Unlock the Magic of Christmas with These Spectacular Events

"Twas the Light Before Christmas"

From today until December 31st, enjoy this family-friendly seasonal attraction at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Open on Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (last entry at 8 p.m.) and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last entry at 9 p.m.). Be mesmerized by countless lights and memorable lighting effects. There are numerous locations for free photo ops, creating the illusion of strolling through a snowy winter park. Enclosed areas allow for parent-supervised play, giving kids a safe space to let off steam. Tickets start at $26.99 for those aged 14 and older and $14.99 for ages 3-13. Prices vary depending on the day and time of admission. Visit alohaimmersive.com to learn more.

Immerse yourself in a world of holiday cheer and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

Kaimuki Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting

On Thursday at 6 p.m., don't miss the Kaimuki Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. School marching bands, Scout troops, motorcycle clubs, businesses, clowns, fire trucks, trolleys, and of course, Santa will make their way up Waialae Avenue from Saint Louis School/Chaminade University to Koko Head Avenue. After the parade, the Christmas tree on Puu O Kaimuki will be lit. This event is completely free. For more information, go to kaimukihawaii.com.

Come together with the community and celebrate the holiday spirit in Kaimuki.

Honolulu City Lights Tree Lighting and Public Workers’ Electric Light Parade

Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at Honolulu Hale, Frank F. Fasi Civic Center, the seasonal event created by Honolulu Mayor Frank Fasi in 1985 takes place. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m., and Mayor Rick Blangiardi will light the 50-foot Christmas tree outside Honolulu Hale at 6 p.m. The Electric Light Parade leaves River Street at 6 p.m. and travels along King Street to Kawaiahao Street, with the first units arriving at Honolulu Hale around 6:30 p.m. There is a free photo opportunity with Santa from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on opening night at Mission Memorial Auditorium, sponsored by Hawaiian Telcom. Honolulu City Lights displays will light up nightly from dusk till dawn through December 31st. Free public parking is available at the Frank F. Fasi Municipal Lot, with entry from the left lane of Beretania Street just past Alapai Street. Visit honolulucitylights.org for more details.

Experience the magic of the city's Christmas lights and parade.

Hapa Holiday Extravaganza with Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra

Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Hawaii Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., Music Director Dane Lam and the HSO will fill the air with the joyous sounds of the holidays. This Hapa-Symphony concert features local favorites, sing-alongs, and special guests. Tickets range from $10.50 to $109. Go to hawaiitheatre.com or call 808-528-0506 for more information.

Let the music of the holidays transport you to a world of happiness.

75th Presentation of Handel’s “Messiah”

On December 8th at 7:30 p.m. at Central Union Church, 1660 S. Beretania St., Alec Schumacker conducts Natalie Mitchell (soprano), A. Ezinne Dawson (mezzo soprano), Keith Wallace (tenor), Christopher R. Kelsey (bass), the Hawai‘i Nui Chorale, the Chamber Singers of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and members of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. Central Union Church celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ with one of the most renowned choral works in Western music. Admission and parking are free, and “free will offerings” are accepted. Visit centralunionchurch.org for more details.

Experience the beauty and power of Handel's "Messiah" in a sacred setting.

"Christmas Talk Story"

On December 8th and 15th at 2 p.m. and December 21st at 4 p.m. at Tenney Theatre, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, 229 Queen Emma Square, the Honolulu Theatre for Youth company actors perform short, locally written plays about popular year-end holidays such as Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Makahiki, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Tickets are priced from $15 to $30. For more information, go to htyweb.org or call 808-839-9885.

Enjoy the local flavor of holiday stories and performances.

Films in Concert: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”

From December 11th to 12th at 7 p.m. at the Hawaii Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., experience the timeless story of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." This 2000 live-action film version with Jim Carrey is a rare treat, enhanced by the music of conductor Ann Krinitsky and the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. Tickets range from $25 to $89. Go to hawaiitheatre.com or call 808-528-0506 for tickets.

