Holiday Events in Honolulu

If you plan on being in Hawaii for the 2006 holiday season, there are plenty of events and celebrations scheduled this year. You don't need to look very far for something to get your in the spirit of the holidays. Tree lighting events, Christmas parades, holiday music and festivities for the entire family can be found. Many events are free and some charge an admittance fee, but there will be something for everyone, both young and old. Just get ready to go out and enjoy the beauty of the season in Hawaii this year.

Hawaii Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade
This is an island-style parade on Honolulu's Harbor front on Saturday, December 9, 2006
6:00pm - 9:00pm. The Aloha Tower Marketplace is the site for live entertainment, door prizes on the Pier 9 stage, and free photos with Santa in the Center Atrium. The day ends with the festive boat parade sailing through Aloha Tower Marketplace's waterfront. You won't want to miss this unique holiday event. The Aloha Tower Marketplace is located at1 Aloha Tower Dr., Honolulu, HI 96813, Island: Oahu.

The 44th Annual Kaneohe Christmas Parade
On Saturday, December 2, 2006 at 9:00 am the parade begins at the corner of Kamehameha Hwy and Haiku Road (Windward Mall) and ends at Castle High School on Kaneohe Bay Road. It is the largest community parade in Hawaii with approximately 5,000 participants from around the state. The parade includes marching bands, floats, clowns, Santa and his elves and candy. Bring the whole family for what will surely prove to be a wonderful day filled with holiday magic. The parade is a perfect way to begin the season with a smile.

Tree Lighting Ceremony (Maui)
On December 1, more than 250,000 sparkling lights will illuminate the 25 foot holiday tree and dozens of pine and palm trees around the courtyards of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. Bring the kids to see this spectacular Christmas event and make memories for years to come. From Thanksgiving to Christmas, visitors may purchase a special holiday tree light in honor of a loved one to benefit Ka Hale ake Ola, Maui's Homeless Resource Center. For more information call (808)669-6200.

The Pacific Handcrafters Guild's 25th anniversary Christmas Fair, Art & Fine Crafts Festival on O'ahu
This is the 25th Christmas Fair. Held on December 4-5, there will be over 100 booths at Thomas Square Park, across from the Honolulu academy of arts - Ward avenue near Beretania Street, Saturday 9am-5pm & Sunday 9am-4pm. There is going to be local entertainment, foods, art/craft demos, drawing prizes and much more. Admission is free to everyone and the event benefits the PHG Foundation Scholarship Fund for the arts. Show up prepared to spend the afternoon browsing the many displays and demonstrations. For more information please call (808)637-9447.

Christmas Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony
This traditional community event on the first week of December is open to everyone. This special occasion brings everyone together to enjoy the lighting of an 80-foot Cook Island pine Christmas tree, picture taking with Santa, craft fairs, local foods and live entertainment.

Holiday Lighting of the Banyan Tree
Held on Saturday, December 2 & Sunday December 3, 2006 at 6:30pm. The Banyan Tree is lit up with thousands of Christmas lights for the entire holiday season. Santa Claus will be there and choirs will sing Christmas carols accompanied by hula. Kids will have a snow zone and parents can take pictures with a Hawaiian snowman. There will be a holiday arts and crafts fair beginning at 11am, as well as Hawaiian musical entertainment. Come to this annual holiday event and get into the spirit of the season. Location is the Old Lahaina Courthouse and admission is free.

Whatever your preference, whatever makes the holidays special for you, Hawaii will most likely have it ready and waiting this year. Whether it's the soft glow of twinkling lights on fragrant pine trees or a cup of hot chocolate while you watch the Christmas parade, you can find it here. Put on your Santa hat, jingle bells, candy cane socks and a smile and head out into the holiday season ready to experience the joy in Hawaii this winter. The magic of the holiday is just around the corner.