Perth Christmas Lights Switch-on | Saturday 22 November

It's a bumper Perth City and Towns Christmas Lights Switch-on Weekend!

Here’s everything you need to know about Saturday 22 November, Perth’s Christmas Lights Switch-on. Experience the magic of the season at Perth’s famous Christmas Lights Switch-on event, one of Scotland’s most magical festive celebrations.

Get ready for the city to sparkle as we light up the streets, creating a wonderful winter wonderland. Enjoy live music, dazzling street performances, festive food and drink, and a bustling Christmas market filled with seasonal treats and gifts. And of course, Santa is flying in with his reindeers to hand out presents to all of the good children.

Tell your neighbours, bring your friends and grab the whole family to gather for the excitement of the countdown. With entertainment for all ages, Perth’s Christmas Lights Switch-on is the perfect way to kick off the festive season.

All the activities over this weekend are free to attend and open to all, including Santa’s Grotto.   

Please Note: All information is correct at time of sending but we cannot guarantee changes to programmes or availability. Due to ongoing road closures at South Street and Scott Street there will be no Christmas Parade this year. Access to the events and entertainment stages are free for all. (*except funfair rides)

More about Sunday 23 November >

Christmas Lights Switch-on

Saturday 22 November

Main Stage

The highlight of our Christmas Lights Switch-on is always our main stage entertainment, hosted this year by Stephen Mulhern and the disco loving legend that is Lionel Vinyl.

Expect a big, bright and bold party atmosphere and plenty of singing along! Kicking off at midday, and running all the way through to 8pm, this is a live music extravaganza for all the family.

 At 6.15pm Provost McDade will switch on the Christmas Lights, and then it's fireworks galore with a short, stunning display across the River Tay. 

The headline act is dance sensation, Cascada, who reached international fame with "Everytime We Touch", Natalie Horler, Yann Peifer and Manuel Reuter, topping the charts with their irresistible dance-pop songs, Evacuate The Dancefloor and Summer of Love. 

Dance the night away this festive season with one of the world's Top 10 selling dance acts. 

Other acts include: 

• The Crom
• UK Rock Show
• Beats of Brazil
• Unison Anthems
• Staying Alive

Mill Street Stage and King Edward Street Stage

Two stages of live entertainment hosted by Tay Fm Presenters Gregor and Lynsey, and Amber, will ensure the Mill Street Stage at Horsecross Plaza and the King Edward Street Stage at Perth Museum, keep everyone entertained from midday to 5pm. Expect singing, dancing, and a whole load of festive fun! 

Mill Street Stage

12.00    Stage Opens : Introduction from Gregor & Lynsey from Tay FM : also Amber will be joining later in the day.
12.15    Cobblers & Co Gameshow
12.40    Inspire Dance Studios
13.00    Mr Tumbles House
14.00    Julie Young Dancers
14.50    Panto Pinocchio
15.50    JGN dance Attic
16.20    McAndrew Sisters
16.50    Radio Tay Close stage

King Edward Street Stage

12.00    Stage Opens
12.15    Sweeney Todd / Braveheart
12.50    Prince Honeysett / Heist
13.25    Tyler McCauley
14.00    Cold Fever
14.35    McAndrews Sisters
15.45    Phoenix Cheerleaders
16.20    CJ Prince
16.55    Radio Tay Close Stage

More about Sunday 23 November >

Running over both 22 and 23 November

Santa's Grotto and the Cairngorm Reindeer at Horsecross Plaza | Various Times

Santa and his reindeer fly 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 lovely children from Perth and hear your Christmas wish lists. Make sure to come with a big smile and happy heart. 

Santa will be in Perth for three days:

• Friday 21 November from 3pm to 7pm
• Saturday 22 November from midday to 8pm
• Sunday 23 November from 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.

City Centre Fun | 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. 

Walkabout Acts - Get up close for a selfie with the impossibly tall stilt walkers, Abigail the Elf, Heist/Prince Honeyset, Cold Fever and Perth Drama Club.

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, 25th Dunblane Boys Brigade Bands 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 Cairngorm Reindeer. 

High Street and St John Street Fun - Find our DJ Station complete with singers and community acts, a funfair stall, huskies and street organ. And make sure to keep your eyes peeled for The Haggis Trail on the High Street!

Festive Christmas Markets 

King Edward Street and High Street

Offering up artisan gifts and foodie goodies from a host of your favourite local traders, this two day market is full of inspiration for Christmas shopping, delicious festive treats and maybe even one or two gifts from you to you!  

Stall holders include: 

• Susies Soap 
• Spice Harmony
• Mike Souter Photography
• Buttons Crafts
• Truck Sri
• Louise Muir Designs
• Turadh Distillery
• Gamze Turkish Kitchen
• Cups N Cakes by Monica
• Delizious Bakes
• Trinket Belles
• Tikka Box
• Wildlife Trust 
• Angus Alchemy
• RSPB
• Falls of Dochart
• Magic 5 Pizza 
• Cairn O Mohr 
• AuchterLarder
• Happy Go Lucky Dog Co.
• Redcastle Brewery
• MC Cards & Crafts 
• Made by Beam Ltd
• Ahoma Jewellery
• Hungry Kitten
• Starfish Cakes & Bakes
• Bite Me - Fuel Me Coffee
• Thriving Earth 
• Phoenix Home
• Wilt and Wild
• Perth Gin 
• John Scone 
• The Krooked Kat
• Pinko's 
• Good-Life Farming 

This fantastic market will repeat on Saturday 20, Sunday 21 and Monday 22 December

Perth Wildlife Light Trail

Perth City Centre comes alive once again with the Wildlife Light Trail, a dazzling celebration of nature and light. Wander through the city to discover your favourite illuminated sculptures including the majestic Stag outside Perth Theatre, the playful Otter shining beside Perth Concert Hall, and the leaping Salmon glowing proudly outside St John’s Kirk.

We're also delighted to welcome back the striking Osprey installation, taking flight outside Perth Museum. (This sculpture will come a little later, during week commencing 24th November).

The lights will be installed during the week beginning 17th November, brightening the city and capture hearts just in time for our famous Christmas Lights Switch-on.

Come explore, enjoy, and share the glow! 

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. 

Street Life and Independent Shops Info >

City Centre Restaurants >    

Cocktails and Artisan Drinks >   

Perth City Business Directory >

Make a Weekend of it

Check out the details for Sunday’s Magic of Christmas Celebration taking place on Sunday 23 November here >

If you're travelling from further afield, why not make a weekend break of it? Book into one of the area's accommodation providers.

Check out our Be Inspired Perthshire section for more ideas and things to do across the region. 

• Quirky Accommodation in Perthshire >
• Spa Breaks and Hot Tub Hideaways >
• Pet Friendly Accommodation >
• Gourmet Accommodation >