Experience the Best Oahu Christmas Events and Parades This Holiday Season
Alo-ho-ho-a, mama!
Ready to trade those fuzzy boots for slippers? Christmas in Honolulu 2025 is calling your name.
Picture this: palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights, Aloha Santa cruising up in a red outrigger canoe, and parades along torch-lit beaches.
From the iconic Honolulu City Lights to the heartfelt Waikiki Holiday Parade, you’ll find all the festive magic with a serious tropical twist.
I’ve rounded up all the best Oahu Christmas events 2025.
Parades. Holiday markets. Light displays. Trolley rides. And those can’t-miss photo ops with Santa.
Plus, I’ve organized everything chronologically so you won’t miss a single sparkle.
If you’ve got something I should add, email me at alison@alisonbellphotographer.com
Mele Kalikimaka!
Table of Contents
Hi! I’m Alison, your chaos coordinator, toddler briber, and parent commiserator. Oh! And Oahu family photographer!
As the ringleader of my own 4-boy circus, I know how hard getting family photos can be.
I run my photo session like a party. I give you something TO DO so you don’t feel awkward wondering, “Where do I put my HANDS?!”
Dad is playing with the kids, everyone forgets what’s ACTUALLY happening, and you look amazing bc you’re actually enjoying yourself. #whoknewphotoscouldbefun
Fast. Fun. Done.
Holiday Markets on Oahu
Weekly holiday markets pop up all over Oahu throughout the season, featuring locally made gifts, artwork, food products, and unique island crafts.
November 30, December 7, 14 & 21
Aloha Home Market – Holiday Edition
Where: Kailua (Uluniu Street)
Time: 9am–2pm
The Aloha Home Market has been a Kailua staple since 2018. These special holiday editions are perfect for finding locally made gifts while enjoying a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere.
December 13–14
Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace
Where: Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall
Time: Saturday 10am–8pm; Sunday 10am–5pm
Nearly 300 local vendors fill the Blaisdell Hall with Hawaii-made gifts, holiday décor, clothing, food, and artisan crafts. It’s one of the largest holiday shopping events on the island and an excellent way to support local businesses.
Photos with Santa on Oahu
Get your holiday photos with Santa — Oahu style! Many locations offer annual Santa sessions, some with live entertainment and festive backdrops.
November 22 – December 24
Photos with Santa at Kahala Mall
Where: Near Macy’s
Details: Professional prints and digital packages available.
A long-running tradition, Kahala Mall’s Santa setup offers classic holiday portraits in a convenient, family-friendly environment.
November 15 – December 24
Santa’s Surf Shack – Ala Moana Center
Where: Level 4, Ho‘okipa Terrace
Details: Book photo sessions directly through Ala Moana Center.
Santa welcomes families and pets in a bright, tropical surf-inspired setting.
November – December
Photos with Santa at Windward Mall
Where: Center Court
Windward Mall offers daily Santa photos throughout the season, with a traditional winter wonderland backdrop.
November 26 – December 20 (Wednesdays & Saturdays)
Aloha Santa & Holiday Performances – Royal Hawaiian Center
Where: The Royal Grove
Time: 5–7:30pm
Enjoy free photos with Santa along with Hawaiian holiday performances. This festive, outdoor experience is one of Waikiki’s most charming seasonal traditions.
Oahu Christmas Lights 2025
Oahu goes all out for Christmas lights — from towering Christmas trees to illuminated parks and festive displays throughout the island.
November 29 – Opening Night
Honolulu City Lights
Where: Honolulu Hale & Thomas Square Park
Opening Night Highlights:
- Block Party begins at 4pm
- Mayor’s Tree Lighting at 6pm
- Electric Light Parade at 6:15pm
Honolulu City Lights is the island’s biggest holiday celebration. Expect a beautifully illuminated 55-foot tree, Shaka Santa and Tūtū Mele statues, holiday displays, food vendors, and photo ops throughout the civic grounds and Thomas Square.
The nightly display runs through December 29, from 6pm until dawn.
December 6, 7, 12, 13, 19 & 20
Hawaiian Railway – Holiday Express
Where: Hawaiian Railway Society, Ewa Beach
Time: 7pm departure
A festive, family-friendly train ride through decorated tracks in West Oahu. This event sells out every year, so reservations are required.
December 13
Festival of Lights – Hawaii Kai Boat Parade
Where: Hawaii Kai Marina
Time: 6–8:30pm
Watch boats decked in Christmas lights cruise through Hawaii Kai Marina. This waterfront parade is a longtime neighborhood favorite.
Special Nights at Honolulu City Lights (Throughout December)
These officially listed Special Nights run on select evenings during December at Honolulu Hale. All are free and family-friendly.
