Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail 2025

The Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail is back in Perth City and it’s bigger and brighter than ever! Across 31 magical nights, families can wander through the CBD and Elizabeth Quay to discover 22 stunning light installations, projections and festive activations.

The trail stretches around 3.5km through malls, streets and parks. You can explore the whole trail in one go, or break it up into smaller sections like The Merry Mile (1.6km) – perfect for little legs.

Don’t forget to look up as you walk – festive street decorations are scattered throughout the city, so there’s something twinkling almost everywhere you go.

For the best experience, download the Perth Trails app to follow the Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail on your phone and make sure you don’t miss any stops.

Christmas Lights Trail Installations

1. Christmas Tree Lane – Yagan Square

Begin your Christmas Lights Trail adventure at Christmas Tree Lane, a spectacular 40‑metre illuminated tunnel in Yagan Square. Colourful lights and patterns wrap around you as you walk through, blending art, technology and festive magic.

• Why kids will love it: It feels like walking through a glowing Christmas portal – plenty of “wow” factor.
• Photo tip: Stand mid‑tunnel so the lights frame you all the way down the length of the arch.
• Pram note: Wide, flat and easy to navigate with prams.

2. Christmas Melody – Forrest Place (GPO Building)

At Christmas Melody, the historic GPO building in Forrest Place is transformed into a dazzling light and sound show. Much‑loved Christmas carols are brought to life with colourful projections dancing across the façade in time with the music.

• Why kids will love it: Moving pictures on a huge “storybook” building plus familiar songs they can sing along to.
• Photo tip: Stand back in Forrest Place to capture the whole building in your shot.

3. Santa on a Reindeer – Forrest Chase

Make a beeline for Santa on a Reindeer at Forrest Chase – a seven‑metre‑tall, sparkling Santa and his reindeer towering over the square. This giant, glowing installation is one of the most eye‑catching stops on the trail.

• Why kids will love it: It’s huge, bright and very “Christmas”! Great for spotting from afar.
• Photo tip: Take photos from slightly below, looking up, for maximum height and drama.
• Pram note: Plenty of open space around Forrest Chase for prams and wheelchairs.

4. City of Perth Christmas Tree – Forrest Place

No Christmas in the city is complete without a visit to the City of Perth Christmas Tree in Forrest Place. Standing at 14 metres tall, this impressive tree sparkles with lights and decorations and has become a traditional meeting point for many families.

• Why kids will love it: It’s the classic big Christmas tree moment with lots of lights.
• Photo tip: Great backdrop for a family Christmas pic – especially if you angle to include the tree and Forrest Place lights.

5. Christmas Quokka – Murray Street Mall

The Christmas Quokka brings WA’s favourite marsupial right into the city. This playful, illuminated quokka is all dressed up for the festive season and ready for photos in Murray Street Mall.

• Why kids will love it: It’s cute, it’s glowing, and it’s a quokka – what’s not to love?
• Photo tip: Kids can stand or crouch beside the quokka for a fun, close‑up selfie.
• Pram note: Murray Street Mall can be busy – easier earlier in the evening with younger kids.

6. Whadjuk Ponar: Seasons of the Land – 140 Perth

Whadjuk Ponar: Seasons of the Land at 140 Perth honours the Whadjuk Nyoongar people’s deep connection to Country. This thoughtful installation reflects the seasonal cycles that have guided life on this land for thousands of years.

• Why families will value it: A beautiful way to talk with kids about Aboriginal culture and the seasons beyond “summer, autumn, winter, spring”.
• Photo tip: Take time to walk around and capture it from different angles – it’s more reflective and artistic.

7. Fun‑sized Festoons – Raine Square

At Fun‑sized Festoons, giant festoon lights are suspended high above Raine Square, turning a simple Christmas decoration into an oversized, playful canopy of glow.

• Why kids will love it: It feels like you’ve shrunk down into a giant’s Christmas party.
• Photo tip: Stand underneath and shoot upwards to get the string of lights stretching overhead.
• Pram note: Easy indoor/outdoor transitions with lots of food options nearby.

8. GeomeTree – Central Park

GeomeTree at Central Park takes the traditional Christmas tree and gives it a geometric, modern twist. Its sharp lines and dazzling lighting create a captivating, contemporary tree that stands out amongst the city buildings.

• Why kids will love it: It’s “futuristic” and colourful – great for older kids and teens who love something different.
• Photo tip: Try a low angle to capture both the GeomeTree and the surrounding skyscrapers.

9. Lumina Butterfly – Hay Street Mall (Enex)

Spot the Lumina Butterfly fluttering into Hay Street Mall near Enex. This dazzling butterfly spreads glowing wings in a sweet, whimsical display.

• Why kids will love it: Butterflies + lights = instant magic, especially for little ones.
• Photo tip: Line kids up beside one wing for a “tiny beside a giant butterfly” moment.

10. Jolly Corner – Hay Street Mall (London Court)

Jolly Corner brings festive frames and decorations to the entry of London Court, designed especially for Christmas photos. Think colourful props and seasonal backdrops perfect for your Christmas card shot.

• Why kids will love it: Lots of chances to pose, be silly and get creative with their photos.
• Photo tip: Use the frames to “frame” your family – great for social media‑ready snaps.

11. Santa’s Sleigh – Exchange Tower

At Santa’s Sleigh near Exchange Tower, Santa’s sleigh and reindeers have touched down in the city. Kids can climb aboard and imagine soaring over Perth as they “ride” Santa’s transport.

• Why kids will love it: It’s interactive and tactile – not just something to look at.
• Photo tip: Capture kids sitting in the sleigh looking out as if they’re about to take off.
• Pram note: Flat paths and plenty of room around the precinct.

