Experience the magic of the holidays in Honolulu, HI, where festive traditions and tropical charm come together in a dazzling array of events. From the enchanting Honolulu City Lights illuminating the civic center to the energetic Honolulu Marathon blending athleticism and holiday cheer, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Marvel at the Waikiki Christmas Parade as it brings a unique blend of holiday spirit and patriotic homage along the beautiful Kalakaua Avenue. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Honolulu's holiday season promises unforgettable memories amidst twinkling lights and Hawaiian hospitality.
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The Top Christmas Events in Honolulu
- Honolulu City Lights
- Honolulu Marathon
- Waikiki Christmas Parade
- Christmas at the Mission House
- Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade
- The Nutcracker Ballet
- Christmas at Washington Place
- Aloha Kalikimaka Marketplace
- Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade
- Santa’s Workshop at Ala Moana Center
Honolulu Holiday Light Displays
Honolulu City Lights
What to Expect:
Month-long display of elaborate light installations and decorations
Description:
Honolulu City Lights transforms the city's civic center into a dazzling spectacle of illumination. This month-long celebration showcases elaborate light installations and decorations, including a 50-foot Norfolk pine tree adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. Visitors can ride the Honolulu City Lights Express trolley for a guided tour of the displays. The event, which began in 1985, has become a cherished tradition for locals and tourists alike. Stroll through the grounds to admire towering sculptures, intricate light designs, and the famous Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele statues that embody Hawaii's unique holiday spirit.
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Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Illuminated boat parade in Hawaii Kai Marina
Description:
The Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade illuminates the Hawaii Kai Marina with a flotilla of decorated vessels. This aquatic spectacle features boats of all sizes adorned with twinkling lights and holiday decorations, creating a floating light show. Spectators line the marina's shores to watch the procession of illuminated crafts, from small kayaks to large yachts. The air fills with the sound of holiday music played from the boats. You can join the festivities by decorating your own vessel and participating in the parade. This unique event, which began in the 1990s, showcases the island's maritime culture and community spirit during the holiday season.
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Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade
Honolulu Holiday Markets and Shopping
Aloha Kalikimaka Marketplace
What to Expect:
Hawaiian-themed holiday market featuring local artisans and crafts
Description:
The Aloha Kalikimaka Marketplace celebrates Hawaii's unique holiday spirit with a vibrant showcase of local artisans and crafts. This bustling market features over 100 vendors offering handmade gifts, traditional Hawaiian crafts, and island-inspired holiday decorations. The air is filled with the aroma of local delicacies and the sounds of Hawaiian holiday music. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafts such as lei-making or woodcarving. You can find one-of-a-kind gifts like hand-painted ornaments featuring Hawaiian scenes or locally made jewelry. The marketplace, which began as a small community event, has grown to become a significant platform for supporting local artists and preserving Hawaiian craftsmanship during the holiday season.
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Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace
What to Expect:
Massive open-air market with holiday-themed section
Description:
The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace expands its offerings during the holiday season, creating a unique shopping experience that blends local culture with festive cheer. This massive open-air market, which encircles the iconic Aloha Stadium, features over 400 local vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to vintage aloha shirts. During the holidays, a special section is dedicated to seasonal items, including Hawaiian-themed Christmas ornaments and tropical holiday attire. The market buzzes with the energy of bargain hunters and the aroma of local food stalls. You can find one-of-a-kind gifts like hand-carved wooden Santas or shell lei Christmas wreaths. Established in 1979, this market has become a staple of Honolulu's shopping scene, offering a distinctly Hawaiian holiday shopping experience.
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Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace
Honolulu Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Classic ballet with Hawaiian cultural elements
Description:
The Nutcracker Ballet in Honolulu infuses the classic holiday tale with Hawaiian cultural elements, creating a unique interpretation of the beloved story. Performed by the Ballet Hawaii company, this production features traditional ballet choreography alongside hula movements and local flora and fauna in its set design. The familiar Tchaikovsky score is complemented by Hawaiian instruments, adding a tropical flair to the music. Audience members can marvel at the graceful dancers performing in costumes that blend Victorian-era designs with Hawaiian motifs. This adaptation, which has been running for over 30 years, reflects Hawaii's rich cultural heritage and its integration of Western and Polynesian traditions.
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Honolulu Other Holiday Activities
Honolulu Marathon
What to Expect:
World-class marathon with a festive holiday twist
Description:
The Honolulu Marathon blends athletic prowess with holiday cheer, creating a unique running experience. This world-class event attracts over 30,000 participants from around the globe, making it one of the largest marathons in the United States. Runners traverse a scenic 26.2-mile course that winds through Honolulu's most iconic landmarks, including Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. The race begins with a spectacular fireworks display, illuminating the pre-dawn sky. As you run, you'll be serenaded by local musicians performing holiday tunes. The marathon's roots date back to 1973, evolving into a beloved December tradition that celebrates both fitness and the holiday season.
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Waikiki Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Beachside parade honoring Pearl Harbor survivors
Description:
The Waikiki Christmas Parade marches along the world-famous Kalakaua Avenue, bringing a unique blend of holiday spirit and patriotic tribute to Honolulu's shores. This annual event honors Pearl Harbor survivors and veterans, featuring marching bands, colorful floats, and military units. The parade's route along Waikiki Beach offers a stunning backdrop of palm trees and ocean views. Spectators can enjoy the sounds of high school marching bands from across the United States performing holiday classics with a tropical twist. Established in 1998, the parade has become a cherished tradition that connects Hawaii's military history with the holiday season.
