The 18 Best Holiday Events In Hawai'i

Celebrate the holiday season in Hawai'i with these great events.

SANTA AT THE SHOPS AT WAILEA

NOVEMBER 24

Kick off the holiday season with a day full of festive fun. Santa is escorted in style with a morning parade, and the day only continues with live entertainment and activities sure to bring everyone a little holiday cheer. 3750 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, Maui, theshopsatwaila.com

SHOW ALOHA LAND

NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 30

Take a journey through a dazzling holiday extravaganza at Show Aloha Land. For the leisurely crowd, the drive thru show provides the perfect pace to enjoy the lights. Looking for a little more adventure? Venture out of your vehicle for food, pictures with Santa and a variety of exciting activities, like snow tubing and zip lining. 99-500 Salt Lake Blvd., Aiea, O‘ahu, showalohaland.com

WAIMEA TWILIGHT CHRISTMAS PARADE

DECEMBER 2

Find a spot on the parade route to set up and enjoy the fleet of vehicles wrapped in lights at the 63rd annual Waimea Twilight Christmas Parade. Centered around Waimea community groups, the only thing better than the decades old traditions is the appearance of Santa at the very end. 65-1263 Lindsey Road, Waimea, Hawai’i Island, waimeatown.org

FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY GALA

DECEMBER 2

Join Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum for its annual gala to honor our veterans of the past, thank the men and women who bravely serve our country today, and inspire future generations. Guests will gather inside the historic World War II hangar on Ford Island’s hallowed grounds for an evening of dining, entertainment and spirited fun. 319 Lexington Blvd., Honolulu, O‘ahu, forloveofcountry.org

JINGLE ROCK RUN

DECEMBER 3

This annual evening community run or walk benefits Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i, an organization that crusades for the well-being of keiki battling critical illnesses. Join the joyful, family-friendly holiday celebration of the year. 92-1047 Olani St., Unit 1206, Kapolei, O‘ahu, wish.org

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR

DECEMBER 8-10

Browse a variety of unique vendors at Prince Kuhio Plaza to fulfill all of your holiday shopping needs. 111 Puainako St., Hilo, Hawai’i Island, princekuhioplaza.com

FROZEN IN CONCERT

DECEMBER 9

Sit back, relax and let it go this holiday season with the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra’s Frozen in Concert. Whether you’re a fan of the incredible orchestra or the beloved movie, this night of live music is guaranteed fun for grown-ups and little Anna and Elsas alike. 1130 Bethel St., Honolulu, O‘ahu, myhso.org

KAMA‘ĀINA CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 9

Enjoy an evening at the Honolulu Museum of Art alongside fellow patrons of the arts with a unique in-gallery dining experience set amid the museum’s phenomenal world-class collection. The evening’s entertainment includes live music, auctions, and a seasonal celebration with museum leaders and the Hawaiʻi art community. 900 S Beretania St., Honolulu, O‘ahu, honolulumuseum.‌org

I’LL BE SEEING YOU

DECEMBER 10 & 12

Featuring a revised script from the sold-out Hawai‘i Opera Theatre 2021 production, enjoy a live radio show featuring musical hits of 1940s Jazz, Swing, Big Band, Blues, the Great American Songbook, and the Golden Age of Hawaiian, along with high tea. 848 Beretania St., Honolulu, O‘ahu, hawaiiopera.org

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

DECEMBER 13 & 14

Join responsible shoppers who care about their community at the Shop YWCA Dress for Success benefit sale at YWCA O‘ahu. This monthly pop-up sells donated, pre-loved goods at affordable prices, with 100% of the proceeds supporting all YWCA O‘ahu programs supporting local women-owned small businesses and helping create job opportunities. O‘ahu, ywcaoahu.org

KALANI PE’A: HAWAIIAN CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 16

Roll in the holiday season with the soothing songs of three-time Grammy winner Kalani Pe’a. The show is all about the ‘aloha’ of the holiday season, so get ready to enjoy a variety of beloved holiday classics, from both western and Hawaiian roots. 5-2723 Kuhio Highway,

Kilauea, Kaua‘i, kauaifestivals.com

MELE KALIKIMAKA MARKETPLACE

DECEMBER 16 & 17

With over 240 local vendors, Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace is the ultimate destination for all of your holiday shopping needs. Need to take a break from your browsing? Live entertainment going on throughout the day is the perfect way to rest up. 777 Ward Ave., Honolulu, O‘ahu, melekalikimakamarketplace.com

THE NUTCRACKER

DECEMBER 16-17

Set in the 1858 Kingdom of Hawai‘i, Ballet Hawai‘i presents this traditional holiday delight infused with island influences. 777 Ward Ave., Honolulu, O‘ahu, ballethawaii.‌org

FESTIVUS 5K RUN & KEIKI DASH

DECEMBER 17

If you’re looking to get your heart racing this holiday season, consider hitting the pavement at the Festivus 5K. Have little ones who need to get some energy out? Bring them along for the keiki dash, a special race for children eight and younger. Amala Place, Kahului, Maui, runsignup.com

KICKOFF TO FESTIVE SEASON

DECEMBER 17

Celebrate the season of aloha at the gorgeous Grand Wailea. Start the evening browsing the Holiday Marketplace, stocked with European and local wares, before heading outside to take in the sights at the official tree lighting ceremony. 3850 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, Maui, grandwilea.com

THE NUTCRACKER BALLET

DECEMBER 23

Enjoy the classic ballet that’s a long-standing holiday tradition. Featuring 55 local artists and guest artists from acclaimed companies around the country, The Nutcracker Ballet is a night not to be missed. 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Waimea, Hawai’i Island, whdt.org

NEW YEAR’S EVE COCKTAIL CRUISE & FIREWORKS SHOW

DECEMBER 31

Ring in the New Year on a Waikiki catamaran stocked with champagne, a full bar, and lots of tasty treats. With a night spent sailing around Oahu before a stunning fireworks show, it’s sure to be a New Year’s Eve to remember. 2005 Kālia Road, Honolulu, O‘ahu, hawaiiactivites.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE COUNTDOWN PARTY

DECEMBER 31

Toast to a new year with this luxurious dining experience at the beautiful Halekulani Hotel. Featuring a gourmet dinner buffet with locally sourced ingredients, live music, and a private terrace view for the Waikiki fireworks, this party is the perfect place for a lowkey, yet high-end New Year’s Eve celebration. 2199 Kālia Road, Honolulu, O‘ahu, hawaiiactivites.com

VOLUNTEER FOR MAUI

ALL MONTH LONG

Give the gift of helping others this holiday season by volunteering with one of many organizations working to rebuild and reunite Maui after this year’s wildfires. Many of the non-profits involved are looking for repeat volunteers, so consider taking your loved ones for more helping hands. Maui, mauirapidresponse.org

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