It’s easy to get overwhelmed with everything going on at this time of year, with shopping to be done, meals to plan, and everything in between. Luckily, we’ve made it simple! Check out our Christmas events guide, or our highlights below, for an easy itinerary that keeps the organisation to a minimum (and the kids entertained).
Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail
November 28 – December 28
Discover the Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail, which runs across 31 evenings throughout the holiday season.
With 22 installations in total, the trail is no small feat, beginning at Christmas Tree Lane in Yagan Square and ending at the Bridge of Light in Elizabeth Quay. For families, the Merry Mile is the best route, featuring all the highlights at just under half of the full trail length.
These lights will be a fixture in the city for the whole month, and easy to catch while you’re checking out some of the other events on offer from the City.
Christmas @ The Quay & In the Square
November 28 – December 28
Elizabeth Quay and Yagan Square are major fixtures of the Christmas Lights Trail, but that isn’t all that’s going on – enjoy snowfall every 15 minutes from 7:30pm – 9:30pm, and from December 12 – 24, roaming Christmas characters spread cheer for festive photo-ops.
Christmas Markets @ The Quay
Saturday, December 6
It’s the market set-up we know and love, with a Christmas twist.
Over 60 local artisans gather in Elizabeth Quay to offer handmade goods, boutique jewellery, local fashion, art, beauty and more, just in time for Christmas shopping.
It’s perfect for families, or for a pre-game to the Christmas Pageant kicking off at 7pm. Free face painting, carols and a Santa visit keep the kids entertained, along with a Letters to Santa workshop.
Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant
Saturday, December 6
The annual Christmas Pageant is back for a 54th year – find your spot on St George’s Terrace or William Street with plenty of time to spare before the new start time at 7pm, as this event is bound to be busy!
Dancers, entertainers, bands, cultural groups and costume characters star in this nostalgia trip, landing at the finish line on Victoria Avenue at 9:30pm.
Festive Lights
Saturday, December 13
Elizabeth Quay is an entertainment hub throughout the month, but this event will be the night to check out.
From 5pm, DJ KP will take the the floating stage, and around the Quay sideshow alley provides a challenge, along with a hula hoop workshop and roving performers to keep up the entertainment.
The highlight of the night comes at 8:30pm, where a 500-piece drone show and fireworks display over the Swan River closes the festivities.
WASO’s Lotterywest Christmas Spectacular
Saturday, December 20
RAC Arena is set to light up with festive favourites and sing-along classics, with 150+ performers on stage.
Celebrate Christmas at WA’s iconic venue (with a visit from Santa) all for free! Make sure you register for tickets so you don’t miss out on the holiday cheer.
His Majesty’s Theatre
Various dates
His Majesty’s Theatre is busy with Christmas performances you won’t want to miss.
WA Ballet is performing classic holiday story The Nutcracker, kicking off last week and running to December 13, while December 17 brings Helpmann award winner Michael Griffiths to the theatre to perform his favourite Christmas carols.
Following on December 21 is Perth’s Christmas ritual, Handel’s Messiah. Perth’s Symphonic Chorus join Perth Baroque Orchestra and soloists Emma Matthews AM, Ruth Burke, Matthew Reardon and Andrew O’Connor in performing Handel’s beloved choral work.
