Christmas in Perth is a magical time, and if you’re a parent, you know the joy (and challenge!) of finding festive activities that the whole family will love. This year, we’ve made it easy for you to plan an unforgettable holiday season with our ultimate guide: 50 Family-Friendly Christmas Things to Do in Perth with Kids! From dazzling light trails and carols under the stars to Santa visits and creative workshops, we’ve rounded up the very best events and experiences across Perth to help you make cherished memories with your little ones. Get ready to jingle all the way through December with these fantastic options, many of which are free or low-cost, and perfect for every age and stage!
50 Family-Friendly Christmas Things to Do in Perth with Kids
1.
Follow the twinkling Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail through Perth City, spotting 22 dazzling light installations, tunnels and giant decorations along the way – it’s free, pram-friendly, and magical for all ages from toddlers to tweens (and grown-ups too!)
FREE
2.
Step into the magic at Santa’s Christmas Village at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre (Perth CBD), where kids can meet Santa, watch PAW Patrol live on stage, decorate gingerbread, get crafty and explore the Holly Jolly Maze – a ticketed indoor event packed with over 20 attractions, perfect for families with toddlers through to primary school kids.
3.
Head to Christmas on the Green at Atwell Reserve in Cockburn (Atwell) for a FREE family night out with live Christmas symphony, carols, roving characters (including the Grinch and stilt walkers), festive crafts, a Winter Wonderland Snow Queen and a visit from Santa – perfect for families with toddlers, primary school kids and tweens.
FREE
4.
Wander through The Magic of Christmas at Wanneroo Botanic Gardens, where the 5-acre gardens are lit up into a sparkling wonderland and families can try festive Glow-in-the-Dark mini golf – a ticketed evening outing that’s especially fun for primary school kids, tweens and teens.
5.
Enjoy Optus Stadium’s Christmas Festival 2025 at Stadium Park, Optus Stadium in Burswood, where the riverside precinct turns into a huge festive marketplace with 100+ food trucks, gift stalls, live entertainment, outdoor Christmas movies and the Jingle Bar for sunset drinks – a free afternoon‑to‑evening event that’s great for families with school‑aged kids and teens, plus pram‑friendly for younger ones.
FREE
6.
Cruise the sparkling canals on a Mandurah Cruises Christmas Lights Cruise from the Mandurah Boardwalk, where over 200 homes are lit up with millions of lights and there are options from 1-hour trips to sunset and sensory-friendly cruises – a ticketed experience that’s memorable for families with kids from toddlers right through to teens.
7.
Stroll Hillarys Boardwalk at Hillarys Boat Harbour for a relaxed Christmas outing by the water, with free Festive Friday roving performers and a Christmas selfie swing plus calm swimming spots, ice-cream, cafes and shops.
FREE
8.
Treat the kids to a city staycation at Novotel Perth Murray Street (Perth CBD), where families can enjoy the heated outdoor pool, free breakfast for kids under the family offer, daily Christmas colouring competitions and free jellybeans.
9
Treat older kids and teens to Candlelight: A Night of Christmas Classics at Perth Town Hall on Hay Street (Perth CBD), where you’ll sit surrounded by hundreds of candles and listen to live string versions of Christmas favourites – a ticketed 60-minute concert for ages 8+ that’s perfect for a special festive night out.
10.
Join the crowds in the Perth CBD for the Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant, where dancers, bands, cultural groups, favourite characters and of course Santa parade down St Georges Terrace – a free, alcohol‑free family event that’s great for all ages, from pram‑bound toddlers to excited tweens and teens (just pack rugs, snacks and ear protection for little ones).
FREE
11.
Hop aboard the Myer Santaland Express at Myer Perth, 3rd floor (Perth CBD), where kids can “ride” to the North Pole, meet cheeky elves, visit Santa, build LEGO, write letters and try festive games – a free to visit experience with optional paid photos, perfect for toddlers through to primary school kids (and a fun add-on to your city Christmas shopping).
