay Fun Fair. Set against the stunning backdrop of Elizabeth Quay, this free-entry fun fair delivers the ultimate holiday entertainment for the whole family.

Enjoy thrilling carnival rides, browse showbags, and test your skills at classic sideshow games throughout the summer season. The waterfront location makes it the perfect spot for a family night out, combining carnival fun with riverside dining and those iconic Perth city views.

Don’t miss the family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration at Elizabeth Quay, featuring spectacular fireworks displays at 8pm and midnight to ring in 2025.

Elizabeth Quay, Perth