Christmas Down Under: Celebrating in Perth

Christmas in Perth might be different to what you'd expect - think hot weather, beach barbeques, and seafood feasts. The Christmas traditions here reflect Australia's summer season and relaxed outdoor lifestyle. The people of Perth love to get in the festive spirit, with shops selling decorations and playing festive music before December even begins! You may also notice Christmas lights going up around the suburbs, as people celebrate with impressive light displays on their homes. From these dazzling lights to cricket on the beach, there's so much to enjoy about a Christmas down under. 

A typical Christmas Day in Perth

Like many other countries, Christmas Day in Perth usually involves gatherings of family and friends where they exchange gifts and indulge in a Christmas feast! But with the weather being so warm, many people will spend some time at the beach on Christmas Day, with some hosting their gatherings there. Many Perth beaches have barbeques available to use for free or a small fee, making them the perfect summer spot to celebrate. 

For Christians, attending a church service remains an integral part of Christmas Day, with churches and cathedrals across Perth offering special services to honour the occasion. 

Cricket is a popular activity that makes an appearance at many Christmas gatherings, whether that be backyard cricket or beach cricket. People often buy plastic cricket sets from the likes of Target and Kmart, and set up to play a few games throughout the day with family and friends. 

Christmas Services in Perth

There are a range of churches and cathedrals with Christmas services in Perth, with some hosting on Christmas Eve and others on Christmas Day. We've included some options below.

St George's Cathedral is an Anglican church that has two Christmas Day services, one at 8am and one at 10am. 

St Mary's Cathedral is a Catholic church with several Mass times across Christmas Eve and Christmas Day:

Christmas Eve:

• 6pm: Children and Families' Nativity Mass
• 9pm: Solemn Christmas Vigil Mass
• 10:30pm: Lessons and Carols

Christmas Day:

• 12am: Midnight Solemn Pontifical Mass
• 8am: Dawn Mass
• 9:30am: Christmas Day Mass
• 11am: Solemn Pontifical Mass of Christmas Day
• 5pm: Christmas Day Mass

The Christmas Day Feast

The Christmas Day feast is usually a mix of traditional and summer-friendly foods. Since Christmas falls at the warmest part of the year in Perth, most Australian Christmas foods can be enjoyed cold. However many people like to keep traditions alive by enjoying a roast turkey and hot sides like roast potatoes and vegetables - usually in the comfort of their air-conditioned home! The feast usually includes:

• Roast turkey
• Fresh seafood like prawns
• Salads
• Barbequed meat like sausages, steaks, and kebabs
• Pavlova - Australia's favourite dessert made of meringue, summer fruits, and whipped cream

Christmas Day Weather

Perth has the opposite of a 'white Christmas' - it falls in the hottest period of the year! Temperatures can get to over 40°C, with the hottest Christmas Day on record being in 2021 when it reached 42.8°C. It's important to stay cool and protected from the sun, so don't forget to wear a hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated as temperatures soar. If you're heading to the beach, make sure to take lots of sunscreen and re-apply every 2 or 3 hours, especially when swimming.

Free things to do in Perth this festive season

In December, there's an array of free events and activities you can take part in to kick off your festive celebrations. Plan your Christmas calendar with these Perth events. 

• The Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail lights up the city and Northbridge with 20 amazing light installation every night until 1st January. 
• Enjoy a magical snowfall display in Yagan Square, every night from 7:30 - 8:30pm until 1st January.
• Visit the Elizabeth Quay Fun Fair for carnival rides, food trucks, and a vibrant festive atmosphere, on every night until 18th January from 5pm until late. 
• Christmas Carols is a popular activity in Perth. Head to the Carols in the City event at the Supreme Court Gardens on Saturday 21st December from 6:30 to 9:30pm. 
• Watch on TV, or head along to the Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant, kicking off on Saturday 7th December at 7:30pm on St Georges Terrace. 
• 'Christmas light looking'! Check out our recommendations below.

Where are the best Christmas lights? 

A popular Christmas activity in Perth is to go 'Christmas light looking'. There are several streets throughout Perth that put on a grand display every year, so you can be dazzled by a kaleidoscope of colour on one single street. Grab your mates and head to one of these popular streets near you:

North of the River:

• Samson Court, Duncraig
• Prairie Dunes Place, Connolly
• Conway Grove, Heathridge

South of the River:

• Aromatic Crescent, Atwell
• Kanji Loop, Atwell
• Perren Place, East Cannington
• Hargreaves Road, Coolbellup
• Consulate Court, Thornlie
• Tahoe Close, Thornlie

Make sure to use this Christmas Light Map to find confirmed Christmas light displays near you.

Or, head down to Mandurah and embark on the famous Christmas Light Cruise! Every Christmas Mandurah's canals light up in a kaleidoscope of colour. Filled with more than 200 ornately decorated homes, Mandurah has the biggest Christmas light display in Western Australia! Book the Christmas Light Cruise from $52pp. 

What is open on Christmas Day in Perth?

While most shops and restaurants close on Christmas Day, there are still some places that stay open, so if you don't celebrate Christmas you can still find something to do to enjoy your break. 

Some restaurants and cafes will remain open, however be aware that they will likely charge a public holiday surcharge, usually 10-15% of their regular prices. 

The South Perth Zoo stays open on Christmas Day, with regular entry prices, so you can spend the day getting up close with the amazing animals that live there!

Embrace the Christmas spirit

Whether you're spending the day at the beach, enjoying a Christmas barbeque, or taking in the spectacular Christmas light displays, there are lots of ways to get into the holiday spirit. So, grab your sunscreen, put on your festive hat, and celebrate Christmas the Aussie way!