While retailers have been busy stocking their shelves, the City has been preparing more than half a million Christmas lights and 550 individual decorations, in anticipation of the festive season and in a nod to our status as the Home of Christmas.
 
From 20 November until 3 January, the much-anticipated Christmas Lights Trail will be back again, with four illuminated trails to follow on any night in the CBD, Northbridge, East Perth and West Perth areas.
 
New installations include five-metre-tall swans in Elizabeth Quay, a rusty Holden Ute at the WA Museum Boola Bardip and a geometric projection tree at Raine Square.
 
Crowd favourites St Georges Cathedral Christmas Projections, Council House Kangaroos and the Yagan Square Constellation Tunnel will return once again.
 
Adding Christmas cheer to the trail, visitors will be delighted by roving entertainers every Friday and Saturday night.
 
Visitors are encouraged to look out for Santa who will be spreading Christmas cheer and keeping everyone safe by reminding people of physical distancing while attending.
 
“We are proud to present a program of free events and activities inviting anyone and everyone to experience the joy of Christmas in the city,” City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said.
 
“As the streets and malls fill with cheer, the city is lighting the way with non-stop celebrations, events, shopping and activities, with something for everyone.
 
“Making it easier for families to cross items off their Christmas lists and celebrate summer in the city, we’ve also introduced free three-hour parking on weekends in all CPP carparks starting 1 December and ending 31 January 2021.
 
“It has been a tough year for businesses across the state and this is an opportunity early in our tenure to show ratepayers that we are listening to them. It is a good way to promote the City of Perth as the Home of Christmas over the holiday period.”
 
Premier Mark McGowan said he was pleased the State Government could support the event through a Lotterywest grant.
 
“The Christmas Lights Trail is a terrific event which gets people back into the Perth CBD and will help drive patronage for our local businesses,” Mr McGowan said. 
 
“For so many of us, we look forward to this time of the year where we can be among family and friends, out and about in the city enjoying the spectacular Christmas lights and installations on offer, as well as supporting local shops, restaurants, bars to help boost the local economy.”
 
New Christmas concerts every Sunday from 22 November in Forrest Place will provide family-friendly entertainment for all ages, celebrating the traditional meaning of Christmas with our diverse and vibrant city.

Also returning to the City’s annual events program are crowd favourites the Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant and West Australian Symphony Orchestra Christmas Symphony, keeping up nostalgic Christmas traditions.

Sponsored, community and retail partners have undeniably played an important part in lighting up the city with such festivities. The City of Perth is proud to have Lotterywest as a Major Supporter of the Christmas Lights Trail.
 
For more information on free city activities this Christmas, head to visitperth.com.au
 
All You Want for Christmas runs from 20 November 2020 to 3 January 2021. Interview opportunities will be available upon request.

Issued by: Brooke Hunter, Media and Communications Officer, 0448 610 834, brooke.hunter@cityofperth.wa.gov.au

The City of Perth acknowledges the Whadjuk Nyoongar people as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters where Perth city is situated today, and pay our respect to Elders past and present.

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Backgrounder

Christmas Lights Trail
20 November to 3 January | Throughout the city | Nightly from 6.00pm | Free
Everyone's favourite Christmas tradition is back and bigger than ever. With a total of 30 stops this year, visitors can choose from one of four journeys across the CBD, Northbridge, East Perth or West Perth areas to take in the dazzling light displays and joyful street decorations. Plus, there's roving entertainment every Friday and Saturday night.
Trail routes will cover approximately four kilometres including these venues: 
o WA Museum Boola Bardip
o Perth Cultural Centre
o Northbridge Piazza
o Kings Square
o Yagan Square
o Raine Square
o 140
o Forrest Chase
o Forrest Place
o Murray St Mall
o Hay St Mall
o Cathedral Square
o Council House
o Elizabeth Quay
o Enex
o Brookfield Place
o Claisebrook Cove
o Hay Street, West Perth


Christmas Projections
20 November to 3 January | St George’s Cathedral, Cathedral Square | From 7.30pm | Free
Enchanting animated projections will light up the facade of St George’s Cathedral, enhancing the building’s features with colour and conveying the traditional Christmas story.
 
Twilight Hawkers Market
Every Friday from 20 November until 26 March (excluding 25 December and 1 January) | Forrest Place 4.30pm to 9.30pm | Free 
Perth's original and largest hawkers market is back for another round of balmy Friday nights and delectable street food. With live local music and 35 food stalls, it’s the perfect night out.
 
Christmas Concerts
Every Sunday between 22 November and 20 December | Forrest Place | 4pm to 6pm | Free with registration
Get into the Christmas spirit with traditionally-themed festive performances changing every week including bands, musicians, choirs, dancers, jazz and more. Free tickets available at visitperth.com.au
 
Perth Home Grown
Every Sunday | Murray Street Mall | 11am to 4pm | Free
Perth Home Grown is teeming with year-round sustainable fresh produce. During the festive season, expect to find handmade gifts, delicious treats and homewares including Christmas cakes, gingerbread, and gourmet products.
 
Sidewalk Sounds – First Edition
26 November and 4 December | 1217 Hay Street (across from Joe’s Bakery) | 11.30 to 1pm | Free
Pick up lunch and enjoy some music and fresh air under the shade of the London Pines in beautiful West Perth – perfect for a balmy summer day.
 
Sidewalk Sounds – Second Edition
3 December | QV1 | 11.30 to 1pm | Free
Grab a bite to eat, enjoy your lunch outside and be accompanied by a free musical performance at QV1.

Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant
Please visit 7perthchristmaspageant.com for up to date information on this event.
Relive your childhood and experience the wonder of the RAC Christmas Pageant when it returns for its 50th year, bringing magic to the streets of Perth.

Brass on the Grass 
9 December | Victoria Gardens, East Perth | From 5pm | Free
Established in 1898, enjoy the smooth sounds of the historic City of Perth Band as it performs Christmas concerts amidst balmy Perth evenings. On 9 December, don’t miss a special Brass on the Grass hosted by the City of Perth and East Perth Community Group.
 
Sidewalk Sounds – Third Edition
10 and 17 December | Raine Lane, Raine Square | 11.30 to 1pm | Free
Head to Raine Lane for some entertaining music during your lunch break in December.
 
WASO presents Lotterywest Christmas Symphony
Please visit waso.com.au for up to date information on this event.
Experience Perth’s largest classical music concert and enjoy a magical night of whimsical and nostalgic Christmas carols.
 
The City at New Year’s Eve
31 December | Yagan Square, Perth Cultural Centre and Northbridge Piazza | From 6pm | Free
Northbridge is set to come alive with entertaining street performances and free family-friendly activities as part of the City of Perth’s New Year’s Eve celebration on 31 December. Stay tuned at 9pm and midnight for fireworks set off from the rooftops in Northbridge.