Christmas in Perth has well and truly set in. The trees are up, the Christmas markets of Perth are in full swing, there’s festive events calling Perthians from near and far; but most importantly, the Christmas displays are adorning the houses of our city. Our guide to the best Christmas lights in Perth not only enlists old faithfuls, but trails and a nifty tool on how to find ALL of the Christmas lights on display in Perth.
1. Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail
Every Friday and Saturday from now until Monday 2 January 2023 between 6pm and 3am, be awe-inspired by the Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail which takes you on a dazzling 6 kilometre adventure around the CBD and Northbridge.
Now in its sixth year, the trail is back with 35 different large-scale light installations, from traditional Chrissy icons and iconic Australian animals to marvellous projections on Perth’s beautiful buildings. There’ll be festive entertainment and performances throughout the city too – but the projections start at 7:45pm and conclude at midnight. And if you’re there on a Friday evening, you can check out the Twilight Hawkers Market in Forrest Place for a culinary adventure.
Location: Perth CBD and Northbridge
Price: Free
2. Mandurah Canal Christmas Lights Trail
Perth isn’t the only place in town with its own Christmas Lights Trail. Mandurah and its more than 200 houses on canals will be lighting up the night. You’ll be able to jump on a cruise to experience it all from the water thanks to a bunch of different cruise companies. Departing starts from Thursday 1 December, find out the full scope here and get your Christmas cheer on.
Location: Mandurah
Price: Free to view by foot
3. The Magic Of Christmas at Wanneroo Botanic Gardens
Experience The Magic Of Christmas at Wanneroo Botanic Gardens again this festive season as you wind your way through the stunning five acres of gardens and your eyes light up sparkly tree after sparkly tree. Entry is free for all mini golf players and Leapfrogs dining guests, while everyone else who just wants to soak in the atmosphere will be charged $5.
Location: Wanneroo Botanic Gardens
Price: Free for kids, $5 for adults
4. Perth’s Largest Christmas Tree
Now, we love a good Christmas tree as much as the next person, but Karrinyup Shopping Centre’s tree is certifiably the largest in Perth measuring a whopping 17.5 metres in height.
The big old tree is adorned with 15,000 lights and 2,500 baubles, while the rest of the centre is covered in 35,000 shimmering baubles and 25,000 metres of lighting in every dang corner. There’s a whole heap of other things going on at Karrinyup for Christmas too, from Santa pet photography to a Santa Letters spot.
Location: Karrinyup Shopping Centre, Karrinyup
Price: Free
5. The iconic display at 2 Sherlock Rise, Carramar
From 7:30pm to 10:30pm each night, the home at 2 Sherlock Rise in Carramar in the City of Wanneroo will be well and truly illuminated. But this isn’t any ordinary Chrissy lights, it’s interactive as all heck with a walk-in display, bubble, smoke and snow machines, lasers and projections, music to get you in the groove, as well as Disney characters roaming about, including the Grinch!
The homeowners of 2 Sherlock have been decorating their abode each year for a decade, so you’re in good hands when it comes to a jolly good time.
Location: 2 Sherlock Rise, Carramar
Price: Free
6. Alkimos Beach Lights
Located at 8 Malleefowl Way in Alkimos Beach, one of Perth’s northern suburbs, this home goes all out with over 13,000 lights which are programmed to synchronise to a music show which you can listen to from your car! Just tune in to 99.9FM to hear the lights dance from 7:30pm each and every night.
Location: 8 Malleefowl Way, Alkimos Beach
Price: Free
7. Lotterywest Lights Trail
The watery cove by Claisebrook is upping their Chrissy game this year, with three wonderous exhibitions to explore around the community cove. As you stroll, keep a weather eye for the Countdown Clock, Christmas Tree and Giant Bauble.
Location: Claisebrook Cove
Price: Free
8. Or simply use this site to find to find all of the Christmas lights near you
To save you from driving around aimlessly searching for bright beacons of light in the distance, there’s a handy website that helps you find not only all the displays in your area or your city, but also across the entire country.
That website is Christmas Light Search. It works by users submitting their Christmas lights display with a bit of info like if the display has been confirmed for this year and when the lights will be on as well as a description of what visitors can expect to see and hear. On your merry way!