Step into the vibrant heart of the Oahu holiday season. Let the Honolulu holiday season sweep you away with tropical charm, festive traditions, and unforgettable experiences. You’ll discover a world where palm trees twinkle with lights. Parades fill the streets with music and aloha. Every corner of the island invites you to celebrate in true Hawaiian style. Whether you crave family fun, unique shopping adventures, or dazzling nighttime spectacles, the Oahu holiday season offers something for everyone. Embrace the spirit of aloha as you explore local markets, savor festive feasts, and make magical memories with loved ones. This is your guide to the best things to do during the Honolulu holiday season. Get ready to make every moment count on Oahu!
Lights, Luaus, and Aloha: Best of the Oahu Holiday Season
Marvel at the Honolulu City Lights
Immerse yourself in the Honolulu holiday season and the Oahu holiday season by exploring the dazzling Honolulu City Lights. This annual event transforms downtown Honolulu into a tropical winter wonderland. You’ll see a towering Christmas tree and vibrant light displays. As you stroll through the Civic Center Grounds and Thomas Square Park, you’ll find whimsical statues and interactive installations. The festivities kick off with a lively parade. Local food vendors and live entertainment fill the nights with aloha. Capture magical family memories and soak up the festive atmosphere. This event truly defines the Honolulu holiday season and makes the Oahu holiday season unforgettable.
Shop Local at the Hawaii Holiday Craft Fair
Begin your Honolulu holiday season shopping at the Hawaii Holiday Craft and Gift Fair. You’ll find over 80 local crafters offering handmade jewelry, toys, art, and delicious treats. Later in the Oahu holiday season, visit the annual Holiday Craft Fair at the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site. There, you’ll discover a curated selection of Hawaii-made gifts. These fairs are perfect for finding unique, meaningful presents while supporting local artisans. As you browse, you’ll feel the festive energy and community spirit. The Honolulu holiday season and the Oahu holiday season are made special by these local connections. Enjoy meeting artists and discovering one-of-a-kind treasures for everyone on your list.
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Take a Waikiki Trolley Holiday Lights Tour
Hop aboard the Waikiki Trolley for a sparkling tour of the city’s best holiday displays. During the Honolulu holiday season and the Oahu holiday season, the trolley whisks you through illuminated neighborhoods. You’ll pass the Honolulu City Lights and travel along twinkling palm-lined streets. Enjoy festive music and plenty of photo opportunities. Relax and take in the sights with family and friends. This tour is a fun and stress-free way to experience the magic of the season. Make it a tradition to see Honolulu’s holiday lights from a unique perspective. Celebrate the Oahu holiday season in style.
Savor a Festive Luau
Celebrate the Honolulu holiday season and the Oahu holiday season with an authentic Hawaiian luau. Venues like Paradise Cove, Ka Moana Luau, and Queens Luau offer special holiday-themed performances and feasts throughout December. You’ll enjoy traditional Hawaiian dishes, live music, hula, and fire dancing under the stars. Some luaus add yuletide flair, making your holiday meal a memorable island experience. Enjoy the warmth of Hawaiian hospitality and the joy of gathering with loved ones. A festive luau is the perfect way to blend holiday cheer with local culture during the Oahu holiday season.
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Browse Holiday Markets and Pop-Up Events
Support local businesses and discover unique gifts at holiday markets across Oahu. During the Honolulu holiday season and the Oahu holiday season, you’ll find the Aloha Home Market in Kailua, the Aliʻiolani Craft Fair, and other pop-up events. These markets offer handmade jewelry, art, and treats. They are a cornerstone of the season, providing festive fun for the whole family. Enjoy live music, food stalls, and interactive activities as you shop for special holiday finds. Make your holiday shopping an adventure. Explore the creativity and talent of Oahu’s artisans during the Honolulu holiday season.
Enjoy Family-Friendly Santa Encounters
Make the Honolulu holiday season and the Oahu holiday season magical for your keiki (children) with Santa meet-and-greets. Visit shopping centers like Ala Moana Center, Windward Mall, and Ka Makana Aliʻi. Take photos with Santa in his surf shack. Write letters and enjoy themed activities such as snow shows and storybook sets. These experiences create lasting memories and add a touch of wonder to your holiday itinerary. Watch your children’s faces light up as they interact with Santa and play festive games. Family-friendly Santa encounters are a cherished part of the Honolulu holiday season and the Oahu holiday season.
Take a Photo with the Ala Moana Center’s Big Santa
Visit Ala Moana Center to see the iconic Big Santa display and snap a festive photo during the Honolulu holiday season and the Oahu holiday season. The mall offers themed activities, shopping deals, and opportunities to meet Santa in his signature aloha attire. Enjoy holiday music, decorations, and special events that make shopping a joyful experience. Capture the spirit of the season with a memorable photo in front of Big Santa. Make Ala Moana Center a must-visit destination for holiday fun and family traditions during the Oahu holiday season.
