Perth’s Christmas Pageant Is Rolling Into The CBD, Here’s How To Nail Your Night
If the city ever needed a sign that Christmas has officially come to town, it’s Perth's annual Christmas Pageant. Rolling into Perth this Saturday 6 December, the iconic night-time parade will light up St Georges Terrace from 7pm–9pm with twinkling floats, dancing elves, marching bands and more tinsel than your tree could ever handle.
It’s completely free and wildly family-friendly, so expect thousands of excited kids (and just-as-excited adults) coming together for a festive celebration, along the terrace as the sun goes down, ready for two solid hours of Christmas chaos in the CBD, all culminating in an appearance from Santa himself.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your night.
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Event Times
The Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant rolls into the CBD this Saturday 6 December, with the parade kicking off at 7pm and wrapping up around 9pm.
Prime viewing is anywhere east of the start line, corner of St Georges Terrace and William Street, all the way down to Victoria Avenue. There’s no public viewing west of William Street, so if you want to actually see the floats, make sure you arive early to dibs a spot on the east side.
This one gets busy, so if you’re bringing kids or want front-row curb space, aim to arrive from about 5pm–5:30pm. That gives you time to grab snacks, hit the loo, spread out your blanket and settle in before the crowds really pack in and the pre-pageant buzz kicks off.
Getting To St Georges Terrace
Parking in the CBD on pageant night is not the vibe. Your best bet is to train or bus it in, then walk. Plan well in advance so you arrive early to get the best spot!
By train: Jump off at Perth Station or Elizabeth Quay Station and it’s a short stroll to St Georges Terrace.
By bus: Transperth buses will still be running, but a heap of routes (including several CBD services and CAT buses) will be diverted from 3:30pm until last service to make way for the pageant, so definitely check the Transperth app or Journey Planner before you leave.
If you’re driving, City of Perth CPP car parks are offering three hours free parking, but bays will fill quickly and some streets around the route will have restrictions and tow-away zones—so don’t wing it. Check bay availability online before you go, park a little further out if you can, and wander in on foot.
Road Closures
To keep everyone safe, there’ll be major road closures in and around St Georges Terrace for most of the afternoon and evening. The pageant route runs along the Terrace from William Street through to Victoria Avenue, with surrounding streets also affected
For the most up-to-date list of affected streets and closure times, check the official interactive road closure map on the Christmas Pageant website here
Weather Forecast & What To Bring
It’s shaping up to be a classic Perth summer evening—think warm, dry and sunny during the day, cooling off a little after sunset when the freo doctor arrives. Forecast for Saturday 6 December is clear skies, light winds and temps in the high 20s, with a very high UV index earlier in the day, so you’ll definitely want to come prepared.
Checklist
- Sunscreen (SPF50+) – slap it on before you go and reapply if you’re out in the sun while staking your spot.
- Hat & sunglasses – especially if you’re heading in early with little ones.
- Refillable water bottle – it’ll still be warm when you arrive, so stay hydrated.
- Light layers – T-Shirt and shorts or linen shirt and pants, plus a thin jumper for when the breeze picks up after dark.
- Picnic blanket – recommended over deck chairs, which aren’t allowed along the route.
- Snacks – kid (and adult) meltdown prevention.
- Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones – handy for little bubs; the music and marching bands can get loud
Main image credit: City Of Perth | Facebook
