Perth's Musical Lantern Event

Perth Musical Lantern Event | Sunday 24th November

See also, Saturday 23rd November >

Join us for a weekend full of fun, family events that will bring the true spirit of Christmas to Perth. 

This fun Sunday event includes a Christmas Stage with live acts and our beautiful, atmospheric Christmas Lantern and Nativity Parade – complete with carols, mince pies and hot tea at the end! 

Expect an afternoon of live music from local acts and famous names, outdoor dancing, street entertainment, Santa's Grotto, and oh so much more. And because we want everyone to have a great time, all activities, music and Santa's Grotto are free of charge (excluding the small funfair rides).

Remember to tag us in your photos on social media - @PerthCityAndTowns and use the hashtag #PerthLightsSwitchOn

Head for the Highlights 

• Horsecross Plaza Christmas Stage - From Last Order to Ultimate ELO, this is one not to be missed! 
• Horsecross Plaza - Our family zone welcomes Santa's Grotto.
• George Street - Photo opportunities, festive fun and the Cairngorm Reindeer.
• King Edward Street and St John's Place - Visit the Christmas Cabin Trail with creatives and producers from across the area.
• Throughout the City Centre - Walkabout characters, small funfair rides, stilt walkers and street entertainment.

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 small funfair rides).

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

Christmas Stage at Horsecross Plaza | Midday – 5pm

The Christmas Stage kicks off at midday and runs all the way through to 5pm. This fabulous live music extravaganza for all the family includes:

• Last Orders
• Ultimate ELO
• Pitbull UK
• And more to follow

Drop-In Lantern Workshop | 2pm to 4pm

Lantern and Nativity Parade | Starts at 4.30pm

Both at St Ninian's Cathedral

As evening falls, Perth’s annual Christmas Lantern and Nativity Parade lights up the streets.

Starting from St Ninian’s Cathedral on North Methven Street, the parade follows Perth Pipe Band and weaves through the city centre, finishing at St John’s Kirk where the Nativity Scene will be displayed outside. 

There will then be a carol service with mince pies and hot cups of tea. 

Remember to bring your lantern or a torch, wrap up warm and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas in Perth.  

Don't have a lantern ready to go?  We've got you covered! From 2pm to 4 pm, Perth's fabulously crafty Lisa Earl will be running drop-in Lantern Workshops at St Ninian's Cathedral - just bring your own plastic bottle! 

• 2pm to 4pm - Drop-in Lantern Workshops at St Ninian's by Lisa Earle. Bring your own plastic bottles.
• 4.30pm to 4.45pm - Gather at St Ninians Cathedral.
• 4.50pm - Carols and switching on of the St Ninian's Nativity scene.
• 5pm - Parade to St Johns Kirk with Perth Pipe Band.
• 5.15pm - Carols at the St Johns Kirk Nativity Scene with Perthshire Brass.

Santa's Grotto at Horsecross Plaza | Various Times

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

He'll be flying in 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 - 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 the impossibly tall stilt walkers or our other street entertainers.

Musical Magic - It wouldn't be Christmas without some Perthshire Pipe Bands - Perth Pipe Band, Vale of Atholl Pipe Band and Methil Pipe Band will all be playing.

Funfair - All the bright lights, sounds and fun of the fair will take place throughout the streets.

George Street Festivities - Head to George Street and get your camera ready to capture the Christmas magic! Stop a while and watch our Ice Artists, or visit the wonderful Cairngorm Reindeer!