To cater for increasing audiences and redevelopments in Perth’s CBD, there are some exciting new changes to the City at Christmas program this year.
Deputy Lord Mayor Jemma Green said visitors could create new Christmas memories this festive season with a number of new events and locations.
“The traditional Turning on of the Christmas Lights event in Forrest Place will not take place this year as it has simply outgrown the venue,” Dr Green said.
“Instead, visitors can walk our new Christmas Lights Trail each night across five weeks, featuring mesmerising festive installations guaranteed to delight people of all ages.
“With more than 10,000 people expected this year, our Christmas Nativity will also be moved to the Supreme Court Gardens to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
“Other traditional Christmas events people have come to know and love, will continue to create lasting memories.”
To celebrate the launch of the Christmas Lights Trail, visitors can head to the city this Friday 17 November to experience an assortment of free events and activities across the city from 4.30pm.
Featuring concerts at the Perth Cultural Centre and the Northbridge Piazza, roving and aerial performances – including Santa, a Christmas craft market and the much loved Twilight Hawkers Market, the city’s malls, streets and parks will shine with animated lights, projections and lively festivities.
Highlights of the 2017 Christmas program include new events and new locations such as:
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TRAIL – NEW EVENT
Throughout the city
From dusk
17 November to 25 December
FREE, Family friendly
Choose from 39* evenings to walk the new Christmas Lights Trail throughout the city. Enjoy the magic of the Christmas projections on St George’s Cathedral, the 24-metre light tunnel at the Northbridge Piazza, a giant LED bauble in Murray Street Mall, the tangle of lights at Perth Cultural Centre and much more.
*Except Christmas Projections which finish 23 December
CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL – NEW EVENT
Forrest Place
10am to 4pm
25 to 26 November, 9 to 10 December
FREE, Family friendly
The carnival is coming to town and it’s bringing a truckload of Christmas fun with it, including free rides and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT BROOKFIELD PLACE
Brookfield Place
Various
Every Wednesday and Friday 1 to 22 December
FREE, Family friendly
Perth Symphony Orchestra brings Christmas cheer to Brookfield Place with free live instrumental performances of joyful Christmas carols.
RAC CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
St George’s Terrace
7.30pm
2 December
FREE, Family friendly
Relive your childhood and experience the wonder of the RAC Christmas Pageant when it returns for its 46th year, bringing magic and colour to the streets of Perth.
CITY CAROLLERS
Murray Street and Hay Street Malls
12pm to 2pm
2 and 16 December
FREE, Family friendly
Award-winning groups Perth Harmony Chorus and Men in Harmony will enliven the streets of Perth with their spectacular voices.
BRASS ON THE GRASS – NEW EVENT
Victoria Gardens, East Perth
6.30pm
6, 13 and 20 December
FREE, Family friendly
Established in 1898, enjoy the smooth sounds of the historic City of Perth Band as it performs Christmas concerts amidst balmy Perth evenings.
WASO SYMPHONY IN THE CITY
Langley Park
7.30pm
16 December
FREE, Family friendly
Experience Perth’s largest classical music concert and enjoy a magical night under the stars.
IGA CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT FOR VARIETY
Langley Park
3pm – Gates open
7.15pm – Event starts
17 December
FREE, Family friendly
Beginning with children’s rides and entertainment prior to the main concert, this traditional event is full of fun and musical joy.
CHRISTMAS NATIVITY – NEW LOCATION
Supreme Court Gardens
6pm – Pre-show
7.30pm – Main show
20 to 22 December
FREE, Family friendly
At a brand new location in 2017, the Christmas Nativity will be brought to life on stage with hundreds of performers, live animals and Christmas carols. Bring your picnic rug and share in the story of Christmas at the Supreme Court Gardens.
For more information on free city activities this Christmas, head to visitperthcity.com