Until 2 January, the Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail is better and brighter than ever before with 22 unique installations to explore across Central Perth and Northbridge. 

Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said the City was set for a bumper festive season, with the Christmas Lights Trail forming a key highlight for Christmas crowds.

“This is set to be the biggest Christmas in the City in 10 years. On average, the festive season brings more than $130 million in economic value for our traders, and more than 900,000 people to our City. The projections tell us to expect those figures to be bettered this year,” Mr Zempilas said.

“No Christmas in Perth is complete without the joy of the Christmas Lights Trail and this year is no exception with 17 installations completely new to Perth. Make it your mission to tick off every stop of the Trail or explore the new route that has been designed for little legs known as ‘The Merry Mile’.”

The City is playing host to a variety of free, family festive events including the iconic Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant on Saturday 2 December and the Christmas Nativity show on 16 - 17 December in Forrest Place. 

Also free of charge is the WA Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas spectacular at RAC arena and WA Contemporary Youth Orchestra’s (WACYO) Happy-Christmas Chorus at Forrest Place, both taking place on Saturday, 9 December.

Also that weekend, the Northbridge Treasure Trail kicks off along William Street to help you find the perfect Christmas gift. 

Gift hunters won’t want to miss the Christmas Twilight Perth Makers Market at Supreme Court Gardens (17 November) and the Christmas Markets in Central Park (6 – 7 December). 

The City of Perth Library will also be hosting Noongar Carols for Beginners where participants can learn a Noongar Christmas song (or two!) each week across December.

“Christmas starts in the City and I encourage everyone to come in to soak up the festivities and be entertained by spectacular free events, find the perfect gift, or enjoy one of our many world-class restaurants and bars,” Mr Zempilas said.

Twilight Food Market is a must for a delicious Friday night dinner before checking out the Rio Tinto Lights Trail.

And tonight, 17 November, Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas will be turning on the Christmas Lights at the General Post Office (GPO) building in Forrest Place at 7:00pm – you won’t want to miss it! 

Santa will also be stationed at Council house every Friday and Saturday, 1 - 23 December.

Across the entire festive season, the City of Perth will continue with current CPP parking offers including:

  • Free parking at CPP at all carparks after 6pm
  • Three-hour free parking on weekends and public holidays at CPP Cultural Centre, Pier Street and His Majesty’s.
  • There will also be increased ACROD bays available at City events including Christmas Nativity and New Year’s Eve.

ENDS

Issued by: Grace Carr media@cityofperth.wa.gov.au
 

Christmas events across the City this festive season
 
Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail
Until 2 January | Northbridge and Perth CBD | Nightly from 6pm | Free
Everyone's favourite Christmas tradition is back. With a total of 22 stops this year, visitors can walk the full Trail or see the highlights on The Merry Mile, both featuring dazzling light displays and joyful street decorations.
 
Twilight Food Market
Every Friday until 5 April | Forrest Place | 4.30pm to 9.30pm | Free
Perth's original and largest food market is back for another round of balmy Friday nights and delectable street food. With live local music and a variety of food stalls, it’s the perfect night out.

Christmas Twilight Perth Makers Market
17 November | Supreme Court Gardens | 4pm to 9pm | Free
Proudly sponsored by the City of Perth, Supreme Court Gardens will be transformed into a festive marketplace featuring more than 80 local WA creatives, live music, performances and food vendors.
 
The Light Within
18 and 19 November | 5pm to 9pm
Embark on a journey from 5pm with The Light Within atop a floating stage within the Elizabeth Quay inlet. Get ready to be inspired by the magical storytelling of MC Luminous as he chronicles the story of light through dance, music and magic!
 
Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant
2 December | St Georges Terrace | 7.30pm to 9.30pm |Free
Relive your childhood and experience the wonder of the Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant when it returns, bringing Christmas magic to the streets of Perth.
 
WASO's Christmas Spectacular
9 December | RAC Arena | 2pm and 7pm | Free, tickets required
Proudly sponsored by the City of Perth, join the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and a line-up of special guests for this free Christmas celebration as they lead you through favourite Christmas sing-alongs.
 
Brass on the Grass
10 December | Victoria Gardens | 3pm – 7pm | free
Proudly brought to you by the City of Perth and East Peth Community Group. Enjoy this free community concert featuring the City of Perth Brass Band, Junkadelic Brass Band, and Steve Hensby Band. Bring a picnic or treat yourself a meal from the food vendors and enjoy the kids activities and visit from Santa.
 
Christmas Nativity
17 and 18 December | Forrest Place | 6.30pm to 8.30pm | Free
See the true story of Christmas brought to life on stage by festive performers and much-loved Christmas carols.
 
Carols in the City
23 December | Supreme Court Gardens | 6.30pm to 9.30pm | Free
Proudly sponsored by the City of Perth, Carols in the City is a free, family friendly celebration of Christmas. The event will include pre-show entertainment, kids Santa-land, food vendors, a fireworks finale and more. The carols will start at 7.30pm.
 
 
For more information – check out Visit Perth.