Where to celebrate Lunar New Year in Perth

Where to celebrate Lunar New Year in Perth

by | Feb 6, 2026 | Events, Perth, School Holidays, Summer, Travelling with Kids

Lunar New Year, sometimes known as Chinese New Year, brings a buzz to Perth like no other, filling the city up with colour, culture and celebration! Starting on 17 February 2026, Lunar New Year is celebrated across many Asian cultures and marks a time of fresh beginnings, togetherness and joy. The festivities stretch across 15 days, transforming the city with cultural performances, pop-up markets and celebrations – all best experienced when you’re staying right in the heart of the action.

In 2026, the Year of the Horse gallops in with energy and excitement, setting the tone for a lively season of celebration. Those born in the Year of the Horse (2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966) are said to be confident, responsible, and free-spirited.

From Northbridge to Elizabeth Quay, here’s where to experience the best Lunar & Chinese New Year events in Perth in 2026.

Perth Festival ‘Under The Red Lanterns | East Perth Power Station

Saturday 14 February | From 4pm

Celebrate Lunar New Year under the glow of the red lanterns with this FREE family-friendly event at Casa Musica with lion dancers, live music and more. Wear red – a colour symbolizing luck, happiness and prosperity – and join in an unforgettable night of music, tradition and celebration.

Under The Red Lanterns brings together Perth’s largest Southeast Asian line-up for a night that honours tradition while celebrating contemporary talent. Enjoy acts from Linh & William, Flying Kik, Kurt Carrera, and DJ Lima Brightlove, as well as a traditional performance from the Yaolin Kung Fu Dragon & Lion Dance Association.

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Terracotta Warriors Closing Festival | WA Museum Boola Bardip

Tuesday 17 – Friday 2- February | 5pm-9pm

Visit the WA Museum Boola Bardip and celebrate the Lunar New Year with the closing week of their most successful exhibition yet – Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor. From 5pm each night, enjoy the FREE closing festival celebration outside the main entrance featuring different performances, live music, DJ’s, a photo booth and more. Grab yourself a refreshing drink or a bite to eat from one of the various food trucks and view the Lanterns of Terracotta Warriors, before making the most of the extended exhibition entry with your last chance to see Emperor Qin Shihuan’s Terracotta Warriors as well as over 225 ancient artefacts and cultural treasures before they leave Perth (tickets required for exhibition entry, last entry 7:30pm).

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Lunar New Year Markets @ The Quay | Elizabeth Quay

Saturday 21 February | 3pm-8pm

Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse with vibrant markets, delicious food, and traditional performances at the Lunar New Year Markets @ The Quay. Explore the artisan market stalls offering delicious street eats to unique handmade treasures, before being captivated by traditional lion dancing and drum performances from 6:45pm. Add your hopes for the year ahead to the Lunar New Year Wishing Tree, and keep an eye out for fortune cookie giveaways for messages of prosperity and gift cards!

Can’t make it to the markets? Wander down to Elizabeth Quay at 6:45pm any night from Sunday 17 – Sunday 22 February to catch the live lion and dragon performances every evening.

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Lunar New Year in the Square | Yagan Square

Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 February | 4:30pm-6:30pm

The Yagan Square precinct is coming to life with colourful lanterns, festive decorations and spectacular cultural performances. Kicking off the celebrations for the Year of the Horse at 4:30pm is a traditional lion dance, followed by a high-energy K-Pop performance by the Diversity Perth Dance Studio.

Kick back, relax, and enjoy a delicious meal or drink at one of Yagan Squares many bars and restaurants while you enjoy this celebration of culture, community, and creativity.

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Perth Chinese New Year Fair | Northbridge

Sunday 22 February | 12pm-9pm

The annual Chinese New Year Fair, presented by the Chung Wah Association, is arguably one of Perth’s biggest CNY events – and is not one to be missed! Taking place along James Street and Lake Street in Northbridge, the fair offers a rich and immersive experience filled with culture, colour and entertainment.

Visitors can make the most of multicultural food stalls, cultural arts & craft workshops, competitions, community stalls, games and more, as well as traditional lion and dragon dances and an exciting program of live performances.

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Where to stay for Lunar New Year in Perth

With Lunar New Year celebrations spread across the Perth CBD from Northbridge to Elizabeth Quay, staying in the heart of the city makes it easy to experience it all without worrying about transport, parking, or missing a moment. From night markets and cultural performances to family-friendly events and late-night festivities, everything is just a short walk or ride away from Holiday Inn Perth City Centre.