FREE
12.
Settle in under the stars at the Christmas Nativity Concert in Forrest Place, Perth CBD, where Perth choirs bring the Christmas story to life on stage with sing‑along carols – a free, early‑evening outdoor concert that suits families with primary school kids through to teens (younger ones are welcome too if they’re happy to sit and listen).
FREE
13.
Head to the S&R Orchard Christmas and Fruit Picking Festival in Walliston (Perth Hills), where families can wander through festive photo spots, pick nectarines, plums and apricots, bounce on inflatables, visit the animal farm and hop on tractor rides – a ticketed day out that’s great for toddlers through to tweens who love being outdoors.
14.
Browse Christmas Markets @ The Quay at Elizabeth Quay (Perth CBD), with over 60 artisan stalls, free face painting, roaming elves, letters to Santa, lawn games and photos with Santa plus the dazzling Bridge of Light – a free riverside market evening that suits families with toddlers through to teens
FREE
15.
Plan your sparkle tour with the Buggybuddys Christmas Lights Perth 2025 guide, an online roundup covering the best home and community light displays across Perth’s northern and southern suburbs – a free, DIY night‑out option where families with kids of all ages can use the interactive map and listings to drive or walk past twinkling houses and big feature displays at their own pace.
FREE
16.
Get your Christmas wrapping sorted in one hit with Present Making – The Art of Gratitude at The Maker Space, Floreat Forum (Floreat), a full‑day, $160 art workshop where kids spend the day creating four contemporary, surprise gifts and decorations, wrapping them ready for under the tree, and exploring gratitude with a take‑home Gratitude Game – best for primary school‑aged kids who enjoy guided arty activities and are ready for a 9am–3.30pm workshop, while you use the day to tackle your own Christmas prep.
17.
Book a table for the Christmas Family Fun Day at BrewDog on Gordon Street, Perth (near the CBD), where kids can decorate Christmas baubles, meet cheeky roving elves for balloon twisting and glitter tattoos, and snap photos with Santa.
18.
See Scuba Santa at AQWA in Hillarys, where Santa swaps his sleigh for scuba gear and dives into AQWA’s Marina Bay on 18 & 19 December from 10am, searching for mischievously misplaced gifts while families watch and snap photos – a standard‑entry day out (Scuba Santa viewing is free with your AQWA ticket) that’s ideal for preschoolers through to tweens who love all things underwater.
19.
Sing along under the stars at Carols in the City in Supreme Court Gardens, Perth CBD, with a big on‑stage carols program, pre‑show entertainment, Santa Land for the kids and a fireworks finale – a free, evening outdoor event that’s lovely for families with primary school kids and teens (younger children are welcome too if they’re happy to stay up for the 9.15pm fireworks).
FREE
20.
Browse the Young Makers Christmas Market at Braithwaite Park, Mount Hawthorn, where young locals aged 6–18 run their own stalls selling handmade Christmas gifts, alongside a coffee van, sausage sizzle and local entertainment – a free, daytime community market that’s lovely for families with primary school kids and teens (and an easy pram‑friendly wander for younger siblings).
FREE
21.
Party with the animals at Christmas Party at the Zoo at Perth Zoo, South Perth, where families can meet Santa, spot a live “Elf on the Shelf”, dance along to music on the main lawn, enjoy roving entertainment (including the Grinch!), ride the carousel and explore animals plus Zoorassic Park until 7.30pm – a ticketed evening event best suited to families with toddlers through to tweens.
22.
Head north for Yanchep Carols 2025 at Splendid Park, Yanchep, where families can settle in on the grass for pre‑show entertainment, big community carols and a fireworks finale – a free, evening outdoor event that’s great for families with primary school kids and teens, with Santa Land and kids’ activities helping younger ones through until the 9.15pm fireworks.
FREE
23.