Related: Unusual Holiday Traditions Around the World
(credit: Ballet Hawaii)
Attend the Ballet Hawaii Nutcracker
Delight in a Hawaiian twist on a classic holiday performance by attending Ballet Hawaii’s “The Nutcracker.” Set in 1858 Hawaii, this enchanting show features captivating choreography and beautiful costumes. You’ll enjoy a unique island flair that sets this performance apart. It’s a cultural highlight of the Honolulu holiday season and the Oahu holiday season. This is a perfect outing for families and arts lovers alike. Experience the magic of the holidays through dance and storytelling that celebrate Hawaii’s rich history. Make attending the Nutcracker a holiday tradition that brings joy and inspiration to your Oahu holiday season.
Explore Chinatown’s Winter Walk
Stroll through Honolulu’s Chinatown district during the Honolulu holiday season and the Oahu holiday season. Admire festive window displays, twinkling lights, and holiday-themed art installations. Over 40 merchants participate, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for an evening walk. Shop and sample local treats as you discover hidden gems. Enjoy the blend of tradition and innovation in Chinatown’s holiday celebrations. Take time to appreciate the creativity of local artists and the welcoming spirit of the community. The Winter Walk is a wonderful way to experience the diversity of Honolulu’s holiday festivities and the Oahu holiday season.
Revel in the Kapolei City Lights and Parade
Head to West Oahu for the Kapolei City Lights, a family-friendly event featuring a block party, parade, and dazzling light displays. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and local vendors as you celebrate the Honolulu holiday season with the Leeward Oahu community. The festivities continue nightly through early January. This makes it a great addition to your holiday plans. Experience the joy of gathering with neighbors and friends in a vibrant, festive setting. Kapolei City Lights offers a unique perspective on Oahu’s holiday spirit and the Honolulu holiday season.
More Holiday Parades on Oahu
Oahu’s holiday season sparkles with festive parades that bring communities together in celebration. In Honolulu, the lively Waikiki Holiday Parade honors Pearl Harbor survivors with music, hula, and a grand Santa entrance. On the North Shore, the Haleiwa Town Christmas Parade features colorful floats and local families spreading aloha. Central Oahu’s Pearl City Christmas Parade delights with school bands and dazzling displays, while the Ewa Beach Christmas Parade showcases creative floats and spirited performances in West Oahu.
Join the Jingle Rock Run
Experience the spirit of giving and celebration at the Jingle Rock Run, held at Ko Olina Resort on December 7. This annual holiday fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Hawaii features a 2.5-mile sunset walk/run, live entertainment, keiki activities, crafts, and food trucks. Dress up in festive attire, form a team with friends or family, and help support children with critical illnesses. The event is perfect for all ages and adds a meaningful, joyful touch to your Oahu holiday season. In addition, the JAL Honolulu Marathon is also happening this month, on December 14.
Watch World-Class Surfing on the North Shore
Experience the thrill of big wave surfing during the Honolulu holiday season and the Oahu holiday season by visiting Oahu’s North Shore. December marks the peak of surf competitions like the Eddie Big Wave Invitational. Elite surfers tackle massive waves at Sunset Beach, Haleiwa, and Pipeline. Even if you’re not a surfer, watching these athletes in action is unforgettable. Feel the excitement as the crowd cheers on world-class performances in a stunning natural setting. Make surfing events part of your holiday adventure. Enjoy the energy of Oahu’s sporting culture during the Honolulu holiday season.
(credit: Hawaii Convention Center)
Glide Across the Ice at “Twas the Light Before Christmas On Ice”
Embrace the holiday spirit at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center’s “Twas the Light Before Christmas On Ice.” This event runs from December 4, 2025, to January 4, 2026. The immersive wonderland features ice skating, festive lights, music, treats, and a Christmas market. It’s a unique way to celebrate the Honolulu holiday season and the Oahu holiday season in paradise. The event offers fun for all ages. Try your hand at skating or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere and holiday décor. Make memories with family and friends at this one-of-a-kind seasonal event during the Oahu holiday season.
Savor Holiday Dining and Festive Feasts
Let Oahu’s renowned restaurants handle your holiday meal with special buffets and prix fixe menus during the Honolulu holiday season and the Oahu holiday season. Many venues offer Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners, often with a Hawaiian twist. Whether you crave traditional fare or island-inspired dishes, you’ll find plenty of options to make your holiday delicious. Enjoy the convenience of dining out while celebrating with loved ones in a festive setting. Treat yourself to a culinary experience that highlights the flavors of Hawaii and the joy of the Oahu holiday season.
Join a Holiday Bar Crawl or Pop-Up
For adults, the Honolulu holiday season and the Oahu holiday season bring festive pop-up bars and holiday-themed bar crawls. Sip creative cocktails and enjoy live music. Mingle with locals and visitors in a lively, decorated setting. These events add a playful twist to your holiday nights out and offer a chance to explore Honolulu’s nightlife. Celebrate with friends as you discover new venues and seasonal drink specials. Make holiday bar crawls a fun and memorable part of your Oahu holiday season.
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About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University and is a Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW) member.
