We confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Perth for 2026, from 27 November to 27 December. 10 of them are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Australia.
The short version
- 12 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Perth, Bayswater, East Perth, Hillarys and Kalamunda
- First: Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail, Perth, 27 November
- Free events: Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail, Santa's Tiny Home, City of Perth Christmas Carollers and Performances, Carols by the River 2026, Christmas Under the Gum Trees and Brass on The Grass
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by suburb, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (booking, ages, what is included).
Perth Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 12 confirmed for 2026
- Suburbs
- Perth, Bayswater, East Perth, Hillarys, Kalamunda, Sawyers Valley and South Lake
- Season
- 27 November to 27 December
- Free events
- 10
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in Perth
6 confirmed events in Perth, soonest first.
Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail
Christmas lightsFreeCity of Perth · Perth
- Host
- City of Perth (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Perth CBD (Yagan Square, Forrest Place, Murray Street Mall, Barrack Square), Forrest Place, Perth 6000
- When
- Nightly, Nov 27 to Dec 27, from 6 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail returns to the Perth CBD for its 10th year, running every night from 27 November to 27 December. The trail links 24 light installations through the city, and families can either walk the full route or follow the shorter, family-friendly option called The Merry Mile.
From 6 pm to 9 pm each night, roving performers add to the atmosphere across Yagan Square, Forrest Place, Murray Street Mall and Barrack Square. It is free and there is nothing to book, so it pairs well with other City of Perth Christmas activities in Forrest Place, such as Santa's Tiny Home and the nightly carollers. When checked, the trail map was still marked as coming soon, so look for it on Visit Perth before heading in.
Parent tip: Try The Merry Mile route with younger children. The trail map was listed as coming soon when checked.
See dates and details from City of Perth (opens in a new tab)Santa's Tiny Home
Meet SantaFreeCity of Perth · Perth
- Host
- City of Perth (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Forrest Place, Forrest Place, Perth 6000
- When
- Daily, Nov 28 to Dec 24, 6 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families, kids
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa's Tiny Home sits in Forrest Place in the heart of the city, and each evening from 28 November to Christmas Eve families can step inside and meet Santa before he sets off on his journey around the world. Children can share their Christmas wish lists, say hello and pose for a festive photo to keep.
The visits run from 6 pm to 8 pm every day and are free, with no booking listed. It fits neatly into an evening walk around the Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail, and on some nights the City of Perth Christmas carollers also perform nearby in Forrest Place. On selected December evenings the tiny home also hosts Auslan Santa and Friends sessions, with Christmas stories shared in Auslan.
Parent tip: Bring your own camera or phone for the photo. Combine the visit with the lights trail, which also starts at 6 pm.
See dates and details from City of Perth (opens in a new tab)City of Perth Christmas Carollers and Performances
Christmas carolsFreeCity of Perth · Perth
- Host
- City of Perth (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Forrest Place and Murray Street Mall, Forrest Place, Perth 6000
- When
- Nightly, Dec 1 to 27, between 6 and 9 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Throughout December the City of Perth fills Forrest Place and Murray Street Mall with free Christmas music each evening. The schedule includes A Cappella West, the City of Perth Band, East Perth Community Choir, Enchanted Bells, the Junkadelic Brass Band, Perth Harmony Chorus, Symbios Quartet, Tuxedo Junction and Varley Strings, each performing on set nights.
Most sets last an hour or so between 6 pm and 9 pm, so it is easy to catch a performance while walking the Christmas Lights Trail or visiting Santa's Tiny Home. Families with young children might aim for the Enchanted Bells sessions on 13 and 24 December, or one of the brass band nights. There is no cost and nothing to book, so families can simply wander through and stop when something catches their ear.
Parent tip: Check the performer schedule on the event page to choose a night, for example Enchanted Bells on Dec 13 and 24.
