5 Holiday Happenings in Hawai'i

12/16-18
The Nutcracker
Ballet Hawaii returns to this stage with this holiday ballet, featuring new choreography and costumes by talented local designer Kini Zamora. Dec. 16. 7:30pm; Dec 17. 7:30pm; Dec. 18. 2pm. Premium tickets $120. Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, Kaka‘ako, O‘ahu

12/29 & 30
Ode to Joy
In what’s become a Honolulu holiday tradition, Hawai ‘i Symphony Orchestra is joined by the O‘ahu Choral Society for this special program featuring Strauss’ “Death and Transfiguration” and Beethoven’s famous Symphony Number 9, “Ode to Joy.” 7:30pm. Premium tickets $92. Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, Kaka‘ako, O‘ahu

12/29 & 31
Phil Lesh & Friends
Music man Phil Lesh of Grateful Dead fame brings an eclectic mix of fellow musicians and friends—namely, Grahame Lesh, Ross James, Scott Law, Alex Koford and Jason Crosby—to the Valley Isle and Honolulu for two groovy performances. Dec. 29. 7:30pm. Premium tickets from $120. Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului, Maui, mauiarts.org; Dec. 31. 9pm. Premium tickets from $125. Hawaii Theatre Center, Chinatown, O‘ahu

12/31 & 1/1
Bill Maher
In what’s become a New Year’s tradition, comic powerhouse Bill Maher returns to both Honolulu and Maui. Adding to the laughter this year are Margaret Cho and Dana Gould. Dec. 31. 7:30pm. Premium tickets $95.50. Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, Kaka‘ako, O‘ahu, ticketmaster.com; Jan. 1. 7:30pm. Premium tickets $100. Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater, Kahului, Maui, mauiarts.‌org

1/10-15
Kyle Eastwood
If the last name sounds familiar, it should. This talented bassist and composer is the son of Clint Eastwood, for whom he composed several soundtracks. Cinema aside, Kyle has ventured into the realm of jazz, which he brings to the stage in Waikīkī. Premium table seats $45. Blue Note Hawaii, Waikīkī, O‘ahu