Get ready to experience the magic of Christmas in Perth! The Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail returns this year with a spectacular display that’s perfect for enjoying with friends, family, or your grandchildren. From November 22nd, 2024, until January 1st, 2025, Perth’s city centre will transform into a magical wonderland featuring 20 stunning light installations.
Whether you’re planning a leisurely evening stroll or a grand adventure with the grandchildren, Perth’s Christmas Lights Trail offers two wonderful ways to experience the magic. The full 4km trail showcases all 20 dazzling installations, while the shorter Merry Mile (1.6km) provides a perfect option for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
Both routes are wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly, with plenty of comfortable resting spots along the way. You’ll find benches strategically placed near major installations, and numerous cafes and restaurants where you can pause for refreshments.
Each installation has been thoughtfully designed to delight visitors of all ages, from the nostalgic charm of traditional Christmas displays to modern interactive light shows. For those visiting with grandchildren, these magical lights create perfect opportunities for making precious family memories. Meanwhile, the quieter early evening sessions offer a peaceful atmosphere for adults to appreciate the artistic beauty of each display.
Remember, there’s no rush – take your time to soak in the festive atmosphere, capture some photos, and perhaps share stories of Christmas celebrations from years gone by. After all, every twinkling light adds to Perth’s special holiday magic, best enjoyed at your own comfortable pace.
1. The Jewel Tree (Yagan Square) Towering 7 metres into the sky, this contemporary take on the traditional Christmas tree features stunning cascading lights that create a magical light show after dark. Perfect for photo opportunities beneath this enchanting installation.
2. Festive Chandeliers (Forrest Place) The Forrest Place Stage has been transformed with spectacular custom-made outdoor chandeliers twinkling overhead, creating a magical wonderland effect.
3. Christmas Medley (Forrest Place) Watch beloved Christmas carols come to life through an amazing light show projected onto one of Perth’s heritage buildings. Shows begin at dusk (approximately 7:45pm).
4. City of Perth Christmas Tree (Forrest Place) Standing an incredible 14 metres tall (about as high as a 4-storey building), this magnificent centrepiece features 13,000 lights and countless colourful ornaments.
5. Santa’s Presence (Forrest Chase) A towering Santa installation over 6 metres tall, located outside Myer’s upper level, creating the perfect backdrop for memorable Christmas photos.
6. Perth City Skyline (Murray Street Mall) A beloved installation featuring a beautifully illuminated backdrop of Perth’s iconic skyline, offering the ultimate Perth Christmas photo opportunity.
7. Proximity State (Murray Street Mall) An interactive light installation where visitors’ movements create amazing light and sound effects.
8. The Willows (Raine Square) Rainbow-coloured willow trees create a magical forest experience where graceful, light-draped branches sweep down like nature’s own Christmas decorations.
9. Grazing Reindeer (Central Park) A magical reindeer nestled amongst the trees of Central Park, creating an enchanting scene straight out of a Christmas storybook.
10. Christmas Bauble Tree (Hay Street Mall) A dazzling creation made entirely of giant, glowing baubles that light up the heart of Hay Street Mall, putting a modern spin on holiday traditions.
11. Christmas Kookaburra (Hay Street Mall) A delightful Christmas Kookaburra bringing a uniquely Australian twist to the Christmas lights trail, combining native wildlife with holiday magic.
12. Crystal Castles (Hay Street Mall) Sparkling crystals suspended majestically outside London Court, transforming the historic streetscape into a magical light show.
13. The Christmas Halos (Sherwood Court) Magical Christmas Halos and glowing Ring Swings create an enchanting play space that combines interactive fun with stunning photo opportunities.
14. Glow (Perth Town Hall) An immersive wonderland surrounded by sparkling lights and cheerful Christmas music, creating a tunnel of stars effect.
Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail 2024.
Stop 14: Glow
15. A Celebration of Light (St George’s Cathedral) Spectacular light projections celebrating Perth’s special connection to the stars above and showing how Perth shines bright despite being one of the world’s most isolated cities. Begins at dusk (approximately 7:45pm).
16. Mooditj Yongas (Council House) A beloved mob of illuminated kangaroos, with the name meaning ‘Solid Kangaroos’ in Noongar language, bringing a uniquely Western Australian touch to Christmas celebrations.
17. Council House Light Show (Council House) A giant glowing Christmas card effect featuring favourite festive symbols with a special hidden surprise for visitors to spot.
18. Corroboree in Light (Barrack Square) An extraordinary celebration of First Nations culture combining beautiful Nyoongar-inspired animations, traditional music, and stunning lights.
19. PERTH Sign (Barrack Square) The city’s name illuminated with gorgeous Australian touches, decorated with beautiful illuminated gumnuts and waratahs, creating the perfect backdrop for photos.
20. Castle of Light (Elizabeth Quay) A spectacular illuminated castle that transforms the waterfront into an enchanted Christmas kingdom, where every turn reveals new magical light displays.
Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail 2024.
Stop 20: Castle of Light
Tips for Seniors
- Best Viewing Times:
- Visit between 7:30-9:30pm for optimal viewing
- Early weekday evenings tend to be less crowded
- Parking Options:
- CPP car parks offer free parking from 6pm
- Consider using public transport – all installations are near major bus and train routes
- Comfort Suggestions:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Bring a light jacket for evening temperatures
- Carry water
- Take advantage of public seating areas along the route
Alternative Ways to Enjoy the Trail
Peddle Perth’s Christmas Lights Tour
For those who prefer not to walk the full distance, Peddle Perth offers comfortable rickshaw tours. Their 45-minute guided experience is an excellent option for seniors, providing:
- Comfortable seating
- Professional drivers/guides
- Coverage of all 20 installations
- Christmas music through speakers
- Photo opportunities without walking
Planning Your Visit
Best Times to Visit:
- Early weekday evenings are typically quieter
- Avoid weekend peak times if possible
- Allow 1-2 hours for the Merry Mile route
- Consider weather forecasts when planning
Nearby Amenities:
- Public toilets are available at various locations
- Multiple cafes and restaurants along the route
- Plenty of seating areas for resting
The Christmas Lights Trail offers a wonderful opportunity to create special memories with loved ones while enjoying Perth’s balmy summer evenings. Whether you’re planning a night out with friends or treating the grandchildren to a magical experience, this free community event showcases our beautiful city at its festive best.
Remember to pace yourself, take breaks when needed, and most importantly, enjoy the spectacular display that makes Perth truly the City of Light during the festive season.
For more information or to download the trail map, visit the City of Perth website or contact the City of Perth Info Centre.
Find more things to do this Christmas in Perth
- Boorloo Bridge - January 10, 2025
- Lake Clifton Thrombolites - January 10, 2025
- Empress Josรฉphine’s Garden, WA Maritime Museum - December 18, 2024
- Sunset Coast Explorer Bus - December 13, 2024
- Christmas Lights Trail City of Perth - November 28, 2024
- The Magic of Christmas at Wanneroo Botanic Gardens - November 28, 2024
- Hotham Valley Tourist Railway - November 15, 2024
- Hairspray Brings Big Hair and Bigger Heart to Crown Theatre Perth - September 10, 2024
- Where to Find Canola Fields in Perth - August 23, 2024
- Why Your Wallet Needs RFID Protection When Travelling - August 15, 2024