See dates and details from City of Perth (opens in a new tab)Auslan Santa & Friends
Storytime with SantaFreeCity of Perth · Perth
- Host
- City of Perth (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Santa's Tiny Home, Forrest Place, Forrest Place, Perth 6000
- When
- Dec 9, 10, 16 and 17, 6 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
On four December evenings, Santa's Tiny Home in Forrest Place hosts Auslan Santa and Friends. Santa and his helpers share Christmas stories in Auslan, making this a special chance for Deaf children and families to meet Santa in their own language. Families who are learning Auslan are equally welcome.
Sessions run from 6 pm to 8 pm on 9, 10, 16 and 17 December. They are free, suitable for all ages, and Auslan interpreting is part of the experience. Like the regular Santa visits, it is a lovely way to make a Christmas memory in the city, and families can stay on afterwards to explore the Christmas Lights Trail, which runs nightly in the CBD from 6 pm.
Parent tip: Free, with no booking listed. Arrive early in the session window if your children are keen to meet Santa.
See dates and details from City of Perth (opens in a new tab)Noongar Carols Community Concert
Christmas carolsFreeCity of Perth Library · Perth
- Host
- City of Perth Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Perth Town Hall, 601 Hay Street, Perth 6000
- When
- Thu, Dec 10, 7 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free, bookings required
- Ages
- Adults, families, kids, seniors, teens
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
This free concert celebrates the fusion of Christmas carols with the Noongar language, one of the world's oldest living languages. After weeks of classes, the City of Perth Library's Noongar Singing Class takes the stage at the historic Perth Town Hall alongside their mentor, the acclaimed performer Gina Williams-Ghouse, who writes and sings contemporary songs in Noongar.
The one hour concert is listed as suitable for families and kids as well as adults, and is a gentle, indoor alternative to the big outdoor carols nights. It is a meaningful way for children to hear familiar Christmas songs in a new language and learn a little about local Aboriginal culture. The venue is wheelchair accessible. Entry is free, but bookings are required, and doors open at 6:45 pm.
Parent tip: Bookings are required through the Book now link on the event page. Doors open at 6:45 pm.
See dates and details from City of Perth Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas Nativity Concert
Christmas showFreeCity of Perth · Perth
- Host
- City of Perth (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Forrest Place, Forrest Place, Perth 6000
- When
- Sun, Dec 20 and Mon, Dec 21, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Perth's Christmas Nativity Concert brings the story of Christmas to life on stage in Forrest Place, with sing-along carols under the stars. It runs on two evenings, Sunday 20 and Monday 21 December. Pre-show entertainment begins at 6:30 pm, and the main concert starts at 7:30 pm.
The event is free and aimed at all ages, from children to seniors. Auslan interpreters are on stage throughout, and an accessible viewing area with limited seating sits towards the front. The City notes that there will be flashing lights, loud music and crowd noise, so families with noise sensitive children may want to sit further back. Nearby parking at Citiplace, the Cultural Centre and Pier Street has a $5 night rate after 6 pm.
Parent tip: Parking at Citiplace, the Cultural Centre and Pier Street is $5 after 6 pm, with two hours free at some car parks on Sunday.
See dates and details from City of Perth (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Bayswater
1 confirmed event in Bayswater, soonest first.
Carols by the River 2026 (Bayswater)
Christmas carolsFreeCity of Bayswater · Bayswater
- Host
- City of Bayswater (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Riverside Gardens, Milne Street (off Guildford Road), Bayswater 6053 (near Perth)
- When
- Fri, Dec 4, 5 to 9:30 pm
- Cost
- Free (song booklets for a gold coin donation)
- Ages
- Families, children, youth, seniors
- Booking
- Booking recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Carols by the River is the City of Bayswater's free Christmas evening at Riverside Gardens. Families can sing along to carols led by the Providence Bayswater Choir and enjoy stage performances from the West Australian Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Lady M and The High Society. There are community markets, free activities, and a surprise visit from a very special guest.
