You've found the ultimate holiday guide for Perth! Let us show you the best festive activities and events. Whether you're a Perth expert or a newcomer, this guide will enhance your holiday experience.
The City of Perth Christmas Lights Trail transforms the city into a sparkling wonderland with dazzling displays. Families will love the Perth Christmas Pageant, known for its vibrant parades and festive fun. And the Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering an electrifying procession of floats and performances. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Perth
- City of Perth Christmas Lights Trail
- Perth Christmas Pageant
- Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant
- Christmas Nativity
- Carols by Candlelight for Variety
Perth Holiday Light Displays
City of Perth Christmas Lights Trail
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations across the city
Description:
Perth's cityscape transforms into a luminous canvas during the City of Perth Christmas Lights Trail. Visitors can embark on a self-guided journey through the streets, discovering innovative light installations that blend art and technology. Snap a photo with the towering digital Christmas tree, a modern twist on tradition. This trail, initiated in 2017, has quickly become a beloved annual event, drawing inspiration from Perth's unique urban landscape and Aboriginal heritage. As you explore, the gentle hum of the city at night creates a soothing backdrop to your adventure.
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City of Perth Christmas Lights Trail
Perth Holiday Giving Opportunities
Carols by Candlelight for Variety
What to Expect:
Charity carol event supporting children with disabilities
Description:
Carols by Candlelight for Variety unites Perth in song for a noble cause. This heartwarming event supports children with disabilities through the power of music. Local choirs and renowned Australian artists perform beloved carols under the stars. The soft glow of thousands of candles creates an intimate atmosphere in the open-air venue. Attendees can participate in a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting Variety WA. This event, a Perth tradition since 1945, embodies the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
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Carols by Candlelight for Variety
Perth Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Perth Christmas Pageant
What to Expect:
Largest Christmas parade in Western Australia
Description:
The Perth Christmas Pageant brings the city's streets to life with a grand procession of floats, performers, and beloved characters. This cherished tradition, dating back to 1972, has evolved into Western Australia's largest Christmas parade. Marvel at the intricate designs of the floats, each telling a unique holiday story. Children can wave to their favorite cartoon characters come to life. The pageant showcases Perth's diverse community, with local groups and organizations contributing their creativity to this vibrant spectacle.
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Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant
What to Expect:
Energy-themed Christmas parade
Description:
The Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant illuminates Perth's streets with a unique energy-themed celebration. Floats adorned with dazzling lights showcase innovative power technologies alongside traditional holiday characters. Witness the fusion of sustainability and seasonal cheer as electric vehicles join the parade. This event, sponsored by Western Australia's leading energy provider, educates while it entertains. You'll be amazed by the creative interpretations of energy concepts in holiday form. The pageant culminates in a grand finale featuring a spectacular light show powered by renewable energy.
Website:
Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant
Perth Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Nativity
What to Expect:
Life-sized nativity scene in the heart of Perth
Description:
Perth's Christmas Nativity brings the story of Jesus' birth to life in the city center. A meticulously crafted, life-sized nativity scene captivates visitors with its attention to historical detail. Local actors portray the biblical characters, offering a glimpse into ancient Bethlehem. This event, a Perth tradition since 1996, serves as a peaceful oasis amidst the urban bustle. Visitors can pause to reflect on the religious significance of the season. The nativity scene incorporates elements of Australian flora, creating a unique fusion of biblical narrative and local landscape.
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Nearby Events
Mandurah Canal Christmas Lights (Mandurah)
What to Expect:
Boat parade of lights through Mandurah's waterways
Description:
Mandurah's canals come alive with a flotilla of illuminated boats during the annual Canal Christmas Lights event. Spectators line the shores to witness this aquatic light parade, a unique twist on traditional street processions. Boat owners compete for the most creative and dazzling light displays, transforming their vessels into floating works of art. This event, inspired by Mandurah's coastal lifestyle, has been delighting visitors since 1964. You can book a cruise to view the lights from the water, immersing yourself in this distinctly Australian Christmas celebration.