Watch the sky light up at Festive Lights at Elizabeth Quay, Perth CBD, featuring a Christmas‑themed drone show, fireworks finale, DJ on a floating stage, roving entertainment, sideshow alley games and plenty of food trucks – a free, early‑evening foreshore event that’s exciting for primary school kids and teens, with pram‑friendly walkways for younger ones if they’re okay with noise and late finishes.
FREE
24.
Browse the Perth Makers Market – Twilight Christmas Market at Supreme Court Gardens in the Perth CBD, where over 80 local artisans and stallholders sell handmade gifts alongside food trucks, live entertainment, Christmas music and a visit from Santa – a free‑to‑enter evening market that’s great for families with primary school kids and teens, with pram‑friendly paths for little ones (budget for food and your festive shopping).
FREE
25.
Use the Buggybuddys “Santa Perth” guide to find the best Santa photo spots across shopping centres in Perth and surrounds, including options like real‑beard Santas, Sensitive/Sensory Santa sessions and pet photos – a useful online roundup for families with babies through to teens, with prices generally starting around paid photo packages while many centres still allow a quick, free visit or BYO‑camera moments if you don’t want to purchase a full bundle.
26.
Hop aboard the Christmas Train at Girrawheen Library in Girrawheen, where kids can enjoy a magical mini train ride around the library grounds in a special one‑off Christmas send‑off – a book‑ahead, low‑key morning outing that’s perfect for toddlers and young primary school children.
FREE
27.
Celebrate under the stars at Christmas Fiesta 2025 at Wanneroo Showgrounds, Wanneroo, with stage performances, festive carols, markets, food trucks and loads of free activities including an ice rink, Santa’s Grotto and carnival rides – a free, late‑afternoon to evening community festival that’s brilliant for families with school‑aged kids and teens, with plenty to do for younger children if they can handle the noise and excitement.
FREE
28.
Stroll by the coast at the Whitfords Nodes Christmas Markets at Whitfords Nodes Park, Hillarys, where Markets By The Bay brings together local makers, live music, food trucks (with GF and vegan options) and kids’ activities – a free‑to‑enter morning market that’s lovely for families with pram‑age kids through to teens, with plenty of grass and paths to roam (note it’s a dog‑free park, and you’ll need to budget for food and shopping).
FREE
29.
Kick off the season at the Mandurah Christmas Pageant in Mandurah CBD, where more than 30 floats, marching bands, dancers and community groups parade through the streets before Santa’s big arrival and the official launch of the Mandurah Christmas Lights Trail – a free, early‑evening street event that’s exciting for families with primary school kids and teens, with workshops and creative activities to keep younger children busy (just be prepared for crowds, noise and a later bedtime).
30.
Be swept into a fairytale at Ballet of Lights – Sleeping Beauty at the Octagon Theatre, UWA in Crawley, where dancers perform the classic tale in glowing, illuminated costumes that light up the stage for a one‑hour, after‑school show – a ticketed theatre experience that’s perfect for primary school kids and tweens who love dance and princess stories, while younger children will need to be able to sit through a full performance.
31.
Enjoy a relaxed city celebration at the Christmas Open Weekend in the Government House Gardens, Perth CBD, where families can spread out a picnic rug for carols on the lawn, explore self‑guided tours of historic Government House and sample global flavours at the Consular Corps World of Food Festival – a free afternoon‑to‑evening event that suits families with preschoolers through to teens, with plenty of space for little legs to roam and a special visit from Santa to top it all off.
32.
Head under the sea for Merry Mermaids at AQWA in Hillarys, where costumed mermaids make a special festive appearance at Marina Bay, waving and greeting kids as part of AQWA’s “Merry Fishmas” fun – a short, set‑time experience included free with your AQWA entry, ideal for mermaid‑mad toddlers through to primary school kids (standard AQWA admission applies).
33.
