Christmas Lights in Perth: The Best Places to See the City's Holiday Glow

Xperience Team
13 Dec 2024 - 5 min read

Perth is ready for Christmas, and one of the most exciting ways to get into the holiday spirit is through a dazzling display of Christmas lights. From the iconic Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail to suburban streets decorated with twinkling lights, Perth offers plenty of opportunities to experience the festive atmosphere.

Whether you're a local or visiting from afar, these magical light displays are sure to make you feel like you're on holiday. Here's your guide to the best Christmas lights in Perth and where to find them.

1. Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail

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One of the highlights of Perth’s Christmas celebrations is the Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail, and it’s an event that’s impossible to miss if you're in the city during the holiday season.

This annual event transforms the entire Perth city into a twinkling wonderland, complete with interactive light installations, themed displays, and life-sized decorations.

What makes it so special?

The Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail is a feast for the eyes. Expect to wander through streets lit up with spectacular light projections, towering Christmas trees, and fun, animated displays. This year’s theme continues to embrace creativity, so there’s no shortage of Instagram-worthy moments.

It’s not just a visual experience; you’ll also find interactive elements where you can be part of the action — like giant light-up installations where you can pose for photos. It’s a perfect night out for families, couples, or anyone looking to enjoy some festive cheer in Perth.

When to go?

The trail typically runs from 22 November 2024 to 1 January 2025, everyday from 6 PM to 3 AM, giving you plenty of time to take in the lights. To make the most of the experience, try visiting after sunset when the lights are at their brightest. If you’re visiting on weekends, it can get busy, so aim for a quieter weekday evening if possible.

Why you should visit?

Free entry, making it a perfect budget-friendly outing.
A great family activity with plenty of attractions for kids.
Convenient location in the heart of the city, so you can pair your visit with a stroll around Northbridge or dinner at one of the local restaurants.

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2. Suburban Streets: The Neighbourhood Christmas Lights Displays

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While the Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail steals the spotlight, Perth’s suburban streets also host some of the most delightful Christmas light displays.

Local residents go all out with their festive decorations, and it’s well worth driving or walking around these areas to see the best of Perth’s neighbourhood Christmas lights.

Kingsley Christmas Lights

Located in the northern suburbs, the Kingsley Christmas Lights are a must-see. Known for their light displays, the homes in Kingsley transform into a glowing spectacle each year.

Kingsley lights up with animated displays with music, large-scale installations, and plenty of twinkling lights. Some residents even collect donations for charity, making your visit not only fun but also for a good cause.

Kallaroo Christmas Lights

Just a short drive north of the city, Kallaroo is another neighbourhood that pulls out all the stops. The streets here are lined with houses decorated in an elaborate fashion.

Many of these homes feature synchronised music and moving light displays that will have you grinning from ear to ear. Kallaroo is popular for its elaborate setups, so make sure to bring your camera!

Mullaloo and Hillarys Christmas Lights

Further along the coast, Mullaloo and Hillarys are also home to some of the most dazzling displays in Perth. The residents of these areas take great pride in their Christmas decorations, turning their homes into festive wonderlands.

The best way to experience these displays is by taking a leisurely drive through the streets in the evening, though walking around can also give you a closer look at the fine details of these personal holiday projects.

3. Lotterywest Festive Lights Show

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For a central and festive experience, head to Elizabeth Quay, where the Lotterywest Festive Lights Show will light up the riverfront over two exciting nights – Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December. From 5pm to 9pm, you can enjoy a 500-drone light show starting at 8pm, followed by a dazzling fireworks display. The event is bigger and brighter this year, with live entertainment, food trucks, and family-friendly activities like hula hoop workshops.

Every Saturday night in December and January, you can catch the fireworks lighting up the sky. Plus, enjoy three hours of free parking at CPP Cultural Centre, Pier Street, and His Majesty’s car parks. It’s the perfect place to celebrate the start of the festive season with family and friends, all while soaking up the magical Christmas lights along the quay.

4. Subiaco Christmas Lights Festival

This holiday season, Subiaco is lighting up with the Subiaco Twilight Trail, starting on 21 November. Stroll through the streets to discover eight stunning light installations, including a golden Christmas tree and a gingerbread train. For the first time, augmented reality (AR) brings the displays to life – simply scan QR codes to unlock surprises.

New this year, the Twinkling Treasure Hunt adds an interactive twist, and the Christmas Cocktail Trail (from 1 December) invites you to sip festive cocktails at local bars.

Enjoy festive concerts at Lake Jualbup on 22 December, drop into Subiaco Library for kids’ activities, or visit the Pre Loved Market on 8 December for unique gifts. The Subi Night Market on Saturdays offers crafts, food, and seasonal treats.

Tips for Visiting Perth’s Christmas Lights

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Before you head out to experience Perth’s best Christmas lights displays, here are a few handy tips to make the most of your visit:

Go After Dark: Christmas lights truly come alive after sunset. Aim to visit the displays once it’s dark, typically between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm.
Weekdays vs Weekends: Weekends are usually busier, so if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, try visiting on a weekday.
Dress for the Weather: Perth’s December evenings can get cool, so bring a light jacket or sweater just in case. A comfortable pair of shoes is also a good idea, especially if you’re planning to walk through the displays.
Bring the Family: Many of the light displays are family-friendly, so it’s a great activity for kids. Plus, some neighbourhoods collect donations for local charities, so you can contribute to a good cause while enjoying the festivities.
Stay Safe: If you're driving, be mindful of parking restrictions and traffic in busier areas. Always follow local parking rules and respect residents' privacy in suburban streets.

Flight to Perth

Wed, 21 May 2025

Jetstar

Sydney (SYD) to Perth (PER)

Start from AU$201.95

Tue, 27 May 2025

Jetstar

Melbourne (MEL) to Perth (PER)

Start from AU$213.14

Thu, 8 May 2025

Virgin Australia Airlines

Canberra (CBR) to Perth (PER)

Start from AU$378.71

Perth’s Christmas Lights Await You

With so many incredible light displays scattered throughout the city, Perth is the perfect destination for anyone wanting to get into the Christmas spirit. From life-sized decorations at the Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail to the more intimate suburban displays, the city offers something for everyone.

Don’t forget to check out the city’s waterfront lights, suburban neighbourhoods, and festive festivals for the full holiday experience.

Ready to experience Perth’s Christmas lights? Whether you're looking for a hotel in the city or flights to get you there, Traveloka is your one-stop platform for booking everything you need to enjoy a festive holiday season. Book your accommodation, flights, and activities today – and let the Christmas magic begin!

Book your holiday now with Traveloka and get ready to explore the best Christmas lights in Perth!

In This Article

• 1. Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail
• What makes it so special?
• When to go?
• Why you should visit?
• 2. Suburban Streets: The Neighbourhood Christmas Lights Displays
• Kingsley Christmas Lights
• Kallaroo Christmas Lights
• Mullaloo and Hillarys Christmas Lights
• 3. Lotterywest Festive Lights Show
• 4. Subiaco Christmas Lights Festival
• Tips for Visiting Perth’s Christmas Lights
• Perth’s Christmas Lights Await You

Flights Featured in This Article

Wed, 21 May 2025
Jetstar
Sydney (SYD) to Perth (PER)
Start from AU$201.95
Book Now
Tue, 27 May 2025
Jetstar
Melbourne (MEL) to Perth (PER)
Start from AU$213.14
Book Now
Thu, 8 May 2025
Virgin Australia Airlines
Canberra (CBR) to Perth (PER)
Start from AU$378.71
Book Now

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