As the festive season approaches, Perth is transforming into a winter wonderland with an exciting lineup of Christmas events and activities to get residents into the holiday spirit. From traditional markets to outdoor cinema and spectacular light displays, there's something for everyone this December.
Festive Markets & Shopping Experiences
Perth's local makers are taking centre stage with several twilight and festive markets popping up across the metropolitan area. The annual Festive Fair at FOMO Fremantle returns on November 30, offering an open-air market featuring curated wares from Western Australian designer-makers. Visitors can also participate in workshops to create their own unique presents.
Rockingham welcomes shoppers to the Twilight Summer Markets on November 28 along Syren Street, promising an evening of shopping, entertainment and family fun. Meanwhile, in Perth's northern suburbs, the City of Joondalup is hosting regular twilight markets along Central Walk every Friday from November 28 until December 19.
Entertainment & Family Activities
Movie enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as Moonlight Cinema dedicates two weeks of its 30th season program to festive films starting December 9. The stunning May Drive Parkland at Kings Park will screen modern classics including Home Alone, Love Actually, Elf, The Grinch and The Polar Express.
For those seeking unique Santa photos, Hoodville in Subiaco offers intimate 10 or 20-minute sessions with professional photographer Thom Davidson. Despite weekend sessions being already booked out, limited weekday slots remain available until December 19 at $100 per session.
The beloved Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant returns on December 6 with a new start time of 7pm. This West Australian tradition, first staged in 1972, will transform Perth's CBD streets with spectacular displays, local entertainment groups, and the obligatory special guest dressed in red.
Special Events & Community Celebrations
Kings Park hosts a special stargazing event on December 5 where attendees can witness a super full moonrise over the city. The event includes educational components about lunar features and telescopic views of constellations, star clusters and Saturn. Tickets are priced at $52 for adults and $25 for children and pensioners.
Music lovers can enjoy WA's biggest free festive concert when the West Australian Symphony Orchestra Lotterywest Christmas Spectacular returns to RAC Arena on December 20. Now in its 19th year, the event features more than 150 musicians and singers performing festive favourites across two shows at 2pm and 7pm.
For a unique festive experience, S&R Orchard's Christmas and Pick Your Own Fruits Festival allows visitors to harvest fresh produce while enjoying themed photo opportunities, animal farms, tractor rides and even artificial snowfall. Dates will be announced once fruits reach optimal ripeness.
Food, Drink & Pet-Friendly Fun
Several venues are offering Christmas-themed high teas, including Crown's Festive High Tea at Lobby Lounge ($85 per person) and Hearth at The Ritz-Carlton Perth ($87 per person from December 1), which highlights local Western Australian ingredients.
Pet owners can include their furry family members in the festivities through FurBaby's Santa Paws event in Westminster. Running until December 24, the $45 sessions feature professional photographers specializing in animal portraits, with proceeds supporting children's speech and hearing specialists TSH.
Light Displays & Final Weekend Festivities
Perth's suburbs will twinkle with Christmas light displays, with the Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail illuminating the CBD with 22 installations and projections for 31 nights from November 28. Elizabeth Quay hosts a free Festive Lights fireworks and drone show over water on December 13.
The season concludes with Optus Stadium transforming into a free festive wonderland for the 2025 Christmas Festival on December 20-21, featuring over 100 stalls, seasonal drinks at the Jingle Bar, Christmas movies on the big screen, and family entertainment.