Song booklets are available for a gold coin donation, with proceeds going to the City's charity partner, SecondBite. Performances are Auslan interpreted, with reserved seating near the stage for those who need it. Parking is at Riverside Gardens via Milne Street, and extra bike racks are provided. The City asks guests to bring reusable water bottles and insect repellent, and dogs on a lead are welcome.
Parent tip: RSVP via the event's Facebook page. Bring insect repellent and a gold coin for a song booklet. The stage schedule is due in late November.
See dates and details from City of Bayswater (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in East Perth
1 confirmed event in East Perth, soonest first.
Brass on The Grass (East Perth)
Meet SantaFreeCity of Perth with East Perth Community Group · East Perth
- Host
- City of Perth with East Perth Community Group (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Victoria Gardens, 10 Royal Street, East Perth 6004 (near Perth)
- When
- Sun, Dec 6, 4 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families, kids
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Brass on The Grass is a relaxed Sunday afternoon of Christmas music in Victoria Gardens, East Perth, presented by the City of Perth with the East Perth Community Group. The WA Brass Band, East Perth Community Choir and students from Highgate Primary School perform Christmas favourites on the lawn beside the river.
For children there is free face painting and a table for writing letters to Santa, and Santa himself drops by with his elf helper. Families can grab dinner from local restaurants or the food vendors on site, and the venue is wheelchair accessible. It runs from 4 pm to 7 pm, finishing early enough for a smooth bedtime, and there is no cost to attend.
Parent tip: Free with no booking. Bring a picnic rug and plan dinner from the on-site food vendors.
See dates and details from City of Perth with East Perth Community Group (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Hillarys
1 confirmed event in Hillarys, soonest first.
Junior Marine Scientist - Santa's Helper (Hillarys)
Christmas craftsAQWA, The Aquarium of Western Australia · Hillarys
- Host
- AQWA, The Aquarium of Western Australia (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- AQWA, The Aquarium of Western Australia, 91 Southside Drive, Hillarys 6025 (near Perth)
- When
- Mon, Dec 21, 4:30 to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- Paid program, see booking page
- Ages
- Ages 6 to 12
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
AQWA's Junior Marine Scientist program gets a Christmas twist with a Santa's Helper edition on Monday 21 December. Children aged 6 to 12 spend three hours with an AQWA Ocean Guide, touring the aquarium exhibits, going behind the scenes, joining a themed biology talk, taking a glass bottom boat ride, trying bubble science and making a Christmas craft. Dinner and a drink are included.
It is a drop-off program, so parents sign children in at 4:30 pm and collect them at 7:30 pm sharp, which could free up a pre-Christmas evening for shopping or wrapping. Children need enclosed shoes and a water bottle, and wear a self inflating life jacket on the boat. Bookings are essential and non-refundable, places are limited and the program is not suitable for those with significant mobility issues.
Parent tip: Arrive 10 minutes early for sign-in. Parent entry to AQWA is not included, and late cancellations are not refunded.
See dates and details from AQWA, The Aquarium of Western Australia (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Kalamunda
1 confirmed event in Kalamunda, soonest first.
Storytime with Santa (Kalamunda)
Storytime with SantaCity of Kalamunda Libraries · Kalamunda
- Host
- City of Kalamunda Libraries (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Kalamunda Library, 7 Williams Street, Kalamunda 6076 (near Perth)
- When
- Wed, Dec 2, 5 to 6 pm
- Cost
- $5 per person plus booking fee (AUD), adults also need a ticket
- Ages
- Children of all ages
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Kalamunda Library starts the Christmas season with its traditional Storytime with Santa on Wednesday 2 December. The hour long evening session brings together Christmas songs, stories and craft, and then Santa arrives with his elf to meet the children.
After the stories and songs, families have the chance to have photos taken with Santa, so it doubles as a low cost alternative to shopping centre Santa photos. The session suits children of all ages, and every child must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $5 per person plus a booking fee, and adults need a ticket too. Bookings are made through TryBooking. The library is on Williams Street in the centre of Kalamunda, and the 5 pm start makes it an easy after school or after work outing for families in the Perth Hills.