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Christmas at the Mission House
What to Expect:
Historical reenactment of 19th-century Hawaiian Christmas celebrations
Description:
Christmas at the Mission House transports visitors to 19th-century Hawaii, offering a glimpse into holiday celebrations of the past. This immersive experience takes place at the restored 1821 mission house, where costumed interpreters bring history to life. Explore the house adorned with period-appropriate decorations and learn about the blending of Hawaiian and Western holiday traditions. You can participate in traditional crafts such as making Hawaiian quilts or stringing lei. The event highlights the cultural exchange that occurred when American missionaries arrived in Hawaii, shaping the unique holiday customs that evolved on the islands.
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Christmas at the Mission House
Christmas at Washington Place
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration at the former royal residence
Description:
Christmas at Washington Place offers a regal holiday experience in the former home of Hawaii's last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani. This historic mansion, built in 1847, opens its doors for a special celebration that blends Hawaiian royal traditions with holiday cheer. Visitors can explore the beautifully decorated rooms, each showcasing a different aspect of Hawaii's holiday heritage. The event features live performances of traditional Hawaiian music and hula. You can learn about the Queen's own Christmas traditions and her contributions to Hawaiian culture. This unique celebration provides a glimpse into Hawaii's royal past while embracing the spirit of the season.
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Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade
What to Expect:
Commemorative parade honoring Pearl Harbor survivors and veterans
Description:
The Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade marches through the streets of Waikiki, paying tribute to the survivors and veterans of the Pearl Harbor attack. This solemn yet uplifting event features military units, marching bands, and vintage vehicles, creating a moving procession of remembrance and gratitude. Spectators line the parade route, waving American flags and offering leis to the veterans. The parade culminates with a ceremony at Kapiolani Park, where survivors share their stories. You can participate by carrying a photo of a Pearl Harbor veteran or survivor in the "Remember Our Fallen" portion of the parade. This annual event, which began in 2006, serves as a powerful reminder of Hawaii's pivotal role in World War II history.
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Santa’s Workshop at Ala Moana Center
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa experience in Hawaii's largest shopping center
Description:
Santa's Workshop at Ala Moana Center brings a North Pole experience to the heart of Honolulu's shopping district. This interactive installation transforms a section of Hawaii's largest open-air shopping center into a tropical version of Santa's home. Visitors can explore themed areas like the Reindeer Stables and Elf Village, each with unique activities and photo opportunities. The workshop features a blend of traditional Christmas elements and Hawaiian touches, such as surfboard-shaped signs and palm trees decorated with lights. You can participate in craft sessions led by Santa's "elves," creating ornaments with a Hawaiian twist. This event, which began in the 1960s, has evolved to become a beloved holiday tradition for local families and tourists alike.
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Santa’s Workshop at Ala Moana Center
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort – Christmas Activities
What to Expect:
Beachfront holiday celebrations with a focus on Hawaiian traditions
Description:
The Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort infuses its Christmas activities with authentic Hawaiian traditions, creating a unique beachfront holiday experience. The resort's lobby transforms into a tropical winter wonderland, featuring a Christmas tree adorned with ornaments inspired by Hawaiian culture. Daily activities include lei-making classes, ukulele lessons with holiday songs, and storytelling sessions about Hawaiian Christmas legends. The highlight is the torch-lighting ceremony on Christmas Eve, where a Hawaiian Santa arrives by outrigger canoe. You can participate in a beachside luau featuring holiday-themed Polynesian performances. These activities, which have been refined over decades, offer visitors a chance to experience Hawaii's unique approach to celebrating the holiday season.
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Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort – Christmas Activities
Christmas in Polynesia
What to Expect:
Immersive Polynesian holiday experience at the Polynesian Cultural Center
Description:
Christmas in Polynesia at the Polynesian Cultural Center offers an immersive journey through holiday traditions across the Pacific Islands. This unique celebration showcases how different Polynesian cultures, from Hawaii to Samoa, incorporate Christmas into their traditions. Visitors can explore themed villages, each decorated to represent a different island's holiday customs. The center comes alive with the sounds of Polynesian carols and the sight of traditional dance performances with a holiday twist. You can participate in hands-on activities like making star-shaped ornaments from pandanus leaves. Established in the 1960s, this event has evolved to become a comprehensive celebration of Polynesian holiday traditions, offering a cultural perspective on Christmas that can't be found anywhere else in the world.
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Nearby Events
Kapolei City Lights (Kapolei)
What to Expect:
Suburban holiday celebration with a focus on community involvement
Description:
Kapolei City Lights brings holiday cheer to Oahu's "Second City" with a community-focused celebration. This suburban spectacle features a grand Christmas tree lighting ceremony, elaborate light displays, and a parade showcasing local schools and organizations. The event transforms Kapolei Hale and its surrounding grounds into a holiday hub, with illuminated sculptures and festive decorations. Visitors can enjoy live performances by local musicians and dance groups, highlighting the area's diverse cultural heritage. You can participate in the popular Kapolei City Lights Fun Run, a nighttime race through the illuminated streets. This event, which began in 2001, has grown to become a beloved tradition for West Oahu residents and visitors alike.