Perth's Magical Christmas Sunday | Sunday 23 November

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

Here’s everything you need to know about Sunday 23 November, Perth’s Magical Christmas Sunday. Experience the magic of the season at Perth’s Magical Christmas Sunday, a highlight of our bumper Christmas Lights Switch-on Weekend.

The city will be brimming with festive cheer as live music, family fun and sparkling entertainment fill the streets. Step into the warmth of the Mill Street and King Edward Street stages with music and festive performances, explore the deliciously creative Cakefest and Parade of the Bakers, and soak up the wonder of the Lantern and Nativity Parade as the city glows with the light of our annual parade between churches.

Tell your neighbours, bring your friends, and wrap up the whole family for a day of unforgettable festive fun. All activities are free to attend* and open to everyone, including Santa’s Grotto!

Please Note: All information is correct at time of sending but we cannot guarantee changes to programmes or availability. Please note, there will not be a map made of cake at Horsecross this year’s Cakefest. All activity takes place in the Civic Hall.(*except funfair rides)

Mill Street Stage and King Edward Street Stages Midday to 5pm

Live music and family fun will ensure the Mill Street Stage at Horsecross Plaza and the King Edward Street Stage at Perth Museum, will keep everyone entertained. Expect singing, dancing, and a whole load of festive fun! 

Mill Street Stage    

12.00    Stage Opens : Introduction from Andy Aird
12.15    Clark Stewart
13.10    Julie Young Dancers
13.45    Cobblers Gameshow
14.15    Only the Brave
15.00    Scotland Rocks
15.50    Mikey Law
16.20    Cobblers Gameshow
16.50    Andy Aird Close stage

King Edward Street Stage    

12.00     Stage Opens
12.15     Prince Honeysett / Heist 
12.50     Bev Lyons 
13.30     UK Pit Bull 
14.15     The Taylor Effect 
15.10     McAndrews Sisters 
15.40     Spice World 
16.20     Last Orders 
16.55     Close Stage 

Cakefest and the Parade of the Bakers

Cakefest - Midday to 4pm at council building, 2 High Street, Parade of the Bakers - 2pm from King Edward Street Stage

Cakefest is back – with an indoor theme and even more opportunities to get involved. Bring out your showstoppers and your traditional Christmas Cakes everyone, we’re looking for local bakers, amateurs and professionals, to get busy! The competition runs from midday to 4pm.

This year there will be two categories to enter: best traditional Christmas Cake and a freestyle competition where the cake can be any type or design.All cakes will be displayed in the council building, 2 High Street on Sunday 23 November.

The winning baker in each category will receive a £100 Perth City and Towns Gift Card. Second and third placed bakers will each win a £50 gift card.

The event will also see the return of a centuries-old baking tradition in the Fair City – the Bakers’ Parade. Taking place from 2pm with a starting position at the King Edward Street Stage.

Silent Disco

St Pauls Church 4.30pm to 7.30pm

Join the Silent Disco Experience! Step into a world where the music is all yours.Grab your wireless headphones, choose your channel, and lose yourself to the beat under the stars. It’s the party where you control the soundtrack and the fun never stops.

Lantern and Nativity Parade 

From St Ninian’s Cathedral 5pm

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.

The Handmade Show

Perth Concert Hall, Sunday 23 November and Sunday 7 December

Get ready for gift-shopping with flair at the upcoming The Handmade Show, a showcase of Scotland’s finest artisan talent.

Here you’ll discover beautifully handcrafted jewellery, one-of-a-kind home décor pieces, original prints and artwork, luxury scented candles, elegant ceramics, designer baby-and-children’s wear, and gourmet delights from independent food makers.

With dozens of makers and designers under one roof, it’s your chance to choose personal, thoughtful presents direct from the creators themselves.

The Handmade Show is proud to support Scotland’s vibrant creative community and invites everyone to shop local, discover something new, and celebrate handmade.

Running over both 22 and 23 November

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

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 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!