Are you looking to trade the cold and snow for surf and sun? If so, then a holiday getaway to Hawaii is just what you need! Put a tropical spin on your holiday spirit this year with a vacation that will give the entire family a gift they’ll remember forever.
Discover the best ways to spend Christmas in Honolulu as you check out our guide to seasonal events, shopping, traditional Hawaiian celebrations, light displays, and more! Whether you’re here for a few days or the entire month, there’s tons of Christmas-themed fun to keep you singing Mele Kalikimaka straight through to the new year.
Holiday Parades and Lights Displays
Deck the halls this Christmas in Honolulu as you attend some of the area’s favorite parades and tree-lighting ceremonies!
Hawaii Kai Holiday Parade
November 30 | 10 AM – 1 PM
Bring the kids to the Koko Marina Center for an exciting day of carnival games, cookie-decorating contests, and hula shows. Festivities kick off at 10 AM with the parade, which will bring Santa and his elves to the center, where you can meet him and get pictures made. Don’t forget to bring a toy donation for the Hawaii Kai Lions Club toy drive.
Honolulu City Lights
December 7 – New Year’s Eve
Come meet Shaka Santa, Tutu Mele, and more as you explore giant decorations and twinkling lights, and watch as the city’s 50-foot Christmas tree is lit for the season. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary, the free, month-long Honolulu City Lights celebration kicks off with the Electric Light Parade and ends on the Civic Center’s grounds, where you’ll find food vendors, shopping opportunities, and more!
Photos with Santa will take place on opening night in the Mission Memorial Auditorium, so don’t miss out.
Royal Hawaiian Center Tree Lighting
November 27 | 5 PM to 7:30 PM
Enjoy live music, hula shows, and Aloha Santa at the Royal Hawaiian Center’s Tree Lighting event this Christmas in Honolulu. The 34-foot-tall tree will be decked out with beautiful Hawaiian decorations like plumeria flowers, palaka bows, and ukuleles for a truly unique photo opportunity. After the tree lighting, grab a photo with Santa and delicious food and drinks before exploring the beautiful shop displays in the center.
Waikiki Holiday Parade
November 29 | 7 PM
On December 7, 1941, the brilliant blue skies over Oahu were ripped apart as the attack on Pearl Harbor caused devastating damage and loss of life on our quiet island. The Waikiki Holiday Parade pays tribute to those brave women and men, both survivors and veterans lost, each year with a march down Kalakaua Avenue along Waikiki Beach.
If you’re visiting Hawaii during Christmas, commemorate the anniversary of this historic event by attending this moving tribute. The 1.5-mile night parade is illuminated by torches as local officials, entertainers, dignitaries, and military members make their way from Fort DeRussy to Kapiolani Park.
Christmas Shopping in Honolulu
If you’re planning a holiday vacation to Hawaii, don’t waste suitcase space by bringing your gifts with you. The stores in Honolulu are perfect for all your holiday shopping needs! Find stocking stuffers, unique gifts, and one-of-a-kind treasures when you visit these top spots:
Ala Moana Center: November 9 – Christmas Eve, get a free tote bag emblazoned with a Big Santa charm when you spend $500, which, let’s face it, is easy to do this time of year. While you’re there, visit Santa’s Surf Shack, check out the giant Christmas Tree, watch the daily hula show, and dine on delicious food.
Ward Village: From November 8 to 30, show your original receipts to get two FREE tickets to Consolidated Theatres when you spend $200 or more while supplies last. With everything from local to national brands, you can find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
Kahala Mall: Sip and Shop your way through the Kahala Mall from December 13 through 15 at the Very Merry event. Your purchase of a $5 ticket grants you exclusive access to the mall, as well as a pamphlet with extreme coupons to more than 50 mall stores! Need a ticket? Visit the Center Court December 13-15 starting at 10 AM.
Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace: On Saturday, December 14, from 10 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday, December 15, from 10 AM to 5 PM, the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall will be bustling with more than 250 local vendors at the Mele Kalikimaka holiday marketplace. Find made-in-Hawaii products like jewelry, books, gourmet gifts, crafts, and apparel, and do all your holiday shopping at once!
Holiday Season Events and Entertainment
Christmas in Honolulu offers a new perspective on seasonal traditions. During your vacation, be sure to attend the holiday Ala Moana Hula Shows starting November 29 at 5 PM. The show will feature holiday songs, traditional classics, and will end with a snowfall finale.
The International Market Place’s “Gift of Mele” free holiday concert is set for November 29 from 6 PM to 8 PM and will showcase Kimie Miner and special guests playing your holiday favorites in a beautiful tropical setting.
At the Convention Center, immerse yourself in a winter wonderland at ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, running November 22 through December 31. With larger-than-life backdrops, thousands of lights, and festive sculptures and scenes, it’s the perfect end to a day this Christmas season.
Your Hawaiian Hale for the Holidays
Featured Property: Ilikai Tower 705
Did you know Hale means “home” or “house” in Hawaiian? If you’re looking for the perfect Honolulu hale this Christmas season, look no further than Marina Hawaii Vacations properties at the Ilikai Tower, Ilikai Marina, Discovery Bay, or Canterbury Place.
Our Honolulu vacation rentals put you in the heart of downtown’s Christmas spirit and Waikiki Beach fun, making it easy to enjoy your holiday getaway to the fullest. Plus, when you book directly with us, you get the peace of mind that comes with knowing you got the best rate on your property. Browse our complete inventory and book your trip directly with us today!