What to do in Perth for Christmas: 2024 Roundup
Enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights across Perth CBD during the festive season. Image source: City of Perth
The holiday season is an exciting time to travel to Western Australia, whether you’re exploring WA for the first or fiftieth time, visiting loved ones or taking a family trip to create unforgettable memories as 2024 comes to a close.
Perth in December
The end-of-year season in Perth is abuzz with holiday cheer and endless activities, from Christmas markets and parades to cultural tours and family-friendly fun. Experience them all—there’s no limit on what to do in Perth for Christmas this year!
The Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail illuminates Perth, Western Australia. Image source: City of Perth.
Festive activities in Perth
Buckle up for an adventure in WA’s capital. Destination Perth rounds up the best events and attractions over the Christmas season. Highlights include:
Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail
Christmas cheer and lights for 41 nights! Admire 20 awe-inspiring installations, seasonal entertainment and Santa visits on select evenings.
When: 22 November to 1 January 2025
Where: Perth CBD, various locations
Elizabeth Quay Fun Fair
This event offers thrills for the whole family with carnival rides, sideshow games, live music, tantalising food and an energetic atmosphere. A dazzling fireworks display welcomes in the new year!
When: 6 December to 9 January 2025
Where: Perth CBD
Pinocchio: A Traditional Christmas Pantomime
This lively pantomime filled with belly laughs and festive magic for people of all ages is presented by Zealous Productions. The performance runs until Christmas Eve in Perth, so there are plenty of opportunities to catch the show.
When: 13 December to 24 December
Where: The Regal Theatre, Subiaco
Carols in the City
Sing along to your favourite carols under the starlight. Enjoy a range of fun activities and Santa visits, with a spectacular fireworks show at the end of the evening.
When: 21 December, 6.30 pm until 9.30 pm
Where: Supreme Court Gardens
Timeless Christmas Buffet Dinner
Celebrate Christmas with a buffet lunch featuring unlimited holiday dishes and seasonal trimmings. There’s also a kids' play area to keep the little ones entertained while the grownups indulge to their heart's content.
When: 25 December, 6.30 pm until 9.30 pm
Where: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges
Mandurah Christmas Twilight Markets
Shop for unique and novel goodies crafted by local artisans. Food trucks offering a variety of favourite meals and snacks will satisfy your hunger while you shop.
When: 2 December to 23 December, Monday and Thursday nights
Where: Smart Street Mall
Mandurah Christmas Lights Cruise
Set sail through Mandurah’s glittering waterways on a spellbinding Christmas cruise where over 200 decorated homes illuminate the evening. Add to the festive atmosphere with carols, while you snap photos and make magical memories with your loved ones!
When: 30 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Where: Depart from various jetties in Mandurah
Local cultural experiences
Mooro Katta Gar-Up: Kings Park Cultural Tour
Join a 90-minute walking tour leading through the immaculate Kings Park gardens, where you’ll learn about bush foods, herbal medicines, the essence of Whadjuk Country and the Nyungar people’s long history in the area.
When: Check availability online at Nyungar Tours
Where: Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth CBD
Explore Truth-Telling in Walyalup: Fremantle Cultural Tour
Connect with Aboriginal heritage on a multi-sensory tour. Witness traditional ceremonies, inhale the scent of native plants used as remedies and listen to fascinating, generations-old Dreamtime stories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
When: Check availability online at In Culture Tours
Where: 2 Marine Terrace, Fremantle
St Francis Xavier Cathedral lit up at night, Geraldton. Image source: Tourism Western Australia.
Festive activities in the north of WA
Travelling with the kids beyond Perth City is just as exciting, with many events and attractions for all ages. These include:
Christmas on the Terrace, Geraldton
Marine Terrace lights up with street performances, local art, food, a range of gifts and a visit from Santa himself. A direct Nexus flight to Geraldton from Perth makes adding this fun-filled event to your calendar an easy choice!
When: 12 December, 5 pm until 8.30 pm
Where: Marine Terrace, Geraldton
Christmas Street Party, Carnarvon
Robinson Street in Carnarvon will be transformed into a seasonal spectacle for Christmas 2024, with melodious carols, twinkling decorations and activities for everyone.
When: 14 December, 4 pm until 8 pm
Where: 5 Robinson Street, Carnarvon
Local cultural tours
Girloorloo Tours, the Kimberley
Discover the ancient wonders of a 400-million-year-old Devonian reef on a guided Indigenous tour. Starting at the cave entrance, hear captivating tales, see native plants and gain an invaluable understanding of the Kimberley’s cultural history.
When: Available throughout December
Where: Mimbi Caves, Mt Pierre Station, Kimberley
Nyinggulu Cultural and Snorkeling Tour
An immersive and one-of-a-kind experience, the Ningaloo Glass Bottom Boat tour blends the fun of snorkelling with enchanting stories from the land’s traditional custodians. Gain a deeper insight into the region’s vibrant marine life and heritage.
When: Check availability online at Ningaloo Glass Bottom Boat
Where: Exmouth
The Western Australian Christmas tree (Nuytsia floribunda) in flower, Cape Le Grand. Image source: Tourism Western Australia.
Festive Activities in the Great Southern Region
Travelling south? Fly from Perth to Albany or Esperance with Rex and enjoy these seasonal activities and tours:
Italian Christmas Biscotti Baking Class
Bake these deliciously light and crispy almond treats from scratch and discover charming age-old customs at Nilla’s Italian Kitchen. Do your Christmas shopping too—homemade biscotti are a welcome present for loved ones.
When: 14 December
Where: Nilla’s Italian Kitchen, Albany
New Year’s Eve Picnic & Fireworks
Kick off the new year with a picnic on the foreshore of Princess Royal Harbour in Albany. This event features live music from local bands and two stunning fireworks displays at 9:00 PM and midnight to ring in 2025.
When: 31 December, 5 pm until midnight
Where: Anzac Peace Park, Albany
Begin your unforgettable Christmas holiday at Perth Airport. Image source: Perth Airport.
Perth Airport: An unforgettable festive season in WA awaits
Make your 2024 Christmas holiday stand out from the rest when celebrating in Western Australia this year. Perth Airport is your gateway to adventure with international, interstate and regional flights, convenient on-site amenities, cost-effective parking rates and kid-friendly facilities. We’re here to make your December travel as smooth as possible.
All advice, recommendations and use of this blog is subject to Perth Airport Online Services - Terms of Use.