Website:
Mandurah Canal Christmas Lights
Christmas Festival & Carols in Claremont (Claremont)
What to Expect:
Fusion of modern and traditional carols in a park setting
Description:
Claremont's Christmas Festival & Carols invigorates the holiday spirit with a blend of contemporary and classic performances. Set in the lush Claremont Park, this event showcases local talent alongside professional musicians. Visitors can explore artisanal food stalls offering unique holiday treats. The festival pays homage to Claremont's rich history, incorporating elements of the town's heritage into the celebrations. As the sun sets, the park transforms into a twinkling wonderland, with fairy lights adorning the trees.
Website:
Christmas Festival & Carols in Claremont
Fremantle Carols by Candlelight (Fremantle)
What to Expect:
Carol singing in a historic port town setting
Description:
Fremantle Carols by Candlelight transports attendees to a bygone era in this historic port town. The event takes place against the backdrop of Fremantle's well-preserved 19th-century architecture, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Local choirs perform traditional carols, their voices echoing off the limestone buildings. Visitors can explore the nearby Fremantle Markets, which date back to 1897, before the event. The scent of sea air mingles with the aroma of mulled wine, creating a uniquely Australian Christmas experience by the coast.
Website:
Fremantle Carols by Candlelight
South Perth Christmas Carols (South Perth)
What to Expect:
Picnic-style carol event with Perth skyline views
Description:
South Perth Christmas Carols offers a relaxed, picnic-style celebration with stunning views of the Perth skyline. Attendees spread blankets on the foreshore, enjoying a summer evening of music and community. The event showcases a diverse range of performers, from school choirs to professional musicians. Families can participate in pre-carol activities, including face painting and craft workshops. This gathering, a South Perth tradition for over 30 years, reflects the laid-back Australian approach to holiday celebrations.
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Perth Makers Market Christmas Edition (Applecross)
What to Expect:
Showcase of local artisans' Christmas-themed creations
Description:
The Perth Makers Market Christmas Edition in Applecross celebrates local creativity with a holiday twist. This curated market showcases the work of Western Australian artisans, offering unique, handcrafted gifts. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques, gaining insight into the artisans' processes. The market, established in 2008, has become a platform for emerging local talent. Explore stalls featuring everything from hand-blown glass ornaments to artisanal fruitcakes, each item telling a story of local skill and innovation.
Website:
Perth Makers Market Christmas Edition
Stirling Christmas Festival (Stirling)
What to Expect:
Multi-day festival celebrating Stirling's diverse community
Description:
The Stirling Christmas Festival embraces the area's multicultural heritage with a diverse celebration of holiday traditions. This multi-day event features performances representing various cultural interpretations of the season. Visitors can sample international holiday cuisines at food stalls scattered throughout the festival grounds. The event includes a community art project, where residents contribute to a large-scale installation reflecting Stirling's identity. This festival, initiated in 2010, has grown to become a testament to the area's inclusive spirit.
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Christmas at Market Square (Subiaco)
What to Expect:
Victorian-inspired Christmas market in a historic precinct
Description:
Christmas at Market Square transports visitors to a Victorian-era celebration in Subiaco's historic heart. The event recreates a 19th-century Christmas market, complete with costumed vendors and traditional crafts. Visitors can try their hand at making traditional Christmas crackers or sample roasted chestnuts. The market takes place in and around the heritage-listed Subiaco Hotel, built in 1897, adding authenticity to the experience. As you stroll through the square, the sound of carolers singing period-appropriate songs fills the air.
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Sorrento Christmas Carols (Sorrento)
What to Expect:
Beachside carol singing with a focus on marine conservation
Description:
Sorrento Christmas Carols combines holiday cheer with environmental awareness on the stunning coastline. This unique event features carol singing interspersed with talks about local marine life and conservation efforts. Attendees can participate in a beach clean-up before the carols begin, contributing to the preservation of the coastal ecosystem. The event, established in 2015, aims to foster a connection between holiday traditions and environmental stewardship. You'll be serenaded by the sound of waves gently lapping the shore as local choirs perform.
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Byford Carols By Candlelight (Byford)
What to Expect:
Rural community carol event with a focus on local talent
Description:
Byford Carols By Candlelight showcases the rich talent of this rural community in a intimate setting. The event takes place in a local park, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Darling Scarp. Young musicians from Byford's schools perform alongside established local artists, creating a multi-generational celebration. Visitors can participate in a community art project, adding their personal touch to a collaborative Christmas mural. This event, started by local volunteers in 2005, has become a cherished tradition that strengthens community bonds.