Follow the sparkle on the Mandurah Christmas Lights Trail through the Mandurah City Centre and Ocean Marina, where 35 light installations, AR surprises, live music, outdoor movies, kids’ activities and free Santa photos turn the foreshore into a nightly Christmas wonderland – a free, self‑guided trail running from late November to early January, great for families with pram‑age kids through to teens, with plenty of accessible paths but late finishes and crowds to keep in mind for little ones.
FREE
34.
Sing along at Carols in the Park 2025 at Claremont Park, Claremont, where family activities and entertainment kick off in the late afternoon before the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and vocalists lead everyone through classic Christmas carols – a free community picnic‑style concert that’s lovely for families with primary school kids and teens, with space for younger children to roam and the excitement of a Santa visit (just factor in the later finish time).
FREE
35.
Go big with The Greatest Christmas Show at Riverside Theatre, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, a high‑energy stage spectacular packed with grand illusions by master illusionist Anthony Street, soaring Christmas vocals, dancers and cirque‑style aerial acts, plus a special visit from Santa – a ticketed evening theatre event best suited to primary school kids, tweens and teens who can handle a late finish and loud, dramatic effects, while younger children may find the three‑hour running time a stretch.
36.
Settle in on the grass for Heathridge Carols at Heathridge Park, Heathridge, a big community carols night with pre‑show entertainment, Santa Land for the kids, food and amusements, followed by sing‑along favourites and a fireworks finale – a free evening event that works well for families with primary school kids and teens, with plenty to keep younger ones busy too if they can manage the later finish and noise of the fireworks.
FREE
37.
Browse, stretch and play by the sea at the Christmas Markets by Summer x Salt Markets at Clarko Reserve, Trigg, where over 70 local stalls, live music, “Salty Santa” photos and a kids’ Christmas workshop sit alongside free wellness sessions like sunrise dips, yoga, Pilates and meditation – a free, dog‑friendly coastal market morning that’s great for families with toddlers through to teens, with plenty of space for prams, easy beach access and lots of low‑cost ways to soak up the festive vibe while you shop local.
FREE
38.
Raise your candles at Mandurah Christmas Carols in the Park at Hall Park on the Western Foreshore, Halls Head, where live performances from local choirs and musicians, food trucks, kids’ activities and roving entertainment lead into a big Carols by Candlelight sing‑along featuring Conrad Sewell – a free, evening foreshore concert that’s ideal for families with primary school kids and teens, with room for younger children to picnic and play while you soak up the waterfront Christmas atmosphere.
FREE
39.
Head to the Joondalup Christmas Night Market at the City of Joondalup Council Carpark on Boas Avenue, Joondalup, where food trucks, Christmas gift stalls, live music and a laid‑back festive atmosphere make for an easy early‑evening outing – a free, pet‑friendly night market that suits families with toddlers through to teens, with pram‑friendly surfaces, plenty of parking and low‑pressure browsing if you’re squeezing in some last‑minute Christmas shopping with the kids.
FREE
40.
Experience a different flavour of Christmas at the South African Carols & Music Festival at ECU Joondalup, a ticketed concert and Christmas market where you can sing along to carols, browse the Christmas market and enjoy Afrikaans food festival treats – best suited to families with primary school kids and teens who can sit through a show, with tickets around $32 per adult, $18 per child or $99 for a family of four, supporting South African charity projects that feed and equip children in need.
41.
Browse the Christmas Twilight Markets along the Eastern Foreshore in Mandurah, where families can wander evening stalls packed with handmade crafts, gifts, local produce and festive treats right on the Mandurah Christmas Lights Trail – a free‑to‑enter waterfront market night that works well for pram‑age kids through to teens, with plenty of room to stroll, budget‑friendly browsing and the option to combine it with the lights, roving performers and kids’ activities nearby.
FREE
42.
Join the community for Carols by Candlelight and Christmas Parade at Memorial Park, Armadale, where the City of Armadale’s much‑loved Christmas tradition fills the evening with festive music, a joyful parade and plenty of community pride – a free family event that’s perfect for families with primary school kids and teens who’ll enjoy the big carol sing‑along and parade atmosphere, while younger children can soak up the lights and excitement before bedtime.