Start the Year of the Horse off right with a city stay that puts you right at the heart of all the action. Whether you’re planning a summer getaway, weekend staycation, or attending one of the many Lunar New Year events, staying in the Perth CBD means more time celebrating and less time travelling.

Book your stay at Holiday Inn Perth City Centre and enjoy the best of Perth’s Lunar New Year events right at your doorstep.

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Your Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Perth

Your Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Perth

by | Nov 26, 2025 | Events, Perth, School Holidays, Summer, Travelling with Kids

The festive season is officially here, and Perth CBD is sparkling with Christmas cheer! From twinkling lights and festive markets to magical Santa experiences and family-friendly activities, the city has something for everyone. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to Christmas events and activities in Perth CBD so you can make the most of the season, whether you’re planning a fun family outing, a festive date, or just soaking up the holiday spirit.



Santa Mailbox | Holiday Inn Perth City Centre

Until 24 December 2025

Have you been good this year? Whether you’re heading into the city to see the Christmas Lights Trail, shopping for gifts, or attend one of the many festive events across the silly season – make sure to stop by Holiday Inn Perth City Centre to send off your letters to Santa! Located in the lobby of the hotel, right across the road from Stop #8 ‘Geome Tree’ of the Christmas Lights Trail, get your wish-list sent express to the North Pole with the big red Santa Mailbox.

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Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail | Perth CBD

28 November – 28 December

Prepare to be dazzled by 22 amazing light installations brightening up the City across 31 nights this festive season with the Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail! Enjoy festive entertainment and performances through the City on select nights, including visits from Santa Claus himself! Walk the full trail to see all 22 amazing light installations, or take the family friendly ‘Merry Mile’ – either way, you’ll be mesmerised as the malls, streets, and parks across Perth CBD are lit up with animated lights, projections and lively festivities!

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Christmas Perth Makers Market

Saturday 29 November | 4pm – 9pm

Jingle all the way to festive bliss at the Christmas Twilight Perth Makers Market! Featuring over 80 talented local artisans and stallholders, this special festive edition of the Perth Makers Market will feature live entertainment, food trucks, and handcrafted treasures – it’s the perfect place to start some Christmas shopping while supporting your local creators. Plus, we heard that Santa himself will be making a special appearance!

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Gold Santa | The Perth Mint

5 – 20 December | 10am – 2pm, Friday & Saturday

The Perth Mint is welcoming families to experience the magic of Christmas with Gold Santa making a return appearance! Get a complimentary digital photo taken by their professional photographer on Santa’s exquisite gold throne. Afterwards, why not join the Perth Mint Gold Tour, where you can see the world’s largest gold coin and experience a live gold pour! Then, explore their curated selection of Christmas gifts in the shop and find something special for everyone on your list. Santa in residence every Friday & Saturday from 5 Dec – 20 Dec, 10am – 2pm.

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Christmas Markets @ The Quay | Elizabeth Quay

Saturday 6 December | 3pm – 8pm

Discover the magic of Christmas at Markets @ the Quay! Whether you’re treating yourself or ticking off you Christmas shopping list, there’s something for everyone with over 60 local artisan stall holders offering everything from boutique jewellery and local fashion to art, beauty products and unique gifts. With free face painting, roaming elves, cheerful carols (and a visit from Santa himself!), it’s the perfect evening of festive fun!

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Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant | St Georges Terrace

Saturday 6 December | 7pm

A key Christmas event for many families across Perth, the 2025 Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant is a night you won’t forget! Featuring dazzling floats, roving performers, and a joyful parade that captures the spirit of Christmas, this beloved tradition delights all ages as it travels down St Georges Terrace. Make sure to keep an eye out for special appearances by your favourite Channel 7 stars, Fat Cat and Santa of course! Want to beat the traffic? Make a night of it and book a stay at Holiday Inn Perth City Centre and you’ll be moments away from all the action.

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Festive Lights @ The Quay | Elizabeth Quay

13 & 14 December | 5pm – 9pm

Over two festive nights, Elizabeth Quay is coming alive with Christmas spirit! Keep the whole family entertained with a variety of festive activities including roving performers, hula hoop workshops and sideshow alley. Don’t miss the main event, when a spectacular 500-piece drone show and fireworks light up the sky at 8:30pm!

