Perth is buzzing with festive energy as the city rolls out a packed schedule of events for the week leading up to Christmas and Boxing Day. From massive family-friendly festivals to iconic concerts and vibrant beach parties, there's something for everyone to enjoy across the metropolitan area.
Family Festivities and Cultural Highlights
The holiday spirit kicks into high gear with the return of the Optus Stadium Christmas Festival in Burswood. This stadium-sized celebration runs on Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21, from 4pm to 8.30pm. It's a free, all-ages event designed to immerse visitors in a mega-festive atmosphere. Attendees can explore food trucks and market stalls for last-minute gifts, enjoy live entertainment, and let kids loose on free rides and activities. Adults have access to a dedicated bar, and everyone can settle in for free Christmas movies on the big screen at 4.30pm and 6.30pm daily. The event is also dog-friendly.
For art lovers, a significant free exhibition opens at the Art Gallery of WA. Theo Koning: Object Syntax showcases work from the late, celebrated Western Australian artist. Running from December 20 to May 10, 2026, this display features a selection of Koning's pieces from the late 1970s to mid-1980s, including his influential 1974 installation, The hot chook shop. It complements a major retrospective of his five-decade career being held at Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre.
Major Christmas Concerts and Fremantle Traditions
The sounds of the season will fill the RAC Arena on Saturday, December 20 for the WASO Lotterywest Christmas Spectacular. This large-scale concert at 2pm and 7pm brings together over 150 performers. Hosted by Genevieve McCarthy, the WA Symphony Orchestra will be joined by vocalists Calista Nelmes, Jess Hitchcock, Johnny Manuel, Gina Williams, and the WASO Chorus for a program of festive favourites and sing-along classics. While the event is free, tickets are required and available through Ticketek.
A beloved Fremantle tradition continues with Xmas Eve at the Left Bank in East Fremantle. On Wednesday, December 24 from noon, the venue hosts a huge day of music headlined by local indie favourites San Cisco. The line-up also includes Lazy Haze, Devon Street, Hazel, Shann, and Ben Renna. The party atmosphere will be bolstered by a silent disco, DJs, and plenty of festive cheer. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased from leftbank.com.au.
Boxing Day Dance Parties
Once Christmas Day wraps up, Perth offers two major outdoor dance events to work off the holiday feast. In the city centre, MVMNT Open Air takes over the Yagan Square Amphitheatre on Friday, December 26 from 3pm. This inner-city party features a massive line-up of DJs, with multiple bars and zones to explore. Tickets are $43.62 via Megatix.
For a beachside vibe, the Cali Beach Festival transforms COAST Port Beach in North Fremantle on the same day, also starting at 3pm. This massive party will occupy the sizable venue plus two carparks. Highlights include a Tiki Beach Stage, a container rave, a silent disco, eight bars, and more than 30 Cali Club DJs. A variety of food trucks will be on hand to keep the crowd energised. Tickets are $59.32 and available through Eventbrite.
This diverse week of events showcases Perth's vibrant summer social calendar, offering everything from cultured quiet contemplation to high-energy celebrations as the year draws to a close.
