Your guide to Freo’s 12 Days of Christmas

From Thursday to Sunday each week in December, the City of Fremantle will be presenting 12 days of holiday fun in the lead up to Christmas. Check out our guide to your holiday cheer this year—even the Grinch himself would have a great time!

Walyalup Koort’s beating heart lights up for Christmas Wednesday 1 December | 6–7.30pm

Before 12 Days of Christmas officially kicks off, head to the heart of Fremantle and join us as we turn on the mistletoe lights at Walyalup Koort to mark the beginning of the festive season.

Enjoy the free festive activities including light-up hula hooping, Christmas carols and a special appearance from Santa.

Elf on the Shelf Christmas Trail Every Thursday to Sunday during 2–19 December | 11.30am–3.30 pm

The Elf on The Shelf Christmas Trail is a wonderful free and walkable activity to do with the kids while you’re exploring Freo.

We’ve created a special Christmas trail map to help you find where they are hiding and collect their names to share with Santa. With prizes to be won, you’ll want to get in quick. Book early to avoid disappointment at Eventbrite.

Bazaar 2021 Friday 3 December 5–9pm | Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December 9am–5pm

Stuck on Christmas gift ideas? WA’s favourite Christmas makers’ market returns to Fremantle Arts Centre for Bazaar 2021—Freo's celebration of handmade, local, quality craftsmanship. 

Showcasing the work of 50 local designers, artists and makers; you'll find fantastic gift ideas and support local creators while doing it.

With a carefully curated selection of stallholders, your Christmas shopping will be a breeze thanks to the exquisite range of fashion, jewellery, textiles, ceramics, woodwork, toys, homewares, prints, stationery and more on offer.

To make sure you’re in the Christmas spirit there’s also a bar, delicious food options, workshops and music all weekend.

Entry is $2, but kids under 12 get in for free.

For more info visit the Fremantle Arts Centre's page here.

Community Christmas Carols Thursday 9 and Friday 10 December | 4–7.30pm

Join us in welcoming the Australian Girls’ Choir, Fremantle Women’s Choir, The Glyde In, Voicemale and The Production Academy as they take the stage, performing all your favourite Christmas Carols.

Free children’s activities from 4pm. Buster will be there to keep the kids entertained along with some Christmas fairies who will be found around the new playground. Carols from 5–7.30pm.

This is a free ticketed event, and we encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment. Visit Eventbrite for bookings. Remember to bring your ticket along to the event as you will be checked in on arrival where you will receive a free candle.

Christmas Light Show Thursday 16 and Friday 17 December | 7.45–9.30pm

Bring your family and friends to Walyalup Koort to enjoy a special Christmas Light Show accompanied by carols over two nights with an immersive projection display on the beautiful façade of our Fremantle Town Hall and St John’s Church.

Christmas projections will take place on the Thursday and Friday, with free entertainment throughout the evening including a visit from the big jolly man himself – Santa.

Visit Eventbrite for bookings. On the night, bring tickets to be checked on arrival and don’t forget to pick up your free glow in the dark wrist band!

'Tis the Season Saturday Sessions Every Saturday during 4–18 December | 10am–12pm

Bring the whole family to enjoy the new Walyalup Koort every Saturday morning in the lead up to Christmas. Come down and get festive with free Christmas-themed activities, entertainment, workshops for the kids as well as the new Walyalup Koort playground. Make sure to explore our new Library while you’re at it!

Look forward to such Christmas activities as a bouncy castle, fairy face painting and Christmas crafts in our new Fremantle Library at Walyalup Civic Centre.

To celebrate their opening in Walyalup Koort, Fremantle Library is throwing open its doors for a wonderful Christmas party. There’ll be Buster, Christmas crafts and beautiful Christmas story readings. For the full session program, check out Visit Fremantle’s website.

Fremantle Library Christmas Party Saturday 11 December | 9.30–11.30am

To celebrate its opening in Walyalup Koort, Fremantle Library is throwing open its doors for a wonderful Christmas party. There’ll be Buster, arts and crafts and beautiful Christmas story readings. Take part in Christmas-themed activities throughout the morning.

The entertaining Glenn Swift will present a very special Christmas Story Time and the magical Freedom Fairies will fly in for a visit from Fairlyland.

For creative kids (and adults) there’s the opportunity to design your own tea towel or make your own Christmas decoration.

Live After 5 acoustic sessions Every Thursday and Friday during 2–17 December | 5–6pm

The fun doesn’t stop there – after you’ve enjoyed an afternoon of Christmas cheer, check out the relaxed, summer beats in Walyalup Koort. A perfect opportunity to grab something to eat nearby and have a cosy picnic on our brand-new sloping lawn (AKA our urban room) at Walyalup Koort. All the details about the line up can be found here.

DJs & Deck Chairs Every Thursday and Friday during 2–17 December | 12–2pm

Fremantle’s coolest DJs will be spinning their decks in and orchestrating the groovy vibes at Walyalup Koort. Check out the line up here and save the date!

Under the Mistletoe

Feeling warm and fuzzy this festive season? Meet your friends and loved ones in Walyalup Koort for a stunning display of fairy lights and mistletoe. Be sure to take an ‘elfie while you’re there! Looking for dinner ideas afterwards with your newly smooched boo? Check out what’s on offer at FOMO and surrounding delish eats in the Koort.

Spot Santa in Freo

You can find the red and white star of the show at different times throughout our 12 Days of Christmas. There are heaps of chances to catch him before he’s back to the North Pole:

‘Tis the Season Saturday: Saturday 4 and 18 | 10am–12pm Community Christmas Carols: Thursday 9 and Friday 10 December | 4–6pm Christmas Light Show: Thursday 16 and Friday 17 December

Feature image credit: Jessica Wyld