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Hirak Photography
Let the light in
Hirak Bhattacharjee
20 November, 2025
Special Events
9 min Read Back to Blog Page
A Guide to Christmas Events in Perth 2025

A Guide to Christmas Events in Perth 2025

Christmas in Perth is more than a season: it is a moment when the city pauses, glows, and breathes together. Streets once ordinary feel magical, public squares become gathering places, and every corner reflects joy. For many of us, this time reminds us of childhood wonder, of evenings spent under glittering lights, and of laughter shared with family and friends. At Letthe Lightin, we believe in capturing that feeling — not just in portraits, but in the stories that light up people’s faces.

Whether you are looking for Perth Christmas photography, planning a Christmas photoshoot in Perth, or simply want to explore free Christmas events in Perth in 2025, this guide brings together the best experiences. I’ll walk you through major festive events, local markets, and community carols — plus ideas on how to turn any evening into a meaningful memory through your lens.

Key Christmas Events in Perth 2025

Here are some must-visit Perth Christmas events in 2025, where light, music, and community come together beautifully.

1. Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail

The Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail is the centerpiece of Perth’s festive season. From 28 November to 28 December 2025, the city’s CBD is transformed by 22 light installations.

Time: Every night from 6 pm to 1 am; projections start around 7:45 pm.

Location: Various spots across Perth CBD, parks, streets, and public squares.

What to Expect: Digital light trees, animated projections, roving performers, fire-breathers, carollers, and whimsical characters.

Santa Appearances:

  • Council House Foyer: 5–24 December, 6:30 pm–8:30 pm.
  • Auslan Santa at Forrest Place: 6, 9, 13, 16, 20 December from 6:30 pm–8:30 pm.

Tours:

  • Free walking tours by iCity volunteers on Fridays and Saturdays (5–20 Dec), 7 pm from Council House.
  • Audio-described accessibility tours on 9–10 and 16–17 December from Forrest Place.

This is a wonderful event for Perth Christmas photography. The “Merry Mile” route (1.6 km) is ideal for capturing glowing installations and meaningful portraits.

2. Christmas @ the Quay (Elizabeth Quay)

Elizabeth Quay becomes a glowing fairytale from 28 November to 28 December 2025.

Time: 6 pm to midnight daily.

Highlights:

  • Bridge of Light: A shimmering tunnel of LED trees.
  • Elfie Selfie: Interactive games and fun installations.
  • Moodjar Sentinels: Kinetic floral sculptures with soundscapes reflecting Noongar heritage.
  • Snowfall every 15 minutes from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm (28 Nov–24 Dec).
  • Roving Christmas performers (12–24 December).

Snowfall: From 28 November to 24 December, snow cascades every 15 minutes between 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm.

Performers: Between 12–24 December, Christmas characters roam from 7pm–9pm — elves, giant gift boxes, rollerskating baubles, and more.

Cost: Free.

Atmosphere: Waterfront dining, soft lights, joyful performances — ideal for families and couples.

For Christmas mini sessions in Perth, this location is a dream. The soft light and dynamic installations make it a beautiful backdrop for romantic or family portraits.

Festive Christmas Markets in Perth

1. Christmas Markets @ the Quay

  • Date & Time: 6 December 2025, 3 pm–8 pm.
  • Location: Elizabeth Quay, The Esplanade, Perth.
  • What to Expect: Over 60 artisan stalls selling handcrafted gifts, jewellery, fashion, and festive crafts.
  • Activities: Face painting, letter-to-Santa workshop, live music, roaming elves.
  • Entry: Free.
  • Photography Magic: Combine a market stroll with a lights walk for candid portraits, festive flatlays, and cheerful family shots.

2. South Perth Christmas Markets

  • Date & Time: 14 December 2025, 9am–12pm.
  • Location: Mindeerup Piazza, South Perth Esplanade.
  • What to Expect: Local artisan and maker stalls with high-quality handcrafted products.
  • Entertainment: Family-friendly live performances and festive activities.
  • Entry: Free.
  • Why Go: A relaxed, community feel — ideal for thoughtful Christmas shopping and photography in a quieter, more personal setting.

Community Carols & Concerts

These events bring a gentle, musical tone to the festive season — perfect for families, reflective moments, and meaningful photography.

1. Carols at Sunset (South Perth)

Date & Time: 7 December 2025, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Location: Mends Street Foreshore, South Perth Esplanade.

What to Expect:

  • Pre-show entertainment and kids’ activities.
  • Christmas carols by the South Perth Lions Big Band at 6:30pm and again at 7:45pm.
  • Santa’s appearance on stage at 7:30pm.

