Honolulu City Lights
Visitors can view the city's 50-foot holiday tree and outdoor festive light displays across the civic grounds. Guests can stroll the illuminated grounds, bring a family picnic or purchase items from food vendors, and check out entries in the annual wreath contest. Official commemorative holiday ornaments and apparel are also available to purchase.
What to Expect
Free holiday celebration featuring a 50-foot tree and illuminated displays.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City and County of Honolulu / Friends of Honolulu City Lights
Food & Drink
Visitors may bring their own food; vendors serve the Civic Center grounds December 6–30 from 6–9 pm, with Opening Night food booths on Punchbowl Street from 4–10 pm.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light fans
Vibe
Festive and communal
Energy Level
Low
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free.
- Parking: Free public parking is available at the Frank F. Fasi Municipal lot, with entry from the left lane of Beretania Street just past Alapa‘i Street.
Tips & Advice
- If you plan to watch the parade from Chinatown, park before the street closures start, and expect to wait for streets to reopen before leaving some lots.
- Avoid spots past Honolulu Hale between Alapai and Kawaiahao Streets on parade night, because vehicles park there and bands stop performing in that area.
- Head to Chinatown or Downtown between River Street and Fort Street Mall for smaller parade crowds, with parking and restaurants close by.
- Pick up your 2026 Official Honolulu City Lights Ornaments on Opening Night at Honolulu Hale, when they are sold as an exclusive.
- Pack a picnic for the Civic Center grounds, or eat from the food booths on Punchbowl Street on Opening Night.
Special Events & Promotions
- Opening Night on December 5 with the tree lighting and the Public Workers' Electric Light Parade along King Street.
- Free photo with Santa at the Mission Memorial Auditorium on Opening Night.
- 2026 Official Honolulu City Lights Ornaments sold exclusively on Opening Night at Honolulu Hale.
- Opening Night ceremony broadcast live on Olelo Channel 53.
- Family-friendly events from the Friends of Honolulu City Lights through December.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, you can bring food for your family to the Civic Center grounds. Food is also sold on the grounds all through December. On Opening Night the food booths are on Punchbowl Street.
Where should I watch the Electric Light Parade?
Crowds are smaller in Chinatown and Downtown between River Street and Fort Street Mall, where there's parking and plenty of restaurants. A large crowd gathers in front of Honolulu Hale for the tree lighting and parade. Past Honolulu Hale, between Alapai and Kawaiahao Streets, you may miss the bands and vehicles.
Where do I park?
Free public parking is at the Frank F. Fasi Municipal lot. Enter from the left lane of Beretania Street just past Alapa'i Street.
Can kids get a photo with Santa?
Yes. On Opening Night there's a free photo with Santa at the Mission Memorial Auditorium.
How do I enter the wreath contest?
Rules and entry forms come from the Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts. Call (808) 768-4105 or email marion.cadora@honolulu.gov.
More Christmas Events Near Honolulu
More Christmas Events near Honolulu
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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