Can you feel it in the air? It’s nearly Christmas Day! Hurry and get your shopping done because there are a lot of fun activities to enjoy with the family and those special moments are really what make the holidays special. So enjoy, and just a reminder to keep your eyes on the road and drive safe wherever you’re headed this holiday season.
Hawaii Holiday Craft & Gift Fair
Head to the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall to finish up your last-minute shopping, Dec. 20-22. Hours: 2-7 p.m. Dec. 20, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 21 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 22. $5 cash only admission. Free for military families with ID and for keiki 6 and under with a paid adult.
“A Palama Christmas” at Palama Settlement
This annual event celebrates community, culture and the spirit of giving back, 4-8 p.m. Dec. 20. The public is invited to enjoy unique holiday gifts and crafts by local artisans, complimentary holiday treats and refreshments, performances by local musicians and performers, and free gifts for keiki under 12 while supplies last. Photo courtesy of Palama Settlement.
Friday Night Tempo
Take a break from the rush of holiday shopping and enjoy an evening of live music by the Subtonic Orchestra, open galleries, pop-up artists, food vendors and unique finds at the Art+Flea Holidaze Market at Capitol Modern, 5-9 p.m. Dec. 20. Free, all ages welcome.
Don McLean Holiday Show
Hawaii Theatre Center hosts a night of hits and holiday tunes with Don McLean, 8 p.m. Dec. 20. You’ll hear “American Pie,” “Castles in the Air,” “Crying,” “Winter Wonderland,” “White Christmas” and much more. Tickets.
Toy Swap at Kōkua General Store
Help reduce toy waste by participating in Kōkua General Store’s toy swap through Dec. 21. Bring in a gently used toy(s) during store hours that you can swap with another “new” toy or purchase one for $10 with proceeds going to Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation.
Sakada Day Celebration at Hawaii’s Plantation Village
The Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii in collaboration with the Filipino Curriculum Project and the University of Hawaii, Manoa’s Center for Philippine Studies invites the public to enjoy an afternoon of Filipino cultural performances, Filipino cuisine and interactive cultural exhibits and educational displays from students and community groups. Event is free and takes place 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 21.
Photos with Santa Claus
Kapolei Commons hosts Santa Claus and one of his elves for photo opportunities with the public in front of Regal Theater, 1-7 p.m. Dec. 21-22.
TAG’s Christmas Wonderland Event
The Actor’s Group presents free fun for the whole family featuring Christmas goodies, hot chocolate, wine and cheese, David Hunt’s Christmas Light Show & Projections, plus readings of “The Night Before Christmas” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and other stories by Santa, 3-8 p.m. Dec. 21-23. Santa readings are on the hour from 4 to 7 p.m. TAG is located in the Shops at Dole Cannery, 650 Iwilei Rd., Suite 101 with free parking in the Regal Theatre parking structure. Full schedule.
Christmas in Hawaii with Kimié Miner
Award-winning producer, singer/songwriter and recording artist Kimié Miner performs a show for the holidays, 6:30 and 9 p.m. Dec. 21. Tickets.
Kalani Peʻa’s Hawaiian Christmas Show 2024
A celebration of the warmth and special aloha of the holiday season, Kalani Peʻa presents his third annual Christmas show at Hawaii Theatre Center, 7 p.m. Dec. 21. He will be joined by special guests Kumu Hula Olana Ai, Natalie Ai Kamauʻu, Kumu Hula Shelsea Ai, Hālau Lilia Makanoe, Starr Kalāhiki with host Mele Apana. Tickets.
Andrew Schulz: The Life Tour
Tickets are still available for a one-night only show at the Neal Blaisdell Arena by comedian Andrew Schulz on tour, 8 p.m. Dec. 21. Tickets.
“White Christmas” at Diamond Head Theatre
See the Diamond Head Theatre production of the timeless classic, “White Christmas,” as the song-and-dance duo of WWII veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis meet up with a singing sisters duo at a Vermont lodge, now extended through Dec. 21. Tickets.
Hot Kūpuna Nights at Ka Waiwai ma Mōʻiliʻili
Enjoy an afternoon community kanikapila with Kuʻuipo Kumukahi & Friends, 2 p.m. Dec. 22. Bring an ʻukulele too. $5 at the door. RSVP.
Keahiwai
After a 15-year hiatus, Keahiwai, comprised of Lei Melket and Mailani Makainai, reunite for a memorable and nostalgic evening of music at Blue Note Hawaii, 5 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22. Tickets.
Holiday Pop-Up Shop
The former Toys R Us building at Pearlridge Center next to Down to Earth will have a pop-up shop featuring unique, handmade items created by local artisans and lots more, through Dec. 23. Hours are 4-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, and 4-9 p.m. Monday.
8th Annual A Charlie Brown Christmas
Native New Yorker and trumpeter Mike Lewis gathers some of Hawaii’s best jazz musicians for the 8th Annual Charlie Brown Christmas at Blue Note Hawaii, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 24-25. Hear holiday classics in addition to the soundtrack of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” written by composer and pianist Vince Guaraldi. Tickets.
An Intimate Evening with Iam Tongi
Blue Note Hawaii hosts “American Idol” Season 21 champion Iam Tongi as he performs songs in the way only he can in eight performances including a New Year’s Eve performance, Dec. 27-28, 30-31. Tickets.
Drew Lynch
Kick off the new year with a bellyful of laughs with comedian and actor Drew Lynch as he performs at the Hawaii Theatre Center, 8 p.m. Dec. 31. Tickets.
Aloha Immersive “‘Twas the Light Before Christmas”
It's down to the last few weeks to experience a wonderland of light accompanied by holiday music at “’Twas the Light Before Christmas,” an immersive holiday adventure for all ages brought to Oahu by the Hawaii Convention Center and Paquin Entertainment Group through Dec. 31. Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Tickets.
40th Honolulu City Lights
Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele welcome the public to Honolulu Hale through Jan. 3, 2025, to enjoy the 55-foot Christmas tree along with lit tunnels, 50 illuminated trees and the Wreath Exhibit in the Lane Gallery. Take a photo with Santa in the Honolulu Hale Courtyard, 7-9 p.m. through Dec. 24. And if you get hungry after strolling through the grounds, stop for a bite at LA2HI Grinds, Leeward Drive Inn, Keala’s Kau Kau and Ire Jerk through Dec. 29.
“Show Aloha this Holiday Season” at Kapolei Hale
Colorful and creative light displays and Christmas trees will continue to brighten up the exterior and interior of Kapolei Hale through Jan. 5, 2025. See the decorations inside, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday and holidays.