Christmas Holiday Activities on Oahu

“Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau’oli Makahiki Hou!”(Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!)

If you will be on the island of Oahu anytime between Thanksgiving and New Years there are many activities available only during the holiday season. These are great photo opportunities and with get you in a festive holiday mood.

2025 Oahu Holiday Activities

(updated 12/6/25)

Piney Needlesmith and the Road Less Traveled holiday play performed by Diamond Head Theater 11/21-12/13

Twas the Light Before Christmas

Twas the Light Before Christmas Aloha Immersive Christmas Lights with Ice Skating Experience 12/4-1/4 at the Hawaii Convention Center. Indoor light display fun for families as well as for photos for social media and holiday cards. Admission starts at $37 per person. Cashless venue so everything must be paid for with credit card. This is a video I shared on TikTok of this 2024 event https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8NhHsav/

Hawaii Themed Santa at International Marketplace

Santa at International Marketplace in Waikiki 12/1-12/24 and will be available for photos through 12/24. Santa will be located on the 2nd level in Makua Court. Photos are not free.

The Christmas Bar Hawaii

The Christmas Bar Hawaii at Tiki’s annual pop up holiday themed bar inside Tiki’s 11/28-12/24. Free admission, no purchase required to take photos. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic festive beverages available. This is a video I shared on TikTok of this event https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8NhhB8D/

2024 Sippin Santa pop up with festive holiday themed drinks served in adorable tropical Christmas Tiki mugs!

Christmas Lodge pop up is a 21+ speak easy where Sunday through Saturday 5p-10p it is a Christmas Lodge and Fridays and Saturdays 6:30p-10p it is Krampus Lair. View the menu of alcoholic and non-alcoholic holiday beverages here. They have a good selection of holiday themed drinks including a ski shot for 2-4 people. They do not have much for food options on their menu besides mixed nuts and reindeer chow. Located in the former Chili’s at Pearlridge Center, 98-1005 Moanalua Road, ‘Aiea.

Kapolei City Lights at Kapolei Hale

Kapolei City Lights annual decoration of Kapolei Hale kicks off on 12/6 with a Lights Parade through Kapolei ending at a block party at Kapolei Hale with the tree lighting ceremony and festivities. There are holiday decorations set up around the exterior and inside are Christmas trees decorated by local businesses which are open to the public to view through 12/31/25 Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. , Friday – Sunday & Holidays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Kapolei Hale Decorated Tree Display

Honolulu City Lights annual decoration of Honolulu Hale 11/29-12/31. There are large holiday decorations set up around the exterior and inside are Christmas trees decorated by local businesses.

Hula Snowman Aloha Display at Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center

Holiday Performance and Photos with a Hawaii Themed Santa at Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center in Waikiki on Wednesdays and Saturdays 5-7:30p 11/26-12/20.

Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center

Waikiki Holiday Lights Double Decker Bus Tour where a festive open air bus tours around Honolulu to enjoy the holiday lights. 12/3-12/27.

Waikiki Trolley Double Decker Holiday Lights Tour

Annual Hapa Holiday Extravaganza at the Hawaii Theater 12/7.

Holly Jolly Trolley departs from the Prince Waikiki each evening starting at 7pm through Christmas.

Holly Jolly Waikiki Trolley enjoy the sites of holiday lights around Honolulu from a festively decorated Trolley 12/8-12/25.

Decorations at Pearl Ridge Shopping Center

Pearl Ridge Shopping Center has festive holiday displays around the mall and in the shops and restaurants. There is a train that keiki can take rides around Santa land. Photos with Santa available 10am-7pm every day 12/16-12/24. There are a wide selection of gifts from the stores including many locally made fashions and crafts!

Hawaii Symphony Orchestra Home Alone Concert 12/20 & 12/21

Ballet Hawaii’s annual production of The Nutcracker 12/12 -12/14.

Candlelight Christmas Carols on Strings Special performance of Christmas music at the historic Cathedral of Saint Andrew downtown Honolulu 12/19.

Festival of Lights Boat Parade in Hawaii Kai 12/13 6pm.

Honu Lolo Christmas Carriage Rides through downtown Honolulu to view the lights in a Cinderella style horse drawn carriage. Email Hnlhorse@gmail.com for details on how to secure your spot and pricing.

OAHU NEIGHBORHOODS WITH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND DISPLAYS

Every year, 3 cul-de-sacs bordering Mahinahou Street in Mililani will have a huge light display between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Due to the great success of the Star Wars display during previous years, the house on Neleau Place will feature once again a Star Wars themed display, including real-life characters from your favorite movies 7-9pm on 12/7, 12/14, 12/21.

Namoku Street in Kaneohe transforms into “Christmas Tree Lane” every year.

In the Enchanted Lake area of Kailua at 1170 Akumu Street they decorate annually with inflatables, ornaments and more than 10,000 lights synchronized to Christmas music. It’s a must-see light display on the Windward side. From 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday – Thursday, and 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday – Sunday. Also in the Enchanted Lake area, check out the nightly lights on Akuleana Place.

In Waikele at 94-226 Anapau Place is an annual synchronized spectacular known as the Waikele Lights. This neighborhood coordinates their displays which features hundreds of thousands of lights as well as festive displays. Display open 7-9pm daily through Christmas. Featured on on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” in 2014.

Waipahu has two locations known for their annual Christmas displays. The corner of Kupuna Loop and Palai Street as well as 94-313 Kiokio Place.

Ewa Beach at 91-214 Kamaehu Way has an annual Christmas light show nightly 5:30p-10p.

Kevin’s Christmas Lights Extravaganza

“Kevin’s Christmas Lights Extravaganza” at 92-520 Waokele Street in Kapolei. For over 20 years the homeowner, Kevin, has been known to personally greet visitors with candy canes and aloha spirit. Visitors recommend parking and walking through the display, which can take between 15 and 30 minutes. Visitors welcome 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly through New Years.