Festive Fun: How to Celebrate Christmas in Perth This Year

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Perth is transforming into a magical wonderland, filled with twinkling lights, holiday markets, and plenty of joyful celebrations.

Whether you're after family-friendly fun, festive dining, or unique ways to soak up the Christmas spirit (read: gazing at some seriously impressive Christmas lights aboard a boat), this city has it all.

Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do this Christmas in Perth.

Wander through the Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail

Nothing says Christmas like dazzling displays of festive lights, and Perth delivers in a big way. The spectacular Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail is back in town, lighting up the city for 41 nights with 20 amazing light installations. Look out for giant Christmas trees and reindeer, interactive projections, and the laughing Christmas Kookaburra – perfect for a family snap! 

Mandurah Christmas Lights Cruise

Glide through a sparkling wonderland on the Mandurah Christmas Lights Cruise, where glass of Champagne in hand, you’ll take in over 200 waterfront homes dressed in dazzling festive displays. The canal residents go all out every December, creating magical, detailed illuminations that light up the night. Without a boat of your own, the best way to experience this spectacle is aboard one of Mandurah’s many cruise operators.

Pair this enchanting adventure with the city’s festive highlights, like the Christmas Lights Trail (November 29th until January 5th), and Carols in the Park (December 14th), for a holiday season to remember.

Mandurah

Neighbourhood Christmas Light Trails

Nothing says Christmas quite like a dazzling display of lights, and Perth’s festive community knows how to deliver! Thanks to Synergy’s Community Trails, you can explore 32 twinkling routes lovingly curated by local Christmas lights enthusiasts. These trails guide you through the most spectacular homes and neighbourhoods, where holiday spirit shines brightly in extravagant displays of colour and cheer. Grab your loved ones, hop in the car, and let the magic unfold as you discover these luminous gems. It’s a perfect way to embrace Christmas in Perth. 

Enjoy 'The Magic of Christmas' at Wanneroo Botanic Gardens

Bring your Christmas season to life at The Magic of Christmas at Wanneroo Botanic Gardens, a sparkling tradition perfect for families. Just a quick five-minute drive from Joondalup, these breathtaking gardens come alive from late November to early January, transforming into a festive wonderland. Stroll through five acres of stunning landscapes illuminated by dazzling light displays and twinkling trees that capture the magic of the season.

Sitchu Tip: For added fun, enjoy a round of Glow Golf, a luminous experience sure to delight kids and adults alike. 

25 Drovers Place, Wanneroo 

Skip Merrily Along the Subiaco Twilight Trail

Experience the Subiaco Twilight Trail and let your holidays sparkle! Subiaco has transformed into a glowing wonderland for the Christmas season, with seven stunning light installations, including a giant golden tree and dazzling photo moments. The magic extends to Shenton Park, where an eighth installation shines brightly on the corner of Onslow Road and Excelsior Street.

Starting at 5pm each evening, this enchanting trail is perfect for families and friends to explore, capture cherished memories, and bask in the festive spirit. 

Until 31st December, from 5pm every night

Subiaco, Perth

See City of Vincent All Lit Up!

Christmas has arrived in the City of Vincent, lighting up the town with glowing cheer! Until early January, enjoy stunning Christmas displays every evening from 6.30pm. Wander through glittering tree lights, whimsical walk-throughs, and festive photo ops, including reindeer, stars, baubles, and a giant present. Visit Braithwaite Park, Axford Park, Leederville Town Centre, and more for magical moments.

Sitchu Tip: Follow the Christmas trail map for the ultimate holiday adventure!

Do You Even 'Gnome' Brookfield Place?

This Christmas in Perth, get ready for a gnome-tacular Christmas at Brookfield Place, where six larger-than-life gnomes will sprinkle a little holiday magic around every corner! These cheeky giants are the perfect selfie companions—just make sure to look high and low to find them all!

From mischievous grins to festive fun, these gnomes are bringing some serious cute vibes to the CBD. Don’t miss out on this whimsical experience—it’s like no other!

Until 3rd January

125 St Georges Terrace, Perth

Shop Local at Christmas Markets

Perth sparkles with Christmas magic, and its festive markets are a delightful way to soak up the season while ticking off your gift list. Wander through Central Park’s Christmas Markets (December 4th to 5th), where lush gardens host artisan goodies, fresh produce, and a bauble decorating station. Feel the festive cheer at the Claremont Boutique Christmas Market (December 13th to 15th), sipping bubbles as you explore handcrafted treasures, or head beachside for the Summer X Salt Christmas Markets (December 7th, 14th, 21st), brimming with eco-friendly stalls. Don’t miss the Perth Hills Artisan Markets (December 14th to 15th) for handmade, heartfelt gifts and cosy holiday vibes. 

Festive Dining

Our December calendar wouldn’t be complete without indulging in Perth’s fantastic festive dining experiences. Whether you're planning a luxurious meal or a laid-back catch-up with friends, the city’s dining scene has you covered. For an unforgettable celebration, book a table at Wildflower, one of Perth’s most renowned restaurants. Their seasonal menus, inspired by native Australian ingredients, offer a sophisticated take on Christmas classics. Celebrate with stunning views of the Swan River at Cooee. If you're after something more relaxed, The Camfield, Australia’s largest pub, is a go-to for group gatherings with a lively vibe.

See more festive dining experiences here

Watch Christmas Movies Outdoors

There’s something magical about enjoying a Christmas movie under the twinkling night sky, and Perth’s outdoor cinemas deliver! Grab your picnic blanket or settle into a cosy beanbag, and indulge in the nostalgia of holiday classics with loved ones. Rooftop Movies and Moonlight Cinema screen festive classics like Home Alone, Love Actually and Elf throughout December. Make it a tradition and revel in the magic.

68 Roe Street, Perth 

Carols by Candlelight 

Join your community for an evening of song and Christmas vibes at Carols by Candlelight. Iconic locations all over Perth host these heartwarming events, where families gather with candles to sing classic carols, indulge in delicious food truck fare and soak up the festive spirit. It’s a quintessential Christmas experience. 

We recommend Fever's Candlelight Concert series, bringing the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to Perth's beautiful town hall. With a programme elevated by violin, viola and cello that includes hits like Happy Xmas (War is Over), Frosty the Snowman and All I Want For Christmas is You, across two times over three nights (Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd December), let you're yuletide. 

Meet Santa at the Zoo

Bring the kids to meet Santa at the Perth Zoo. Santa’s grotto has been transformed into a festive wonderland, adorned with sparkling decorations, twinkling lights, and a touch of holiday magic setting the scene for heartwarming family photos.

After your visit with Santa, explore everything the zoo has to offer. Stroll through lush pathways and discover animals from around the globe. 

20 Labouchere Road, South Perth

Christmas in Perth adds an extra layer of sparkle to our already spectacular city. For more festive inspiration, check out our guide to these markets in and around the city, as well as our selection of places to skip the clean-up and enjoy lunch out and about this Christmas.