While Hawaiʻi doesn’t experience dramatic seasonal changes, there are still plenty of ways to feel the holiday spirit throughout the Islands. From Christmas parades to Santa Claus paddling in a canoe, these festive events will help you get into the jolly spirit.
Let the festivities begin!
Oʻahu
Honolulu City Lights
Nov. 29 to Dec.31, 2025
Now in its 41st year, this monthlong celebration welcomes residents and visitors to Honolulu Hale and the Civic Center grounds for holiday lights and decorations. Snap a photo with Shaka Santa and Tūtū Mele.
Santa Arrives in Waikīkī
Dec. 6
Santa Claus is ditching his sleigh for a canoe and paddling into Waikīkī on Dec. 6, marking the 20th anniversary of this beloved tradition. He will land his canoe outside the Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Resort.
Kapolei City Lights and Parade
Dec. 6, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026
Block Party: Saturday, Dec. 6, 5 to 9 p.m.
Celebrate the holidays on Oʻahu’s Leeward side at the Kapolei block party surrounding Kapolei Hale. Enjoy food trucks, live entertainment and a festive parade. The parade begins outside Kapolei High School. Holiday lights will be displayed nightly until 8 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends.
Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade
Dec. 13, 2025, at 6 p.m.
Watch boats decked in festive lights glide through Hawaiʻi Kai Marina, and vote for your favorites.
‘Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice
Dec. 4, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026
The Hawaiʻi Convention Center transforms into a Christmas wonderland with immersive backdrops, light sculptures and festive scenes. New this year is an indoor ice-skating rink.
December Holiday Film Series
Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, at 7 p.m.
Catch your favorite Christmas classics playing at the Hawaiʻi Theatre. This year’s lineup includes “It’s A Wonderful Life,” Miracle on 34t Street,” “Rise of the Guardians,” “Edward Scissorhands,” and “Frozen.”
hawaiitheatre.com/events/december-holiday-film-series
Maui
Nutcracker Sweet at ʻĪao Theater
Dec. 13-21
Enjoy an interpretation of the Nutracker at Maui’s oldest theater, the historic ʻĪao Theater.
Santa Arrives in Kāʻanapali
Dec. 19
For the first time, Santa is paddling into Kāʻanapali Beach outside of the Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Resort. The inaugural event will include mele and hula. The celebration will continue into the event with the resort’s Aloha Friday Holiday Celebration, which features carols, dance and Island-inspired treats.
Historic Kīhei Walking Tour with Christmas Carolers
Dec. 19 at 4 p.m.
Maui Walking Tours hosts historic strolls through Valley Isle towns. In December, there will be a sunset tour in Kīhei, accompanied by a local Christmas caroling troupe.
mauiwalkingtours.com/our-tours
Santa Arrives in an Outrigger Canoe in Wailea
Dec. 24 at 12 p.m.
Mr. and Mrs. Claus will paddle into Keoneopolo Beach on Christmas Eve. This cherished Wailea tradition is a perfect chance to capture a festive photo with the entire ʻohana.
Kauaʻi
Kauaʻi’s Festival of Lights
Dec. 1 to Dec. 29
In its 26th year, this extravagant celebration transforms the park at the Historic County Building into a glowing holiday display beginning the first Friday of December.
Kauaʻi Made Holly Jolly Holiday Fair
Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Finish your holiday shopping at the Kauaʻi Made Holly Jolly Holiday Fair at the Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Resort & Spa. Explore local vendors and enjoy live entertainment.
kauaimade.net/events/annual-kauai-made-holly-jolly-holiday-fair
25th Annual Waimea Light Parade
Dec. 20 at 6:15 p.m.
This family-friendly event brings residents and visitors together to celebrate the season with sparkling floats.
Hawaiʻi Island
27th Annual Hōlualoa Village Music & Light Festival
Dec. 6, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Every December, Hōlualoa Village welcomes visitors and residents to ring in the season. The festivities begin with the annual tree lighting and include live music, art openings, delicious food and a special visit from Santa.
65th Waimea Christmas Twilight Parade
Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.
A cherished Big Island tradition, the Waimea Christmas Parade winds through town spreading festive cheer.
Waikoloa Christmas Parade & Keiki Fest
Dec. 13, Parade at 11 a.m; Keiki Fest from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Enjoy a colorful parade with your ʻohana, then continue the fun with games, food, shopping and family activities at Waikoloa School.
islandsevents.com/island/big-island/waikoloa-christmas-parade-and-keiki-fest-2025
Kailua Village Christmas Parade
Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m.
Head to Kailua-Kona for an evening parade filled with holiday performances that makes its way along the waterfront.
