It’s December! For some, that means welcoming the start of the summer season and warm, sunny days. But for others, December 1st means something else - it’s time to start getting ready for Christmas! 

After you’ve dug out the tree, put up the lights and carefully curated the placement of your decorations (don’t lie, we all do it), it’s time to start thinking about how else to get into the Christmas spirit, like sussing out the range of Chrissie events and places to grab some last minute - but no less thoughtful - Christmas gifts.

So, we’ve written this article to share everything you need to know about planning your 2022 Christmas, right here in Perth!

Christmas Events

There’s plenty to see and do in Perth this December to get you into the Christmas spirit! Here’s just a few Christmas themed events and festivities that are on offer for you and the whole family to enjoy. 

Christmas Carols and Concerts

Nothing gets you in the mood for the festive season like Christmas music! We’re not talking about those terrible songs they play on repeat throughout shopping centres, we’re talking about proper musical events. 

Get your carols on at the Fremantle Community Christmas Carols, with several choirs and music groups belting out festive favourites across the evening of 9th December, as part of the Fremantle Christmas Festival. If you’re after something a bit more grandiose, the West Australian Symphony Orchestra is holding their annual WASO’s Christmas Spectacular on Saturday 10th December, with over 150 performers on stage. December 11th sees Carols by Torchlight at Araluen Botanic Park, with kids activities, wide open spaces and carols under the stars. Or for a more traditional event, bring the family to the City of Perth Christmas Nativity (17-20th December) to experience the story of Christmas as led by a range of young performers, community choirs and professional acts - get your tickets now! If coastal carols are more your vibe, Carols in the Park | Mandurah will be held on the 17th of December, featuring an array of food and drink stalls, children's rides, entertainment and more!

Christmas Community Events and Pageants

It’s not just about the music of course - nothing says Christmas like a pageant! The Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant (Saturday 3rd December) returns to the City Of Perth again and is always filled with Christmas cheer and magic.

If you want to get a bit more hands on, there’s plenty of Christmas-themed activities to get around, try Fremantle's Elf of the Shelf Christmas Trail. In a new take on a favourite Christmas tradition, this walkable, family-friendly trail will guide you around Fremantle's neighbourhoods during Fremantle Christmas Festival to discover what these naughty elves have been up to. You’ll get the whole family in the festive spirit... and you could even win some great prizes! Need to tire the kids our some more? Check out Fremantle's Christmas Maze for another activity. For more sophisticated gatherings, what could be better then Christmas movies, stars and wine? This year Mandoon Estate in the Swan Valley is brining back their popular Christmas movie series, nothing beats lying under the stars with a picnic hamper and watching a movie with friends and family, only on from the 19th-22nd of December.

Christmas Lights and Decorations

No matter where you live throughout Perth, there’s a Christmas wonderland close by! The Fremantle Christmas Light Show is taking place on 12-16th December this year, with an immersive light show projected onto the historic Fremantle Town Hall and St John’s Church. 

Over in the Perth City, the City of Perth Christmas Lights Trail is already in full swing! Forge your own festive journey through the dazzling light displays, enchanting building projections and joyful street decorations every night until the 2nd January, from 6pm-11pm.

Or, check out Mandurah, the unofficial Christmas Lights capital of WA. Their Christmas Trails are a sure hit with the family and over 200 canal-front houses are decorated with twinkling lights. This unforgettable magical light show is best viewed from a boat at sunset.

Places to see Santa

How could we forget the big man himself!

You can find Santa Claus at a range of places before he sets off on his annual gift-giving voyage, including a visit from Santa at Bailey Brewery in the Swan Valley, or on a Christmas Lunch Cruise with Captain Cook Cruises. Check out each event to see what time he’s planning to show up, or check out our Christmas Events in Perth page for more places he might be visiting! 

Christmas Markets

There’s also a range of Christmas Markets being held in Perth across December, with stalls selling plenty of crafts and artisanal goods. 

From the 2nd-4th December, the Fremantle Arts Centre is hosting their Christmas markets Bazaar, a celebration of handmade, quality craftsmanship, showcasing the work of 50 local designers, artists and makers (fashion, jewellery, textiles, ceramics, woodwork, toys, homewares, prints, stationery and more). On the 11th of December, ClayMaker Studios hold their Summer Market, where 26 clay makers, potters, and ceramists will come together to showcase their work made right there in the studio, perfect p to shop for a unique Christmas gift. The Perth Hills Artisan Christmas Market is another fantastic option (17th December), with a range of stalls offering jams, sweet treats and art.

It should come as no surprise that arts and crafts aren’t the only things on offer at these Christmas markets - there’s plenty of music, delicious food and drinks, and live entertainment to go around for everyone. 

Christmas Gifts & Experiences

As Christmas approaches (and as online deliveries start to become a little more uncertain) it’s the perfect opportunity to try something a little different this year - give the gift of experience with a gift card to one of Perth's leading hotels, attractions or tours operators!

Support range of local Perth businesses that are offering amazing deals on bucket-list adventures, indulgent food and wine experiences, Aboriginal cultural tours and so much more, including The Swan Valley,  Mandurah, AQWA, Liberty Balloon Flights, GoGo Active, Crown Towers, Heyscape Tiny Cabins, Intercontinental Perth City Centre, Funk2.0 Cider, Odyssea City Beach and Sitella Winery and Restaurant. 

Looking for something a bit more tangible to give a loved one on Christmas Day? You can purchase gift cards and other presents from a range of Perth based operators, including Hidden deTours, The Perth Mint and the Fremantle Markets.

Check out our Perth Christmas Gift Guide for even more local gifting inspiration!

Christmas Dining

With work and school finishing for the year, it’s the perfect time to catch up with friends, family and colleagues to celebrate another year gone and the start of the festive season. That means plenty of food, drink and good times! 

Whether you’re looking to host a Christmas function for your work buddies, celebrate Friendsmas as a group, or just looking to have an intimate dining experience with a loved one, there’s plenty of options to choose from. Here’s two in particular that you’ll love!

The Ritz Carlton is hosting a Ritz Kids Christmas High Tea on the 20th December; priced at $59 per child, it will take children through a Christmas wonderland of sweets including a Mushroom house, the forest, passion fruit mousse and a Carambar finger. Savoury favourites include a Christmas chicken sandwich, cheddar cheese tart and Shark Bay tiger prawn, with a choice of milk or juice. Adults can join to with their own signature high tea experience.

Check out more Perth Christmas Dining options here.

Christmas Day

Last but not least - the big day itself!

If you’re not in the mood to cook or host this year, then celebrate with family and friends at one of the many, many venues across Perth that are ready to serve up a storm on Christmas Day.
Check out the Christmas Day at The Vines Resort, Christmas Lunch at HQ Bar + Kitchen and Christmas Day Lunch at InterContinental Perth, Christmas Day Buffet Lunch at DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Northbridge  just to name a few.

With December 25th less than a month away and coming up fast, bookings for Christmas Day dining and entertainment are filling up very quickly. We advise that you check directly with the relevant venue to enquire about last minute availability. For more inspiration, check out our What’s On In Perth This Christmas Day page.

There’s plenty to get excited about this festive season! Start planning your Christmas in Perth today to make the most of your summer with friends and family.