If you love Christmas lights then this is the cruise for you! Mandurah’s canals transform into a Christmas water wonderland, with more than 200 homes shimmering with millions of lights. Run by Mandurah Cruises, the Christmas Lights Cruise runs nightly from late November 2025 to early January 2026, and it’s as magical as ever.
There are several options to choose from, just like when we went: classic 1-hour cruises, a beautiful 1.5-hour Sunset & Lights option, special 2-hour extended cruises in the lead up to Christmas, and even a Sensory-Friendly Cruise. New Year’s Eve adds fireworks to the mix, and there are Private Eco BBQ Boats for your own little floating party.
We cruised on the Mandjar last time and departed from the Mandurah Cruises Jetty in Mandjar Square (right in front of the Performing Arts Centre). Our boat played carols as we glided through the canals, and we could move around to take in the lights from different angles. Some houses really go all out with giant inflatables and dazzling displays—our daughter was wide-eyed the whole way and still talks about “the house with the big Santa!”
Just like before, we found everything ran smoothly. Although our cruise didn’t leave until after 7pm, we arrived a little earlier, boarded in good time, and enjoyed the festive buzz on the jetty—carol singing, Santa and his helpers popping by, and helpful crew guiding people into the right queue. If you’re taking prams or need accessibility, Mandjar and Dancing Dolphin offer wheelchair and walking frame access (select this when you book).
The whole family loved it. It’s such a relaxing way to soak up the Christmas spirit, and cruising past those sparkling backyards is truly special. We’ll definitely be back again this year.
Departing every night
Late November 2025 to early January 2026
Prices (from):
- Adults from $52
- Children 3–12 years from $35
- Children 1–2 years $10
- Infants under 12 months free
Cruise options at a glance:
- Classic 1-hour and 1.5-hour Christmas Lights Cruises
- Typical times: 7:15pm and 8:45pm (Sunset & Lights is usually 7:00–8:30pm)
- Mandjar/Dancing Dolphin: fully licensed bars; accessible
- Supercat: 1.5h at 7:15pm and 1h at 9:00pm; BYO (small soft cooler); not accessible
- Reel Affair: BYO (small soft cooler); departs Stingray Point Jetty (behind The Sebel)
- 2-hour Christmas Extended Cruises
- Exclusive dates: 19–23 December
- Sensory-Friendly Cruise (1 hour)
- Immediate boarding, no music, dimmed lighting, reduced capacity (Dancing Dolphin; accessible)
- New Year’s Eve Lights & Fireworks (2 hours)
- Approx. 7:15–9:15pm on 31 December; choose fully licensed (Mandjar) or BYO (Reel Affair)
- Private Eco BBQ Boats (Rudolph & Blitzen)
- Around 80 minutes, up to 9 guests, private guide; BYO (no BBQs during Christmas Lights)
Helpful to know:
- Departures are from Mandjar Square Jetty (most vessels) or Stingray Point Jetty (Reel Affair/Private Eco Boats).
- These cruises are very popular and weekends book out quickly—grab tickets early.
- BYO is allowed on select vessels only and must be a small soft cooler (no eskies or stemmed glasses).
- Read the official guidelines (what to bring, boarding, departure locations, parking): Christmas Lights Cruise Guidelines (2025).
For more information, live availability and bookings, visit the official page:
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- Mandurah Cruises – Christmas Lights Cruise: mandurahcruises.com.au/cruises/christmas-lights-cruise
- Booking calendar: sea-west.rezdy.com/productsCalendar/338103
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Claire Tondut is currently a stay-at-home mother of one daughter and a puppy. When she is not chasing little Miss around she loves to spend time with hubby, friends and family.
