Latest figures show activity for November in the central Perth retail core up 6 per cent on the same time last year with nearly a million visitors to the area during the month. 
 
This follows a strong October which saw the number of visitors to the retail area increase by 10 per cent year-on-year. 
 
City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said Perth was on track for the busiest festive season in the past 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. Projections and activity over the past few months tell us to expect those figures to be even bigger this year,” Mr Zempilas said.
 
The Lord Mayor said City run and sponsored events had a great impact on attracting people to the City.
 
“We saw 20,000 people pack Elizabeth Quay across in mid-November for the first of our free City of Light Show series, proudly sponsored by Lotterywest, PrideFEST 2023 attracted the biggest night time crowds to Northbridge for this year,” he said. 
 
“The City also benefitted from the thousands of people who came to Perth to see Coldplay with hotel rooms at near capacity and restaurants, bars and shops buzzing.”
 
Mr Zempilas said the Christmas period was off to a huge start with thousands lining the streets for the annual Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant last Saturday night and the Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail in full swing. 
 
“With extended Christmas trading hours kicking in this week and dozens of Christmas events, there’s no better place to be than the City of Light. Christmas really does live here.” 
 
Across the summer 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


Up and coming events

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.

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.

Elizabeth Quay Fun Fair
1 December to 6 January | Elizabeth Quay | Tickets required
Perth City’s favourite summer Fun Fair is back for five action-packed weeks, kicking off from Friday 1st December 2023 to Saturday 6th January 2024, open 5pm till late. Delight in the beauty of Elizabeth Quay whilst enjoying a huge lineup filled with the ultimate holiday cheer and entertainment.

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
16 and 17 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.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations
31 December | Elizabeth Quay | 5pm – 9pm
Presented by Roy Hill, Families can ring in the New Year with a  fireworks show at the family-friendly time of 8pm. Elizabeth Quay comes alive with the Fun Fair in full swing from 5pm


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