Parent tip: Book through TryBooking (www.trybooking.com/DQNPM). Every person, including adults, needs a $5 ticket.
See dates and details from City of Kalamunda Libraries (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Sawyers Valley
1 confirmed event in Sawyers Valley, soonest first.
Christmas Under the Gum Trees (Sawyers Valley)
Christmas showFreeSawyers Valley Primary School P&C · Sawyers Valley
- Host
- Sawyers Valley Primary School P&C (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Sawyers Valley Primary School, 235 Sawyers Road, Sawyers Valley 6074 (near Perth)
- When
- Fri, Dec 4, 4 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Christmas Under the Gum Trees is a community Christmas market and carols evening hosted by the Sawyers Valley Primary School P&C in the Perth Hills. It aims to bring the wider community together in a welcoming, family friendly setting on the school grounds.
The markets feature local makers, artists and small businesses, and the school's Year 5 and 6 students run their own stall selling sustainable Christmas gift ideas they have designed and produced. In the last hour, local performers, musicians and groups lead everyone in singing favourite Christmas songs, with the historic old school house as a backdrop. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket or camp chairs, enjoy food and refreshments, browse the stalls and then settle under the gum trees for the carols.
Parent tip: Bring a picnic blanket or camp chairs. The carols are in the final hour, from about 6 pm.
See dates and details from Sawyers Valley Primary School P&C (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in South Lake
1 confirmed event in South Lake, soonest first.
Christmas on the Green (South Lake)
Christmas showFreeCity of Cockburn · South Lake
- Host
- City of Cockburn (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Lakelands Reserve, 84 South Lake Drive, South Lake 6164 (near Perth)
- When
- Sun, Dec 13, 4 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families, babies to youth
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Christmas on the Green is the City of Cockburn's free festive evening for the whole family, part of the Cockburn Live events programme for 2026 to 2027. Lakelands Reserve in South Lake is transformed into a sparkling Christmas wonderland, with a symphony under the stars, live performances from homegrown talent, carollers, roving Christmas characters and more.
The event runs from 4 pm to 9 pm, and the City lists it as suitable for babies and toddlers, young children and youth as well as adults. Facilities include free parking, public and accessible toilets, ACROD parking, a sunscreen station, water refill station and first aid. The event is dog friendly, with dogs on a lead at all times. It is a good option for families in Perth's southern suburbs.
Parent tip: Free parking and a water refill station are provided. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
See dates and details from City of Cockburn (opens in a new tab)A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is hand-painted in watercolour. It is a cosy five-minute read after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.com.au (opens in a new tab)Perth Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Perth in 2026?
We confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Perth for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail, Santa's Tiny Home, City of Perth Christmas Carollers and Performances, Storytime with Santa (Kalamunda), Carols by the River 2026 (Bayswater), Christmas Under the Gum Trees (Sawyers Valley), Brass on The Grass (East Perth), Auslan Santa & Friends, Noongar Carols Community Concert, Christmas on the Green (South Lake), Christmas Nativity Concert and Junior Marine Scientist - Santa's Helper (Hillarys). Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Perth?
Yes. 10 of the 12 events here are free, including Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail, Santa's Tiny Home, City of Perth Christmas Carollers and Performances, Carols by the River 2026 (Bayswater), Christmas Under the Gum Trees (Sawyers Valley), Brass on The Grass (East Perth), Auslan Santa & Friends, Noongar Carols Community Concert, Christmas on the Green (South Lake) and Christmas Nativity Concert. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Perth this year?
Santa appears at Santa's Tiny Home, Storytime with Santa (Kalamunda), Brass on The Grass (East Perth) and Auslan Santa & Friends. Times and booking rules are in each listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Perth?
Christmas storytimes on this page: Storytime with Santa (Kalamunda) and Auslan Santa & Friends. Library storytimes are usually free; ones with a meal or show are ticketed.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on 2 November 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
