Perth Christmas Lights Switch On 2024

29 October, 2024

Perth Christmas Lights Switch On | Saturday 23rd November

Head for the Highlights of Perth's Christmas Lights Switch On Event

Christmas Parade - Starting at Thimblerow and weaving its way through the streets of Perth, this annual treat is a must-join event!
Tay Street - Join compere Lionel Vinyl, dance music legends Cascada, Massaoke, The Crom, The Owls, Cool Britannia, and more.
Horsecross Plaza Christmas Stage - Get ready to welcome a host of family favourites to the Christmas Stage at Mill Street - your little ones will be enthralled!
Horsecross Plaza - Our family zone welcomes Santa's Grotto
George Street - Photo opportunities and festive fun with ice artists and the Cairngorm Reindeer.
Horizon Car Park, Mill Street - Horne's Pleasure Fairs will deliver a bright, carnival atmosphere.
Throughout the City Centre - Walkabout characters, stilt walkers and street entertainment, pipe bands and plenty of Christmas spirit!

Remember, our festive activities are free of charge* meaning those who are finding things tough right now can let their hair down for a few hours and enjoy a day of fun (*excluding the funfair).

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for full updates on all of the events listed below.

Please note, we will be issuing details of the accessibility area at the front of the Main Stage in Tay Street. Additionally, a quiet space will be available for families at Vision PK on George Street from midday until 6pm, thanks to Perth Autism Support. This space is designed for those who need a break from the event’s excitement.

Main Stage on Tay Street | 2pm to 8pm

The highlight of our Christmas Lights Party is always our Main Stage entertainment hosted this year by the official King of Disco, Lionel Vinyl. Expect a big, bright party atmosphere with plenty of singing and dancing along! At 6.15pm Provost Xander McDade starts the official countdown to Christmas with a short but fabulous fireworks and lighting display.

This live music extravaganza for all the family includes:

2pm Compere, Lionel Vinyl opens the stage
2.15pm The Owls
3.30pm The Crom
4.45pm Kool Britannia
6pm Lionel Vinyl
6.15pm Perth Christmas Lights Switch On
6.20pm Beats of Brazil & Unison Anthems
6.40pm Cascada
7.15pm Massaoke

Please note, timings are approximate. There will also be two big screens on Tay Street to make sure that everyone has a good view of all the fun!

Family Stage, Horsecross Plaza | Midday to 5pm

We've covered the Main Stage above, but make sure you arrive nice and early to take in the Family Stage at Horsecross Plaza. Wholesome family fun for the wee ones and young at heart, the Family Stage will keep everyone entertained for hours with local talent and your favourite seasonal acts. Expect singing, dancing, and a whole load of festive fun! Details of performances and times are coming soon.

Family Christmas Stage | Horsecross Plaza | 12-5pm

Midday Stage - Opens with an introduction by Andy Aird
12.05pm - Jollity Express
12.30pm - Perth Drama Club with Jack & the Beanstalk
1pm - Clark Stewart does the Christmas Rat Pack
1.40pm - Julie Young Dance Set
2.10pm - Fair City Singers
2.40pm - Pirrie Performing Arts
3pm - Inspire Dance Studios
3.30pm - Julie Young Song Set
4pm - Perth Drama Club with Jack & the Beanstalk
4.30pm - Will from Sweeney Todd
4.50pm - Farewell from Andy Aird

Perth Christmas Parade from Thimblerow | Starts 5.30pm

Cameras at the ready!

Get ready to jingle all the way, because Santa's sleigh is making a pit stop in Perth and he's bringing the North Pole to the city centre!

Join in with all of your favourite local dance schools, community groups, and festive characters to follow Santa and his sleigh, as it weaves its way through the city centre to the Main Stage on Tay Street for an evening of incredible music, dance and live entertainment.

Santa on his sleigh
Perth and District Pipe Band
Perth Panto characters
Julie Young Dance Studios
JGN Dance Attic
Main Stage headliners, Cascada
And many, many more!

The annual Christmas Parade will leave Thimblerow Car Park at 5.30pm, so make sure you're there in plenty of time to join in the fun.

Santa's Grotto at Horsecross Plaza | Timings Vary

Santa and his reindeer fly in to Horsecross Plaza for our Christmas Lights Switch On event and will be with us for a weekend of gift giving and Christmas magic!

Santa can't wait to meet all of the good boys and girls from Perth and to hear your Christmas wish list. Make sure to come with a big smile and happy heart.

Santa will be in Perth for three days:

Friday 22nd November - 3pm to 7pm
Saturday 23rd November - Midday to 8pm
Sunday 24th November - Midday to 6pm

There's one free gift per child under 12. You do not need to book to see Santa, however please do expect to queue.

More Fun Throughout the City Centre | Midday to 5pm

Running over two days, these city-wide events and activities will keep the kids amused, shoppers happy and ensure everyone remains in the festive mood.

Stop for a selfie with a stilt walker, have a browse through our cabins or why not stay for the night in Perth and enjoy a whole weekend of fun?

Walkabout Acts - Get up close for a selfie with Cobblers the Clown or the impossibly tall stilt walkers.

Musical Magic - It wouldn't be Christmas without the skirl of a pipe band - listen out for the best of Perthshire and beyond in a street near you! including Perth Pipe Band, Alyth & Blairgowrie Pipe Band, Dunblane Boys Brigade Bands, Vale of Atholl Pipe Band and Methil Pipe Band.

Horne's Pleasure Fairs - All the bright lights, sounds and fun of the fair will take place at Horizon Car Park, Mill Street (this is a paid for event).

George Street Festivities - Head to George Street and get your camera ready to capture the Christmas magic! Stop a while and watch our Ice Sculptor transform huge blocks of ice into beautiful sculptures – you can even get involved and take part!

High Street and St John Street Fun - Find our DJ Station complete with singers and community acts, a Funfair Stall, huskies and street organ

Once complete, the sculptures will be on show for photo opportunities for all. You'll also find the friendly Cairngorm Reindeer!

Christmas Cabin Trail | King Edward Street & High Street | 22nd November to 19th December

Back for 2024, a procession of festive cabins will offer up gifts and goodies from a host of your favourite local traders. This trail of gorgeous wooden cabins will showcase some of the best of Perth’s independent retailers and local, quality artisans.

Running each day from 22nd November to 19th December, you can expect to find plenty of inspiration for gifts, treats for yourself, and a warm, Perth city welcome.

Come for the Day

Pick up a Perth City Centre Map from one of our fabulous independent retailers – or for the super-organised, browse Our Street Life Section to plan your shopping route in advance! You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to cafes, restaurants and bistros too, with everything from a homemade scone to an award-winning curry within easy walking distance.