12. Koala Kanopy – Perth Town Hall

Look up into the trees at Koala Kanopy, where glowing koalas perch in illuminated gumtrees. This uniquely Australian Christmas scene wraps around Perth Town Hall with soft colour and native charm.

• Why kids will love it: Spotting all the koalas hidden above eye level feels like a game.
• Photo tip: Step back to capture the koalas and the Town Hall building together.

13. Family Rest Stop – Perth Town Hall

The Family Rest Stop near Perth Town Hall is a lifesaver for families mid‑trail. Here you’ll find:

• Festive craft activities for kids

• Ice cream and treats

• Seating to rest little legs

• Toilets and facilities

• Selfie frames with Aussie Christmas themes

• Why families will love it: A planned pit stop to reset, use the bathroom and refuel before continuing.

• Pram note: Great place to park the pram, feed babies and regroup with older kids.

14. Christmas Chandeliers – City of Perth Library

At the City of Perth Library, shimmering Christmas Chandeliers hang and glow, adding a touch of elegance to the building’s exterior. The light reflects beautifully off the glass and surrounding surfaces.

• Why kids will love it: “Fancy” sparkling lights that feel very special.
• Photo tip: Stand across the road or in the nearby open space to capture the building and chandeliers in full.

15. Journey through Light and Space – St George’s Cathedral

Journey through Light and Space transforms St George’s Cathedral into a stunning piece of living art. Spectacular projections move and change across the historic sandstone, with light, colour and space colliding in a breathtaking show.

• Why kids will love it: It’s like watching a movie projected onto a church – very immersive.
• Photo tip: A tripod or steady hand will help if you’re shooting video or longer‑exposure photos.
• Sensory note: May include bright/flashing lights – consider for sensitive kids.

16. Mooditj Yongas – Council House

Relax with the Mooditj Yongas at Council House – illuminated Christmas kangaroos who look like they’re taking a break on their own festive journey.

• Why kids will love it: Kangaroos! Kids can wander around and choose their favourite “yonga”.
• Photo tip: Capture the kangaroos with Council House lit up in the background for a very Perth‑style shot.

17. Council House Light Show – Council House

Once the sun goes down, Council House bursts into a vibrant light show. Colours and abstract shapes move across the building, constantly changing and creating a moving artwork over the glass façade.

• Why kids will love it: The ever‑changing lights keep it interesting – they’ll spot new colours and patterns every few seconds.
• Photo tip: Great to film in video mode as the colours shift and change.
• Sensory note: Bright, dynamic lights – good to be aware of for kids with light sensitivities.

Santa Claus at Council House – Meet & Greet

Location: Council House
Dates & Times: 6 & 7, 13 – 24 December | 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Your chance to meet the man himself before he heads off on his journey around the world! Visit Santa Claus at Council House to tell him what’s on your wish list and snap a photo to capture the magic of the holiday season.

There’s also a colouring station on site, giving kids something fun to do while they wait or after they’ve seen Santa. It’s a great way to keep little hands busy and extend the Christmas magic just a bit longer.

• Why kids will love it: A proper Santa visit in the heart of the city, complete with lights all around.
• Photo tip: Have your camera ready and your wish list sorted before you reach the front of the queue.
• Parent tip: Aim for earlier in the evening to avoid the longest lines, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

18. Hexadeca – Supreme Court Gardens

Hexadeca in Supreme Court Gardens invites you to sit, spin and play. This interactive installation responds to movement, transforming your spinning and seating into light and colour. Don’t just leave the kids to have all the fun, make sure you try it yourself!

• Why kids will love it: It’s essentially a playable artwork – they can move, spin and see the lights react.
• Pram note: Grassy areas and open space nearby – good for a short rest or snack stop.

19. Moodjar Sentinels – Barrack Square

At Barrack Square, Moodjar Sentinels showcases kinetic flowers that bloom and fold as they move, accompanied by a soundscape created by Phillip Walley‑Stack. The installation honours the Moodjar Tree and its deep cultural significance to Nyoongar people.

• Why families will value it: A beautiful blend of culture, sound and light – a chance to chat with kids about local stories and history.
• Photo tip: Capture the flowers mid‑“bloom” for the most dramatic photos.
• Sensory note: Includes soundscape and movement – generally calming rather than intense, but still stimulating.

20. Perth Skyline – Barrack Square

Take control of the show at Perth Skyline. Here you can press a button to trigger “fireworks” that light up the city skyline in a spectacular interactive display.

• Why kids will love it: They get to make the lights happen themselves – super satisfying!
• Photo tip: Have the camera ready before the button is pressed so you don’t miss the fireworks effect.

21. Bridge of Light – Elizabeth Quay Bridge

Walk across Elizabeth Quay Bridge as it transforms into the Bridge of Light. A radiant tunnel of glowing branches arches overhead while you enjoy sweeping views of the river and city lights.

• Why kids will love it: It’s like walking through a glowing tunnel in the sky.
• Photo tip: Pause in the middle of the bridge to capture both the lit‑up tunnel and the city skyline behind you.
• Pram note: Accessible, wide bridge with gentle incline – pram‑friendly.

22. Elfie Selfie – Elizabeth Quay

End your night with some extra fun at Elfie Selfie in Elizabeth Quay. This lively activation features singalongs, selfie spots and interactive games, led by a festive elf spreading Christmas cheer.

• Why kids will love it: High‑energy, silly and very interactive – perfect for burning that last bit of excitement.
• Photo tip: Capture kids interacting with the elf or posing at the dedicated selfie spots.