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Carols in The City | Supreme Court Gardens

Saturday 20 December | 6:30pm

The ultimate family-friendly night out, get ready to sing along to all your favourite Christmas Carols at the Supreme Court Gardens! Head down early to grab yourself a picnic spot on the grass and make the most of the pre-show entertainment, with fun activities, Santa Land, food trucks and more! Plus, stay to the end to watch the amazing fireworks display at 9:15pm.

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Nativity Concert | Forrest Place

21 – 22 December | 6:30m – 8:30pm

The story of Christmas is brought to life under the stars at Forrest Place. Gather with your loved ones and celebrate the spirit of Christmas with sing-along carols performed by Perth choirs at the annual Christmas Nativity Concert.

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Santa’s Mailbox

Santa’s Mailbox

by | Nov 24, 2025 | Events, Perth, School Holidays, Summer, Travelling with Kids

Santa’s Mailbox

Have you been good this year? He’ll be checking his list and checking it twice. So, head to Holiday Inn Perth City Centre to post your letter and wish list direct to the North Pole with our big red Santa Mailbox in the lobby!

In the city to experience the Rio Tinto Christmas Lights Trail? We’re right across the road from Stop #8 “Geome Tree” at Central Park!

After posting your Santa letter, enjoy a meal at Ivy & Jack – with a special kids’ menu offering a range of favourite’s for the little ones, it’s worth bringing the entire family.

Jack’s Lost Letters

Uh oh! Jack was helping deliver letters to Santa from all the kids staying at Holiday Inn Perth City Centre… but a cheeky gust of wind blew some of them right out of his paws! Can you help Jack find the missing letters around the hotel so that Santa can get everyone’s wish lists in time for Christmas Eve?

Kids staying with us during December can grab an activity sheet from Reception and follow the clues to find all of the lost letters scattered around the hotel. Find out the festive word and bring your completed sheet to Reception to redeem a Christmas treat! 

Don’t worry parents, you can join in too! Fill in the form on the back of the activity sheet and you’ll go into the draw to win a festive Christmas hamper!

T&C’s apply: Entry is valid for hotel guests only. Limit of one (1) treat per child. Treats only given to children aged 12 & under. By filling in the form to enter the hamper giveaway, you agree to be added to the Holiday Inn Perth City Centre mailing list. Entries close Wednesday 31 December 2025. Winner will be drawn and contacted directly on Monday 5 January 2026.

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A Walk in Kings Park – why it’s a must

by | Mar 8, 2018 | Perth, Summer

Kings Park is the number one attraction in Perth, Tripadvisor.com even listed it as number 1 in their top 10 things to do in WA. It’s the largest inner-city park in the world; at 4 square kilometres it is larger than Central Park in New York City. That means it’s packed full of great activities including tours and museums, and best of all it’s free to explore! Top off your visit with a picnic on the grass and take in the amazing city views.

We’ve made a list of the best spots to check out at Kings Park, check it out.

Botanical Gardens

Kings Park contains extensive Botanical Gardens and native bushland showcasing the largest variety of native plants from all over Western Australia. Plants are grouped by regions which makes for a spectacular display. Our favourite part of the Botanical Gardens is the conservation garden, which hosts the most critically endangered and rare species of flora in Australia.

You can’t visit the Botanical Gardens without seeing The Giant Boab a 750 years old, 36-tonne boab tree, Gija Jumulu, which was transported more than 3200km from the Kimberly Region.

 

Rio Tinto Naturescape

Splash, climb and wade your way through the many tunnels, waterholes and structures at the Rio Tinto Naturescape. The Naturescape is a beautiful place for kids to connect with nature and learn about the environment; ‘challenge, adventure and connection to nature that has been missing from many urban childhoods.’ Between Boomerang Bridge, The Prickly Thicket and a climbable python – the kids are sure to have a blast.

Aspects Gallery & Shop

 If you want to experience some of the best Western Australian and Australian craft and design, Aspects Gallery is the perfect spot. It has a focus on local artists with products ranging from hand crafted, designer jewellery to kangaroo paw bags and of course knick knacks. It’s the perfect spot to buy a nice momento or gift from Australia.

Walk among the treetops

See Kings Park’s famous panoramic views from the skyline of the Lotterywest Federation Walkway. The 40 minute walk is elevated in the treetops across a fabricated steel bridge and will give you a birds-eye perspective of the native bush, as well as views across the Swan and Canning Rivers. It’s open from 9.00am – 5pm, so be sure to allow enough time.

War Memorial

Kings Park hosts the West Australian State War Memorial Precinct. Visited by over 40,000 people on Anzac Day alone, this memorial holds a special place in West Australian’s Hearts.