Seating: Bring a picnic blanket or low chair. Designated areas for different seating types.

Accessibility: Wheelchair access, Auslan interpreters, accessible toilets.

Cost: Free.

Extras: Youth Makers Market sells handmade wares by young creatives.

Why It Matters: A heartfelt summer evening with carols, community, and the sound of the river — a lovely spot for relaxed Christmas photos.

Why These Events Are Ideal for Letthe Lightin

As a Perth-based photographer, Letthe Lightin can offer something truly unique during these festive events. Here’s how these celebrations align with your photography vision:

  • Lighting: The Christmas Lights Trail and Elizabeth Quay events provide soft, ambient light that is perfect for portraits, couple shoots, or long-exposure creative shots.
  • Atmosphere: Markets and carols offer natural, unscripted moments — children writing letters to Santa, families sharing music, strangers chatting by the light.
  • Versatility: Whether you're offering Christmas mini sessions Perth, full Perth Christmas photoshoot packages, or just capturing event highlights, these venues support different styles.
  • Connection: These are not just events. They are community gatherings. Clients who come to you likely want to preserve memories beyond posed photos — the shared warmth, laughter, and light.

How to Plan Your Festive Photo Walk

Here is a sample itinerary and some tips to make the most of your evenings if you're planning to combine these events with photography:

1. Early Evening (Start around 6 pm)

  • Begin with the Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail. Walk the Merry Mile route to capture key light installations.
  • Use a tripod for stability. Bring a small reflector if you're doing portraits.

2. Move to Elizabeth Quay

  • Arrive around 7 pm to see the Bridge of Light and catch the first snowfall moments (if between 28 Nov–24 Dec).
  • Use the railings of the bridge or the quay wall to frame shots with water reflections.

3. Market Visit (if it’s 6 Dec)

  • Head to the Christmas Markets @ the Quay around 3–8pm.
  • Photograph artisans with their stalls, kids doing letters to Santa, roaming elves.

4. Carols or Concert

  • On 7 Dec, sit in for Carols at Sunset — the band, Santa, and the relaxed community feel make great story images.
  • Bring a blanket or low chair; use a wide-angle lens to include the band and sky.

5. South Perth Market (14 Dec)

  • Visit the South Perth Christmas Markets in the morning.
  • Use natural daylight to capture portrait shots with artisans and families.

Work With Letthe Lightin This Christmas

If these events inspire you, we’d love to help capture them. Here’s how Letthe Lightin can help:

  • We offer Perth Christmas photography packages tailored to these iconic locations
  • Our Christmas mini sessions Perth are perfect for couples, families, or friends who want a brief but magical shoot
  • We can guide you through the best spots along the lights trail or at Elizabeth Quay
  • We bring lighting knowledge, gear, and a gentle, story-focused approach

Book your Christmas photoshoot today. Reach out via our Website or drop us a message. Let’s create images that glow as warmly as the city lights.

FAQ: Christmas Events & Photography

1. Are these Perth Christmas events free?

Yes. The Christmas Lights Trail, Christmas @ the Quay, South Perth Christmas Markets, and Carols at Sunset are all free to attend.

2. When does the Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail run?

From 28 November to 28 December 2025, nightly from 6 pm to 1 am.

3. Is there snowfall at Elizabeth Quay?

Yes. Snow falls every 15 minutes from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, from 28 November to 24 December.

4. When is the South Perth Christmas Market?

The South Perth Christmas Markets take place on 14 December 2025, from 9am to 12pm at Mindeerup Piazza

5. Can I take professional photos during these events?

Yes. These are public and free events, so you can take photos. For a more relaxed experience, consider booking a Christmas mini session or private shoot.

6. How do I join Letthe Lightin for a Christmas photoshoot?

Just send us a message via our Website. We can plan around your preferred event, timing, and look.

7. Are these events accessible?

Yes. The Lights Trail is wheelchair accessible and has ACROD parking. Carols at Sunset also offers accessible seating and Auslan interpreters.

Christmas in Perth 2025 promises to be a season of light, love, and togetherness. The Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail, Elizabeth Quay magic, and community markets and carols offer moments that are simple, sincere, and deeply human.

Final Thoughts

At Letthe Lightin, we feel privileged to offer Perth Christmas photography and Christmas photoshoot packages that align with this spirit. Whether you want a festive family portrait or a spontaneous stroll through the lights, we’re here to help you capture the warmth and wonder of the season.

Here’s to an evening where the lights glow softly, laughter fills the air, and memories are made under Perth’s Christmas sky.

Book Your Christmas Photoshoot