04/11/2025
Free festive fun for everyone: Perth’s Christmas Lights switch-on weekend set to sparkle!
Dance 00s superstar Cascada, Staying Alive, a world-class Bee Gees tribute act, and an array of fantastic local acts will join hosts Stephen Mulhern and Lionel Vinyl to kick off the Christmas Lights Switch-on weekend on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November in Perth, where Christmas is made.
The weekend will be full of free* festive fun for everyone, street entertainment and live music for all the family to enjoy.
Provost Xander McDade said: “This must be one of my favourite weekends of the year, when the city comes alive with festive spirit and people of all ages come together to celebrate Christmas. Once again, Perth is offering a fantastic programme of entertainment and activities for everyone to enjoy, demonstrating Perth is where Christmas is made.”
Three stages, located on Tay Street, King Edward Street and Mill Street, will showcase an exciting mix of national and popular local acts. Audiences can look forward to seeing some of their favourite acts alongside chart-topping talent from across the UK.
Saturday’s entertainment gets underway from midday with a packed programme of activities. Highlights include performances by the Perth and District Pipe Band, 25th Dunblane Boys Brigade Bands, Methil Pipe Band and DJ stations with live performances. With the return of the illuminated wildlife trail lighting up the city, and special appearances from the Cairngorm Reindeer, adorable huskies and a haggis trail, the afternoon promises a truly magical experience for all ages.
Adding to the excitement will be the popular funfair** as well as Christmas Street entertainers, including the opportunity to catch your selfie with Abigail the Elf.
Santa and his friends are excited to welcome all the children to share their Christmas wishes at his enchanting grotto at Horsecross Plaza, Mill Street. They will be there on Friday 21 November from 3pm to 7pm, Saturday 22 November from midday to 8pm and Sunday 24 November from midday to 6pm.
Two vibrant stages on Mill Street and King Edward Street will showcase the heart of our community, entertaining families from midday until 5pm. Expect a lively mix of performances from local community groups and entertainers, hosted by Tay FM’s presenters, who’ll keep the energy high and the crowds smiling. On stage will be Mr Tumble’s House, Inspire Dance Studios, Panto Pinocchio, Julie Young Dance, Pop, Cobblers, Clark Stewart, McAndrew Sisters, Sweeney Todd, JGN Dance Attic, Tyler McCauley, Fair City Singers and Perth Strathspey and Reel Society.
The main stage in Tay Street will kick off at 2pm with performances from The Crom, UK Rock Show, Beats of Brazil and Unison Anthems.
At 6.15pm, the spotlight turns to the main stage as Perth and Kinross Provost Xander McDade will press the red button to officially mark the start of Perth’s Christmas season.
The magical moment will be followed by a short firework display over the stunning River Tay, casting a radiant glow across the evening’s celebrations, kicking off the evening’s entertainment.
Please note that there will be no Christmas Parade this year.
Prime-time television presenter Stephen Mulhern returns to Perth as this year’s Christmas host.
Stephen started out in children’s television and found success in TV shows such as Brilliant Creatures, Fingertips and the BAFTA award-winning Quick Trick Show.
He has appeared on ITV’s Saturday morning show and hosted prime time shows such as Deal or No Deal and Catchphrase. Stephen will be sure to bring his bright, energetic personality and magic skills to the main stage.
Joining Stephen as host will be the ultimate entertainer and 70s Disco Legend Lionel Vinyl. Lionel will get the audience grooving by showing them all the dance moves and boogieing all night long! This is Saturday Night Fever at its best!
At approximately 6.45pm, the ultimate highlight of the evening will be the return of Cascada, an iconic German dance music trio renowned for their floor-filling hits such as Because the Night, Evacuate the Dancefloor and their platinum hit Everytime we touch in 2005.
With approximately, 8.5million monthly listeners on Spotify, you can be sure no one will be evacuating the dancefloor on 22 November!
They will be followed by Stayin’ Alive, a world-class Bee Gees tribute show which has delighted audiences since 1995, capturing the unforgettable sound of the legendary Gibb brothers. The show offers a remarkable journey through the Bee Gees’ extensive catalogue, from soulful ballads like “How Deep is Your Love” to the disco anthems “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever.”
The weekend festivities continue into Sunday 23 November, with Cakefest and Perth’s enchanting Nativity and Lantern Parade.
Sunday’s entertainment starts from midday with two stages of entertainment in King Edward and Mill Street. Festive treats include performances by the Perth and District Pipe Band, 25th Dunblane Boys Brigade Bands, Perth Drama Club, DJ stations with live performances, illuminated wildlife trail lighting up the city, Cairngorm Reindeer, huskies and a haggis trail.
Families can dance the afternoon away at St Paul’s Church with a feel-good silent disco, perfect for burning off those mince pies and getting into the festive groove! No need to book, just turn up between 4.30pm and 7.30pm.
The wonderful Cakefest returns to Perth. From midday to 4pm, talented bakers from across Perth and Kinross will showcase their incredible cake creations at the Council building, 2 High Street, Perth. A baker’s parade will take place from 2pm at King Edward Street stage.
Bakers are invited to enter two categories: best traditional Christmas cake and a freestyle competition where the cake can be any type or design.
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 celebrations then continue at St Ninian’s Cathedral, where families are invited to gather as the beautiful Nativity scene is illuminated and traditional carols fill the air. At 5pm, the Perth Pipe Band will lead the Lantern and Nativity Parade through the city streets to St John’s Kirk where everyone is welcome to enjoy more carols, mince pies and hot tea offer the perfect warm-up to end a heartwarming Christmas afternoon.
Shoppers can soak up the seasonal atmosphere at the Festive Christmas markets, over both days, set along King Edward Street and High Street as Perth is transformed into a magical to a Christmas wonderland. With twinkling lights, charming stalls, it’s the perfect place to find unique gifts and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Christmas.
Local producers, creative artisans and independent businesses will line the streets, offering a delightful selection of handcrafted gifts, festive treats and locally made treasures. Throughout the weekend, visitors will have the perfect opportunity to support local, by eating and buying local.
*Access to the events and entertainment stages are free for all.
**Charges will apply for some activities such as funfair rides and purchases from the festive market.
Stay updated with the latest at https://www.perthcityandtowns.co.uk/blog/perth-christmas-lights-switch-on-weekend-saturday-22-november