It includes the Cenotaph, an 18 metre granite obelisk that honours all West Australians who gave their lives for their country, as well as the Court of Contemplation, Pool of Reflection and Flame of Remembrance. Underneath the Cenotaph you will find the honour roll with names of all those who served for World War I, World War II, as well as the Korean, Vietnam, Boer, Afghanistan and Iraq Wars yet sadly passed away.

Kings Park also contains three honour avenues containing 1600 plaques describing acts of bravery, heroism and suffering.

Aussie BBQ

There’s nothing like a good old Aussie Barbeque at Kings Park. There are plenty of barbeque grills around the park that are free to use. Bring some snags and pop them on the barbie, then settle onto your picnic rug and enjoy the sunset.

 

 

Holiday Inn Perth City is the Perfect Place to Relax after a big day of adventuring

When you’ve spent all day on your feet it’s great to have a nice place to relax. Holiday Inn Perth City is perfectly located in the centre of the city, so you’ll have no trouble getting home from your exploration. Settle down with a drink from Ivy and Jack, our restaurant bar, and enjoy a delicious dinner as you watch the world go by. Best of all, Kids Stay and Eat Free. Save up to 20% off when you book in advance.

 

Family activities and things to do with kids

Family activities and things to do with kids

by | Nov 30, 2015 | Events, Summer

 Check out our top family activities in Perth this summer!

Looking for some inspiration in keeping the kids entertained this summer? Want to get them away from their screens for an hour or two? Then check out our list of five of the best activities that not only the kids will love, but Mum and Dad too.

Perth Explorer

Get out and about and see the sights of Perth City on the original Perth Explorer open-top double decker bus tour. The tour features highlights such as the Swan River, Northbridge, the WACA, the Belltower, Kings Park and Botanic Gardens and other exciting stops. The whole trip takes 1 and ¾ hours, or hop off in the knowledge that the next bus is never more than an hour away.

Adults are $32, and children $12, with a family pass for $85. Tickets are valid for a 24 hour time period.

 

Scitech Perth

Image Credit: Schitech Facebook

Stimulate young brains with a visit to Scitech, at City West. The centre is designed to introduce children to scientific concepts in a fun and surprising way. Check out exhibits like the Puppet Theatre, the Astronaut feature exhibit as well as live bees busy in their honey production. Parents might even learn a thing or two along the way as well!

Admission prices are $17 for adults and $11 for children, with kids under 4 free.

 

Penguin Island

Image credit: Penguin Island Facebook

Enjoy one of Perth’s premier aquatic adventures and cross the ocean to see penguins, dolphins and sea lions at Penguin Island. Located an hours’ drive from Perth near the city of Rockingham, the island, reachable by ferry, and its surrounds feature crystal clear waters, picnic spots, and sightseeing cruises for a fun day out for the whole family.

Ferry tickets are $15 for adults and $12.50 for kids, with family packs for $48. Add-ons include the Penguin Island Discovery Centre, Penguin & Sea Lion Cruise and Swim with Wild Dolphins.

 

Kings Park

Image Credit: BritishExpats

Explore the beautiful surrounds of our oasis in the city, Kings Park. Set high atop the city, with stunning views from the Eastern side out over the Swan River, Kings Park is a must on your Perth itinerary. Keep the kids happy by not only checking out the wildflowers, but by discovering playgrounds like the Synergy Parkland and the Ivey Watson Playground for under 6’s. Wear them out by climbing up the spiralling DNA tower and show them the mysteries of science with the Whispering Wall at the War Memorial.

Admission is free.

 

Heirisson Island

Image Credit: Study Perth

Kids crazy for kangaroos? See some real Australian bushlands and native Kangaroos only minutes away from Perth City. Heirisson Island features the city’s local colony of Western Grey Kangaroos, in a small island on Swan River accessible by the Causeway. It may be tempting to walk up and pat them, but remember these are wild kangaroos and some are not used to being touched! Take a bike out to the island to make a whole day of it.

Admission is free.

 

Family Getaway Package

This Summer we have the best family deal for you. It’s time for you to move away from the workplace and come closer together with the people who mean the world to you. Take advantage of our Holiday Inn special accommodation package with a Perth city attraction the whole family will love.

The Family Getaway Package includes:

  • Accommodation for two adults and one child
  • Full buffet breakfast for all
  • Children dine for free with a paying adult
  • Tickets for two adults and one child to Perth and Kings Park Hop-on-Hop-off tour
  • Kids stay and Eat Free