December in Hawai’i is filled with festive events and cultural celebrations that blend local traditions with holiday cheer. Check out some of these fun holiday events!

Holiday season at the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Oʻahu

• Honolulu City Lights (December 1-31): This annual celebration includes a dazzling tree lighting ceremony, festive displays, and the Electric Light Parade. The event is family-friendly and brings the holiday spirit to downtown Honolulu
• Honolulu Marathon (December 8): One of the largest marathons in the U.S., this scenic race starts near Ala Moana Beach Park and ends at Kapiʻolani Park, attracting runners worldwide
• Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace (December 14-15): A shopping extravaganza featuring holiday crafts, food, and live entertainment at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall in Honolulu.

Maui

• The Mākaha and sons (December 6): Come celebrate the holiday season with The Mākaha Sons. Special guests will be Hālau o Ka Hanu Lehua and Kumu Hula Kamaka Kukona.
• Alexander Academy Presents The Nutcracker (December 14-15); This full-length ballet features the music by Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky, with supervision by artistic directors Absalon Figueroa and Amelia Nelson.

Big Island

• Waimea Twilight Christmas Parade (December 7): A festive nighttime parade showcasing colorful floats, Santa Claus, and local bands.
• Holiday Concert at the Kona Salt Farm (December 13): A self-guided tour through local artist studios, offering unique gifts and a look into Hawaii’s artistic side.Come celebrate the season with some of Henry Kapono’s favorite holiday songs & classics alongside his friend Jerry Santos, Kamuela Kimokeo and two Henry Kapono Foundation “On The Rise Artists” Ryan Hooley and Ninamarie Bell. Bar and Food Trucks on site.
• Kaiua-Kona Christmas Parade (December 14): The parade starts at the Kekuaokalani Gymnasium parking lot near the Kona aquatic center, and winds its way down Kuikini Highway to Palani and down Alii Drive through the Kona Village.

Kauaʻi

• Festival of Lights (December 7-31): Held at the Historic County Building in Līhuʻe, this event features local holiday crafts and recycled art displays.
• Waimea Lighted Christmas Parade (mid-December): A spectacular parade featuring illuminated floats and holiday cheer along the west side of Kauaʻi.

Other Highlights

• Craft Fairs and Markets: Throughout December, craft fairs and makers’ markets, like the Mālama Hawaiʻi Market at Ala Moana Center, offer opportunities to shop local.
• Live Performances: Events like Ballet Hawaii’s “The Nutcracker” and concerts at Blue Note Hawaii provide festive entertainment options.

For more LUVA blogs link here