City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said the festive season is the culmination of a huge year for the City of Light. 

“Newly released figures show that year on year overall spend up in the City is up a whopping 25 per cent, equating to $350 million for November 2023,” Mr Zempilas said.

“November 2023 saw spend on dining and entertainment up 31 per cent compared to the same period last year. This has coincided with hotel occupancy also being significantly up compared to November 2022, another key indication that our city is the place to be this Christmas.”

The smorgasbord of festive and summer events is continuing the momentum into December smashing records for numbers of visitors and expenditure in the City of Light each weekend.

The busiest Saturday and Sunday evenings of the year were recorded at Forrest Place over the weekend and almost 4,000 people came into the City to enjoy the Christmas Nativity Concert.

More than 20,000 people headed to Elizabeth Quay across Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening to revel in the Fun Fair, free fireworks and Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail, with attendance up significantly compared to 2022.  

The Lord Mayor said City run and sponsored events continue to have a great impact on attracting people to the City – and there is no slowing down yet with a jam packed few weeks ahead. 

“The figures say it all. It’s brilliant for business. It’s great for vibrancy. And it is only the beginning of what’s to come for the City of Light,” Mr Zempilas said.  

“Whether you're doing your Christmas shopping, looking for world-class cuisine and dining, or want to immerse yourself in the joys of Christmas time, the place to be at Christmas, is right here in the City of Perth.” 


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.

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.

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: Hannah Marcuson media@cityofperth.wa.gov.au