Christmas cheers returns to Mandurah

Mandurah's city centre and waterfront spaces are set to come alive with Christmas cheer with a huge line-up of celebrations to return over the holidays.

The Mandurah Christmas program will kick off on Friday, November 29 from 6pm when the City of Mandurah Christmas Pageant hits the main streets.

More than 30 decorated floats will make their way along Mandurah Terrace, starting and finishing at the Cooper Street/Mandurah Terrace intersection.

The best viewing locations will be along Mandurah Terrace, Tuckey Street, Sholl Street, and the Smart Street Mall.  

Following the pageant, special Christmas activities will be held on the Eastern Foreshore (south end) including live music and carols by the Mandurah Concert Band, kids workshops, food trucks and Santa’s Grotto.  

Also on November 29 following the pageant, the Mandurah Christmas Lights Trail will be officially switched on.

More than 30 sparkling installations – some featuring virtual reality experiences – are featured along the trail, with entry/exit points at Smart Street Mall and the Mandurah Ocean Marina. 

The lights trail includes favourites such as candy canes, Christmas trees, giant reindeer, kombi van and enormous Santa, plus new additions including Santa’s car, a vintage train, a Cadillac and a reindeer arch entry statement.

There are photo opportunities galore along the trail, including ‘selfies’ with elves for the perfect Instagram snap, plus other crowd pleasers including a pirate ship, present boxes, stars, the Christmas countdown clock and sparkling Christmas trees floating in the Mandurah Estuary. 

The lights can be enjoyed up until Sunday, January 5, 2025 (inclusive).

From 6pm to 9pm on every night of the Lights Trail, there will be a range of exciting, free activities in the city centre including kids shows and workshops, live music and twilight markets (Mondays and Thursdays).

On Saturday, December 14, renowned Australian singer and songwriter Samantha Jade will bring a special performance to the Mandurah Christmas Carols in the Park event on the Western Foreshore.

From 6pm, enjoy an evening of community celebrations including singalong carols, family activities and a variety of food trucks, overlooking the Peel Harvey Estuary.  

The community can once again welcome the new year in style with two spectacular City of Mandurah New Year’s Eve fireworks displays on December 31, with a number of vantage points around the city centre.

There will be fireworks at 9pm and midnight, and Coast FM will be providing an epic soundtrack to the displays, plus activations throughout the event.   

Mayor Rhys Williams encouraged everyone to immerse themselves in the events and experiences.

“Mandurah is the place to be this Christmas – it should be at the top of everyone’s list as a must-see destination,” Mayor Williams said. 

“The city will again be buzzing with all the sights and sounds of a wonderful Christmas, and we encourage everyone to come and enjoy a magical Mandurah Christmas. 

“Our program is full of free, inclusive family friendly experiences showcasing the very best ways people can enjoy all Mandurah has to offer this festive season including our award-winning businesses, tourism offerings, or simply relax with family and friends by the water.  

“A huge thanks to the supporters of this year’s Mandurah Christmas program who have made it possible for us to spread the Christmas cheer.” 

Lotterywest is a major supporter of this year’s Mandurah Christmas line up, contributing $120,000 towards the City of Mandurah’s Christmas Lights Trail, Christmas Pageant and new Carols in the Park event.

Lotterywest CEO Colin Smith said Lotterywest is proud to help the City of Mandurah create moments that can be enjoyed by a community of all ages, abilities and interests. 

“From the Christmas Lights Trail, the Pageant down Mandurah Terrace and the new Carols in the Park, these events help make this time of year truly magical,” Mr Smith said.  

For the third year, the City is welcoming Ray White Mandurah as a sponsor of the Christmas Lights Trail and the Christmas Pageant.

“Christmas time in Mandurah is so magical, so being part of this year’s festivities is a pleasure for our entire team who love to be involved in the community spirit,” Ray White Mandurah Selling Director Theo Alexandrou said. 

“From the Christmas Pageant to our ‘Christmas Lights In The Suburbs’ competition that we have running throughout December, it’s all about bringing people together.

"Our competition was a hit last year, with people from all areas and age groups getting involved and spreading the Christmas cheer, and to us that’s what Christmas is about.”

For all the details about everything happening in Mandurah this Christmas including road and water closures, parking and activities go to www.mandurah.wa.gov.au/christmas