Perth Christmas Lights Switch-On Weekend

Perth's Christmas Lights Switch-On Weekend takes over the city centre from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 November, three days that kick off the festive season. The big switch-on itself is at 6pm on Saturday 21 November, when the lights finally come on across the centre.

It's a spread-out weekend rather than a single event, with things happening across Tay Street, King Edward Street, Mill Street and Horsecross Plaza. There's live music, street performances, and a Christmas market running throughout. The main stage has a new home this year, further along Tay Street beside the Royal George Hotel, and the annual Christmas Parade has moved from Saturday to Sunday. Santa flies in to hand out presents, and his Grotto opens at Horsecross Plaza on the Friday, where he stays for all three days. There's an autism-friendly Santa session on that opening Friday, and a dedicated mobility area in front of the Tay Street stage. The Festive Market runs along King Edward Street and High Street, and the whole thing closes with a drone show on the Sunday.

All the activities are free, except for the funfair rides and whatever you buy from the Festive Market and The Handmade Show. If you're planning to bring the kids, the Grotto opens on the Friday, and the parade is on the Sunday this year, so keep that in mind when you're working out your weekend.