Anticipation is reaching fever pitch in Perth as the city prepares for the spectacular return of its annual Christmas Pageant this Saturday evening. The cherished tradition, which marks the unofficial start of the festive season for many West Australians, promises a dazzling display of colour, music, and community spirit.
A Night of Festive Magic in the CBD
The 2025 Christmas Pageant will roll through the Perth Central Business District from 7pm on Saturday, 6 December. This year's event is shaping up to be bigger than ever, featuring a massive cast of 2500 participants and 21 elaborately decorated floats. Thousands of families are expected to line the streets to soak up the joyous atmosphere and welcome Santa Claus to the city.
Star-Studded Line-Up and Special Appearances
The parade will be led by a host of familiar faces, blending local celebrities with beloved children's characters. The star-studded cast includes Home and Away actors Ada Nicodemou, James Stewart, Kyle Shilling, and Tristan Gorey. They will be joined by favourites like Fat Cat, Emma Memma, and the entire 7NEWS Perth team, fronted by the state's beloved presenting duo, Rick and Sue.
For Channel 7 sports presenter Ryan Daniels, the pageant holds a particularly special significance this year. While he will once again be riding on a float, he will be sharing the experience with his children. His seven-year-old son, William, will join him on the sleigh, while his nine-year-old daughter, Avery, will feature on the snowman float.
"I think the Christmas pageant, to me, has always signalled the start of the festive period," Daniels said. "Everybody's smiling… it really does feel like the start of the best time of the year." He expressed gratitude for the chance to create lasting memories with his children while helping to spread cheer across Perth.
A Community Celebration for All
This year's event continues to highlight Perth's vibrant community spirit, showcasing multicultural talent, school performance groups, marching bands, and various community organisations. The pageant weaves together the universal joy of Christmas with a uniquely West Australian flavour.
Notably, The West Australian will have its own float, featuring Ben O'Shea as the Nutcracker, journalist Caitlin Vinci as a fairy, and a team of Santa's elves played by students from The Star Factory dance studio in Joondalup.
For those unable to secure a spot on the footpath, the entire magical procession will be broadcast live on Seven and 7plus from 7pm, with an encore screening scheduled for Christmas morning. As the city comes together for this unifying tradition, the Perth Christmas Pageant once again proves to be a shining beacon of festive joy and community connection.