Mele Kalikimaka! The winter holiday season on Oahu is normally a fun time, full of family activities and Christmas spirit. Due to COVID restrictions, the magic of the holiday season will look a little different. Below is a roundup of some of the holiday activities Oahu has to offer in 2020:
Honolulu City Lights
A favorite winter activity of mine, the Honolulu City Lights will be a little different this year. Due to the pandemic, they have cancelled the main events that draw large crowds (i.e. tree lighting ceremony, pictures with Santa, parade). The main light displays on Honolulu Hale will be set up beginning on Wednesday, December 9th. The city is encouraging people to view the light display in a “drive by” manner. You can also park in some of the municipal lots outside Honolulu Hale and take pictures with the main light displays. The city has announced they will televise some events, to see the full listing click here. For the latest information, be sure to visit the website and social media channels for updates relating to the light display.
Drive-In Holiday Movies at the Hukilau Marketplace
This event at the Hukilau Marketplace in Laie is normally a fun-filled, family friendly Christmas event that includes “snow days.” As of the writing of this article, the event is still on hold. However, the Hukilau Marketplace is offering drive-in family movie nights throughout the month of December. For more information concerning the drive in movies, visit the Events page here.
Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace
This marketplace will be open Saturday, December 12th and Sunday, December 13th at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. The cost is $4 for general entry and $3 for military/seniors, with children under 12 free. The event includes live entertainment, local shops, food and photos with Santa and Rudolph. Inside the marketplace is a Gingerbread Workshop, which is a benefit for Kama’aina Kids. Families can work together to decorate a gingerbread house.
Sounds of the Season Virtual Concert
On Saturday December 12 at 7:30pm, the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra will host “Sounds of the Season,” a virtual concert highlighting the winter holiday season. Tickets cost $20 per device and should be bought in advance.
Hana Hou Holiday Market
Support local vendors and get last minute holiday gifts by shopping at the Hana Hou Holiday Market December 6, 12 and 19th. The Market takes place in Kailua in a covered lot next to Assagio’s from 9am-2pm. Local vendors will be selling everything from furniture and art to housewares and clothing. Live entertainment and food will also be available. Come finish shopping your Christmas list!
Pictures with Santa
This year is a little different if you are trying to find pictures with Santa. Ala Moana Shopping Center is offering pictures with Santa, but you must make a reservation. This will be a socially-distanced Santa interaction and face masks may be required.
Royal Hawaiian Center is offering socially distanced photos with Santa on Saturdays in December. “Royal Santa Saturdays” will host Santa and Mrs. Claus at a Holiday Window across from the Cheesecake Factory from 4 p.m.-7p.m. Reservations are not required.
If you would prefer to have a virtual visit with Santa, Ala Moana also has you covered, with a few different options for virtual Santa visits and story time.
MWR Events
Follow @greatlifehawaii on Instagram for latest information on holiday events hosted by the Pearl Harbor MWR. They are hosting a variety of virtual events in December, including a gingerbread house decorating contest, a “12 Days of Fitness” challenge, and kids glass fusion ornament classes. For the full list, click here.
Hawaiian Christmas Tree
Have you heard of a Hawaiian Christmas Tree, but not sure what it is or where to find them? Norfolk Pines, which stay green for months and can grow in Oahu’s climate, are often called “Hawaiian Christmas Trees.” Helemano Farms in Wahiawa sells Norfolk Pines as well as other varieties of trees. They are open from the day after Thanksgiving until December 23.
What are some of your favorite Holiday Activities on Oahu?