FREE
43.
Turn your lights trail stroll into a party at the Christmas Silent Disco Walking Tour along the Mandurah Foreshore, where you’ll pop on glowing headphones and follow a host and DJ on a 60‑minute walk dancing past the Mandurah Christmas Lights Trail – a ticketed experience (around $45 per person) that’s fun for families with older primary school kids, tweens and teens who’ll love the music and movement.
44.
Celebrate Christmas in Elfenbrook 2025 on Main Street, Ellenbrook, with a huge community festival featuring rides, youth activities, markets, stalls, stage performances, roving entertainers and a community pageant – a free afternoon‑into‑evening event that’s ideal for families with toddlers through to teens.
FREE
45.
Kick off the festive season at the Rockingham Christmas Lights Launch at Churchill Park, Rockingham Foreshore, where the official switching‑on of the foreshore Christmas lights is wrapped in a full evening of stage performances, roaming entertainment, markets, Santa’s Grotto, a snow pit, craft, First Nations storytelling and a low‑sensory chill‑out zone – a free, non‑ticketed, alcohol‑free event for all ages, great for families with toddlers through to teens, with plenty of children’s activities from 5pm and the lights turned on at 8pm.
FREE
46.
Sing your heart out at Carols at Scarborough in the Scarborough Amphitheatre, Scarborough Beach, a free, family‑friendly sunset concert where live performances from the Australian Army Band and local choirs, sing‑along carol booklets, a visit from Santa and a fireworks finale over the Indian Ocean create a big, festive beachside atmosphere – great for families with primary school kids and teens, with the option to bring younger children along if they can handle the evening crowds and later finish.
FREE
47.
Spend a relaxed festive day at the Sunday Treasures Christmas Market in Mawson Park, Hillarys, where Christmas stalls, decorations, live music, carols, food vendors, an animal farm, face painting and pony rides make it a free family market day that’s ideal for families with toddlers through to tweens, with loads of shade and picnic space (just note that dogs aren’t permitted in the park).
FREE
48.
Celebrate community Christmas spirit at Aveley Carols 2025 at the Aveley Playing Fields, Aveley, a free twilight carols and market event featuring local choirs and artists, Christmas markets, kids’ activities and food vendors – a relaxed evening out that suits families with toddlers through to teens, with plenty of grass for picnic rugs and room for little ones to move around while the carols play.
FREE
49.
Snuggle in for Storytime with Santa @ Kalamunda Library at Kalamunda Library, Kalamunda, where an evening of Christmas songs, stories, simple craft and a chance to have a photo with Santa makes for a cosy, low‑key outing – a ticketed session at $5 per person plus booking fee, suitable for children of all ages (including toddlers and early primary), with all adults and kids needing a ticket and little ones required to be accompanied by an adult throughout.
50.
Enjoy festive music in a beautiful, inclusive setting at Carols by the Lake 2025 at Galup (Lake Monger), Wembley, a free community carols event that also celebrates the International Day of People with Disability, with kids’ activities like an animal farm, dodgeball and face painting, a visit from Santa, community art, wheelchair basketball, sensory spaces and all‑abilities performances – a relaxed, accessible evening by the water that works well for families with toddlers through to teens, including those needing low‑sensory options.
As you can see, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the festive season in Perth with kids – from relaxed community carols and twinkling light trails to special Santa storytimes, markets and magical ticketed experiences. Whether you’re keen to stick to free, local events or splash out on a big Christmas outing, there’s something in this list for every family, budget and age group. We hope these 50 Family-Friendly Christmas Things to Do in Perth with Kids help you fill December with memory-making moments, late bedtimes for all the right reasons, and plenty of Christmas magic. Don’t forget to check event websites or Facebook pages before you go in case details change – and most importantly, have a safe, joyful and very merry Christmas!
- About the Author
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 16 & 14 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
