Step into a Christmas fairy tale at night as Wanneroo Botanic Gardens once again transforms its 5‑acre grounds into a sparkling festive wonderland! Now in its eighth year, the Magic of Christmas is back for the 2025 season, running from 26th November through to 11th January, and it’s one of our favourite family Christmas traditions in Perth.
With over 100,000 twinkling lights, the Gardens are absolutely glowing. Every year seems to get a little more magical, and if you haven’t been for a while (or at all!), it’s well worth adding to your Christmas bucket list.
As you wander along the paths, you’ll find:
- Palms and pine trees wrapped in lights
- A towering 7‑metre Christmas tree that steals the show
- Giant baubles, reindeer and Santa’s sleigh for those perfect family snaps
- Plenty of little light‑up surprises tucked around each corner
Kids love spotting the big green frog (a nod to Leapfrogs restaurant)
New this year is the top lawn area, which has been turned into a really lovely, relaxed space for families to hang out before or after exploring the lights.
Here’s what you’ll find up on the lawn:
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Tables on a first‑come, first‑served basis
You don’t need a Leapfrogs reservation to sit here – just grab a table if you spot a spare one.
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Pizza and hot chips
You can order pizza and hot chips from Leapfrogs to enjoy on the lawn, which is perfect if you want something quick and easy without committing to a full sit‑down meal. -
Room for rugs
There’s also grassed space where you can throw down a rug and let the kids flop in between running around. (Food and drinks still need to be bought on site – BYO picnics aren’t allowed in the Gardens.) -
Caravan bar
A cute caravan bar is set up serving alcohol and soft drinks, so adults can enjoy a quiet drink while the kids play nearby.
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Hot donut stall
New for this year is a hot donut stall, and it smells as good as it sounds!
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Snow machine on the lawn
There’s also a snow machine in the top lawn area, which adds to that magical “Christmas street party” feel. O
This top lawn area really changes the night – instead of rushing through, you can take your time, grab dinner or a snack, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Glow‑in‑the‑Dark Mini Golf
If you want to make the night feel extra special, book in for Night Mini Golf / Glow Golf as part of your visit.
- There are 36 themed holes winding through the Gardens
- Glow‑in‑the‑dark balls and light features add to the fun
- Older kids and teens in particular
Tickets, Sessions & Entry
Make a magical memory without the hefty price tag – adults enter for just $8, children under 14 for $6, or you can grab a family pass for $24.
Entry is free if you’re dining at Leapfrogs or playing mini golf.
To enhance your visit, you can choose from three 90‑minute viewing sessions – 5:30pm, 7:00pm, or 8:30pm – designed to minimise wait times and maximise the enchantment! We found 90 minutes was the perfect amount of time to:
- Wander through the lights
- Let the kids dance in the “snow”
- Enjoy a snack or drink
- Play a round of mini golf
Booking online is strongly recommended, as only a small number of walk‑in tickets are usually held back for each night and sessions can book out quickly. Check current ticket prices, session times and what’s included on the official site here:
Wanneroo Botanic Gardens – The Magic of Christmas
For the best light experience, aim for 7pm onwards, when it’s fully dark and everything is glowing. If you have very young children, an earlier session can work well so you’re heading home before meltdown o’clock. Later sessions can feel a bit more relaxed and atmospheric for older kids and teens.
A few key points:
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Leapfrogs booking = free entry
If you have a confirmed booking at Leapfrogs, your entry to the Gardens is included – just enter via the restaurant and they’ll give you a wristband. -
Pizza on the lawn
If you’re planning to sit on the top lawn and order pizza and chips (without a Leapfrogs restaurant booking), you’ll still need to buy sightseeing or Glow Golf tickets. -
Sightseeing vs Glow Golf
You can choose simple sightseeing admission (just the lights), or upgrade to Glow Golf if you’d like to include mini golf as well.
Compared with many other Christmas events, Wanneroo Botanic Gardens is still a good value option, especially for what you get – lights, photo spots, snow, lawn area, and food and drinks all in one place.
Before heading home, we stopped for an ice cream at the Santa Shop, this year they are also serving a range of slushies… is there a better way to spend a summer night in Perth?!
The Magic of Christmas at Wanneroo Botanic Gardens – 2025
- When: 26th November 2025 – 11th January 2026
- Where: 25 Drovers Pl, Wanneroo
- More info & tickets: Wanneroo Botanic Gardens – The Magic of Christmas
If you’re looking for a Christmas outing that feels magical but not overwhelming – with lights, “snow”, mini golf, easy food options and space for the kids to explore – The Magic of Christmas at Wanneroo Botanic Gardens is a fantastic choice for the 2025 festive season.
- About the Author
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Jennie McNichol is on a mission to prove there is always something fun to do in Perth. After 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie moved to Perth in 2010 and founded Buggybuddys to silence the “nothing to do” crowd. Fifteen years later, it is the city’s number one guide for families, packed with daily inspiration and a huge focus on free local activities.
As a mum of two daughters, Jennie has evolved the site right alongside her own family—growing from a toddler-focused resource into a guide that supports parents through every stage, from the early years through to the teens. A passionate advocate for the WA lifestyle, Jennie loves helping families discover the best playgrounds, hidden gems, and budget-friendly days out in the most family-friendly city in the world.