Get into the holiday spirit with this classic film and live music.

Christmas with the Makaha Sons

On December 14th at 7 p.m. at the Hawaii Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., the Makaha Sons celebrate the season with Broadway veteran Raquel “Rocky” Higa, Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners Darlene Ahuna and Robi Kahakalau, and na halau hula. Tickets are priced from $40 to $55. Go to hawaiitheatre.com or call 808-528-0506 for more information.

Experience the spirit of Christmas through the music and dance of the Makaha Sons.

Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace

On December 14th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and December 15th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, discover made in Hawaii products, island crafters, and local food and entertainment. Over 250 vendors will be present. Take a break from the holiday rush and visit the DLT Ranch “Bumboocha” Petting Zoo with alpacas, mini cows, mini donkeys, mini horses, sheep, goats, pigs, and other friendly animals. Tickets are $6 for adults ($4 for military and people 60+ with ID), and children 12 and younger get free admission with a paid adult. Go to melekalikimakemakemarketplace.com.

Shop for unique gifts and enjoy the holiday atmosphere at the Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace.

Ballet Hawaii’s “The Nutcracker”

On December 14th at 7:30 p.m. and December 15th at 2 p.m. at Neal S. Blaisdell Arena, Hawaii's biggest production of Tchaikovsky's seasonal fantasy takes place. Transported from Nuremberg, Germany in 1892 to Honolulu in 1858, the performance features guest principals from national ballet companies dancing to the music of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. New York City Ballet principal dancer Chun Wai Chan makes his Hawaii debut as the Cavalier opposite NYCB principal Megan Fairchild as the Sugar Plumeria Fairy. Longtime audience favorite John Selya also returns. Tickets are priced from $40 to $104. Go to ticketmaster.com for tickets.

Witness the magic of "The Nutcracker" brought to life on stage in Hawaii.

Frank De Lima Holiday Brunch: Celebrating 50 Years of Comedy

On December 15th at 1 p.m. at Blue Note Hawaii, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, one of Hawaii's most enduring comedians, Frank DeLima, will showcase his zany parodies and outrageous humor. His "Filipino Christmas Song" might just be part of the show! Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are priced from $35 to $45. Go to bluenotejazz.com/hawaii/ or call 808-777-4890 for more information.

Laugh your way through the holiday season with Frank DeLima.

"A Starry Starry Christmas" with Don McClean

On December 20th at 8 p.m. at the Hawaii Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., the 2022 Musicians Hall of Fame inductee performs iconic hits like “American Pie,” “Castles in the Air,” and “Vincent” along with festive tunes such as “Winter Wonderland” and “White Christmas.” Tickets are priced from $49 to $99. Go to hawaiitheatre.com or call 808-528-0506 for tickets.

Enjoy a night of holiday music with Don McClean at the Hawaii Theatre.

Kalani Pe‘a’s Hawaiian Christmas Show

On December 21st at 7 p.m. at the Hawaii Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., four-time Grammy Award nominee Kalani Pe‘a celebrates Christmas with Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners Natalie Ai Kamau‘u and Starr Kalahiki, two halau hula, and emcee Mele Apana. Tickets are priced from $45 to $100. Go to hawaiitheatre.com or call 808-528-0506 for tickets.

Experience the beauty and culture of Hawaiian Christmas with Kalani Pe‘a.

Queen Kapi‘olani Evening Tours

On December 28th and 29th from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Iolani Palace, celebrate Queen Kapi‘olani's birth anniversary with rare evening tours. Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Ku‘uipo Kumukahi, Chamber Music Hawai‘i, and Hawai‘i Opera Theatre provide musical entertainment during guided tours through the queen's bedroom, the Music Room, the Blue Room, and the Throne Room. Tours start every 15 minutes. Tickets are $50 for those aged 13 and older, $25 for children aged 6-12, and free for children aged 5 and younger. Go to iolani palace.org for more information.

Honor Queen Kapi‘olani with a unique evening tour of Iolani Palace.