The twinkle of Christmas lights illuminating the night sky is a kind of magic that just can’t be replicated at any other time of the year; they fill the streets with joy and widespread cheer.
Decorating your house has become an annual tradition, with many Perth homeowners trying to go bigger and better than last year.
Finding the best Perth Christmas lights can be tricky, so in partnership with Kleenheat, the So Perth team has created the Kleenheat Perth Christmas Light Finder.
The handy tool allows users to easily search any Perth suburb or postcode and find its known Christmas light locations. It also features a trending lights section that shows different displays based on the locations users search for and visit most.
Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail
Be taken on a dazzling six-kilometre adventure around the Perth CBD and Northbridge with the Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail. The trail is now in its sixth year and features 35 unique large-scale light installations, from traditional Christmas symbols to iconic Australian animals.
Immersive projections will light up some of Perth’s most notable landmarks from 7:45 pm to midnight, with festive entertainment and performances running throughout. If you’re on the trail on Friday night, grab a bite to eat at the Twilight Hawkers Market in Forrest Place.
Wanneroo Botanic Gardens
Wind your way through the five-acre Wanneroo Botanic Gardens and marvel at the towering trees dripping with lights. Somewhere amongst it all are Santa’s nine reindeer. Keep your eyes on the ground (and in the treetops) to see them all.
If you’re at the gardens before nightfall, pick up some putters and play 36 holes of mini golf. Or, wait until dark to add to the light display with a bit of glow golf. Make a night of it by grabbing a drink and a bite to eat at Leapfrogs Cafe. All guests at the venue get free entry into the gardens.
Mandurah Canals + Christmas Lights Trail
It wouldn’t be an Australian Christmas without going on a Christmas lights trail on the water. Mandurah’s canal residents go above and beyond to dress up their homes in spectacular fashion each year, visible only from the canals that weave their way through town. Book a Christmas Lights Canal Cruise to see them, or take your own boat for a spin.
Back on dry land, it is hard to miss the 4.4-metre-tall Santa and 10.5-metre-tall Christmas tree. A massive reindeer, a Volkswagen bus, and a pirate ship join them. While taking it all in, enjoy buskers, carolers, roving performers, and festive arts and crafts.
Lotterywest Lights Trail
The riverside neighbourhood of Claisebrook has joined the Christmas lights trail this year with three installations to admire. See the Countdown Clock — which counts down the number of sleeps until Christmas — the glittering Christmas tree, and the giant bauble lighting up the cove.
Hungry? Stop somewhere along the river for an authentic Italian meal or some classic Australian pub grub.
House Lights
Samson Court, Duncraig
This cul-de-sac never disappoints, with most houses getting into the festive spirit — spot Santa, elves, snowmen, and reindeer amongst the lights. Keep your eyes peeled for the home with more than 45,000 LED lights synchronised to music – they have been doing it for the last six years, and it’s the most popular stop on the street. Residents will be out the front collecting money for Wheelchairs for Kids, so make sure to bring a donation.
Sherlock Rise, Carramar
Feeling more like a mini theme park than a light display, this house on Sherlock Rise takes about a month to set up. The production is interactive with a walk-in display, bubble, snow, and smoke machines, lasers, and projections. Meet Santa, Olaf, Bluey, and fan favourite, the Grinch. What makes this house special is the sensory night for people with special needs. This year, the homeowners will be supporting Dandelions WA.
Langford Avenue, Langford
The Tenbokkel family have been decorating their house for almost 16 years and have won awards to show for it. Their display takes over a month to set up and features music, moving features, a nativity scene, a window display, and bubble, smoke, and snow machines. This home supports the Miracle Babies Foundation.
Consulate Court, Thornlie
Consulate Court is famous for its lights display, having raised more than $200k for various charities over the last 23 years. Every year, the residents come together to decorate their houses, with proceeds this year going to the Children’s Leukaemia and Cancer Research Foundation. As well as the lights and Santa visits, the cul-de-sac has charity bake sales and carolling choirs.
Get more Christmas in Perth with So Perth.
Lead image: Destination Perth
