Step into the magic with our ultimate guide to the 2025 Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail

Visit Perth25 Nov '255 min read

See all 22 stops or explore the Merry Mile, a shorter route that's perfect for little legs

The Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail is lighting up Perth for another year! For 31 magical nights, you’ll discover 22 dazzling light installations right across the City. It’s one of our biggest and brightest events of the year, and we want to make sure you enjoy every moment. We’ve put together a handy guide so you can leave the planning to us and focus on soaking up the festive magic.

About this year's trail

18 of this year’s 22 installations are featuring on the trail for the first time ever this year, including Christmas Tree Lane in Yagan Square, GeomeTree in Central Park, Hexadeca at Supreme Court Gardens and Elfie Selfie in Elizabeth Quay. The trail will be shining even brighter this Christmas thanks to immersive light-and-sound experiences - including Moodjar Sentinels, honouring the sacred Moodjar Tree and its deep Nyoongar cultural significance, set to a powerful soundtrack by Phillip Walleystack.

How to get there

If you’re driving in, the City of Perth Parking website will be your best friend – it shows you real time bay availability, parking fees and ACROD parking info. You can enjoy 3-hour free parking on weekends at our Cultural Centre, Pier Street and His Majesty’s car parks.

For those busier nights in the lead up to Christmas, we recommend taking public transport – the trail conveniently connects to the Perth Busport, Perth Train Station, Perth Underground and Elizabeth Quay Station. Public transport is free every Sunday, if you tag on with your Smartrider.

Christmas Lights Trail - Forrest Place - DEC 2022-62

Snap a photo with Santa and tell him what's on your Christmas list!

The best dates to experience the trail

The trail lights up every night from 28 November to 28 December, and while any evening promises a stunning display, some dates come with extra magic. From 5 December right through to Christmas Eve, Santa will be at Council House from 6:30-8:30pm, ready for wish lists and photo ops before his big journey around the globe. Plus, on 6, 9, 13, 16 and 20 December, Auslan Santa and his helpers will be at Forrest Place – perfect for families who speak Auslan or those who are learning. There’s also a stacked lineup of live music at Forrest Place, as well as roving entertainment throughout the trail – from fire breathers to carollers and whimsical Christmas characters, you never know who you could encounter along your way!

If you’re bringing the kids to see the lights this year, be sure to check out the family rest stop at Perth Town Hall. With seating, toilets, food, drinks, ice cream and craft activities every Friday and Saturday night, it’s the perfect destination to make the trail more accessible and fun for all ages.

peddle perth ridding through the christmas lights trail

Take in the trail from the comfort of your own Peddle Perth rickshaw

Getting around

You can walk the full 3.5km trail to see all 22 installations or opt for The Merry Mile, our family-friendly 1.6km route that’s a bit more suited for little legs, or if you’re just short on time. If you’re not keen on walking, our friends over at Peddle Perth can do the leg work – simply book in for one of their Christmas Lights Tours and enjoy the trail from the comfort of your own rickshaw.

Want to learn a little while you take in the lights? Join our bespoke Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail Walking Tours delivered for free by iCity volunteers, on every Friday and Saturday night from 5-20 December. This special route, departing from Council House, is great for families or couples out on the town and looking to learn about Perth’s history along the way - it’s also wheelchair accessible and costs absolutely nothing! Bookings are essential so lock in your spot by calling 9461 3333.

Audio Described Access Tours are also on offer on 9, 10, 16 and 17 December. A DADAA guide will take you, your families and friends on a tour to see the installations on the accessible route ‘The Merry Mile’. To find out more, click here or contact Jacqueline Homer via email at [email protected] or phone 9430 6616.

Elf and small child stand in front of large presents

From carollers, to firebreathers and Christmas characters, you never know who you'll run into on the trail

Where to eat

If you’re walking the full trail you’re guaranteed to work up an appetite, so we’ve lined up our top spots to refuel along the way.

Tackling the trail on a Friday? There’s no better place to grab a bite to eat than the Twilight Food Market. There’s a rotating selection of food vendors serving up delicious global eats every week, and you’ll have a prime view of the iconic City of Perth Christmas tree – it’s a win win!

For a great selection of family favourites, why not swing by 140? They’ve got a huge range of crowd pleasers, including Ribs and Burgers, Nandos, Grill’d and Bambamboo, so you’re guaranteed to find something to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.

If you’re opting for a post-trail feed, you’re in luck – follow the map and you’ll end up in the vibrant heart of Elizabeth Quay, home to a fantastic range of dining options. We recommend trying the brand-new Little Creatures brewery or Six Senses Thai – or, with views of the Swan River, a playground and delicious food and drinks, The Island is perfect for grown ups and little ones alike. Be sure to finish up your evening with a sweet treat from Gusto Gelato or Pretzel Perth.

The City of Perth extends its thanks to the Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail’s valued Event Partners. Their ongoing support is essential to the continued delivery of this much-loved community event.