December 3, 2025
Celtic Pipes & Drums of Hawaii
Time: 7:00pm
Kick off December with a lively evening of Celtic pipes and drums under the Honolulu City Lights.
December 7, 2025
Ka Pā Hula O Ka Lei Hulu Hiwa
Time: 5:30pm
Enjoy a beautiful hula performance that celebrates Hawaiian culture and storytelling through dance.
December 10, 2025
Royal Hawaiian Band
Time: 6:00pm
Listen to Hawaii’s historic Royal Hawaiian Band perform festive favorites in front of Honolulu Hale.
December 12, 2025
Free Family Movie Night – Lilo & Stitch
Time: 7:00pm
Bring a blanket and watch Lilo & Stitch under the stars with the city lights twinkling all around.
December 13, 2025
Hula Hui O Kapunahala
Time: 5:30pm
A community-focused hula hālau sharing mele and hula in a warm, family-friendly setting.
December 14, 2025
Holiday Harpist
Time: 5:30pm
Relax and soak in gentle holiday harp music surrounded by the festive light displays.
December 18, 2025
Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders & Dancers
Time: 6:15pm
Enjoy live music and hula from the Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders in the heart of Honolulu City Lights.
December 19, 2025
Hawaii Foodservice Alliance Night
Time: 6:00pm
A hosted evening featuring holiday cheer and community support from Hawaii Foodservice Alliance.
December 20, 2025
Free Milk & Cookies Night
Time: 6:00pm
The sweetest night of the month—families can enjoy free milk and cookies while taking in the lights.
Christmas Parades on Oahu
Oahu hosts several beloved annual Christmas parades that bring out marching bands, community groups, local businesses, and plenty of holiday spirit.
November 28 (Friday)
Waikiki Holiday Parade
Time: 7–9pm
Route: Fort DeRussy → Kalākaua Avenue → Queen Kapiolani Park
This torch-lit parade honors Pearl Harbor survivors and veterans. Marching bands from Hawaii and the mainland, hula hālau, military units, and local performers make this one of Oahu’s most meaningful holiday events.
November 29 (Saturday)
Electric Light Parade – Honolulu City Lights
Time: 6:15pm
Route: ‘A‘ala Park down King Street, passing Honolulu Hale
Part of the Honolulu City Lights opening celebration, this illuminated parade features city agencies, marching bands, and lighted vehicles.
December 6 (Saturday)
Kaneohe Christmas Parade
Time: 9am–12:30pm
Route: Windward Mall → Castle High School
A Windward Oahu tradition for more than 60 years, this parade brings together local schools, community organizations, and festive holiday floats.
December 6 (Saturday)
Kapolei City Lights Parade & Tree Lighting
Parade: ~5:30pm
Where: Kapolei Hale
Kapolei’s largest holiday celebration includes a lively evening parade and an annual tree lighting ceremony at Kapolei Hale.
December 12 (Friday)
Haleiwa Christmas Parade
Time: 5:30–9pm
Route: Weed Circle → Haleiwa Beach Park
The North Shore lights up for this beloved community parade featuring local schools, surf organizations, businesses, and Santa riding into Haleiwa.
Special Holiday Activities
December 7 (Sunday)
Jingle Rock Run 5K – Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi
Time: 3–9pm
Where: Ko Olina Resort
This festive run raises funds for Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i and includes live entertainment, holiday costumes, and family activities.
December 21 (Sunday)
Holidays with the Animals – Honolulu Zoo
Where: Honolulu Zoo
Watch the zoo’s residents enjoy special holiday enrichment and treats. This event is included with zoo admission and is a fun, educational way to celebrate the season.m
Chronological Oahu Christmas Events 2025
| Date | Event | Time | Location / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 15 – Dec 24 | Santa’s Surf Shack – Ala Moana Center | Mall hours | Level 4, Ho‘okipa Terrace |
| Nov 22 – Dec 24 | Photos with Santa – Kahala Mall | Mall hours | Near Macy’s |
| Nov – Dec | Photos with Santa – Windward Mall | Various times | Center Court |
| Nov 26 – Dec 20 | Aloha Santa & Holiday Performances – Royal Hawaiian Center | Wed & Sat, 5–7:30pm | Royal Grove |
| Nov 28 (Fri) | Waikiki Holiday Parade | 7–9pm | Fort DeRussy → Kalākaua Ave → Queen Kapiolani Park |
| Nov 28 (Fri) | Royal Hawaiian Band – Kalikimaka Ho‘omau Holiday Concert | 7pm (doors 6pm) | Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall — FREE |
| Nov 29 (Sat) | Honolulu City Lights – Opening Night | Block Party 4pm • Tree Lighting 6pm • Parade 6:15pm | Honolulu Hale & Thomas Square |
| Nov 29 (Sat) | Prince Waikiki Holiday Marketplace | 11am–5pm | Prince Waikiki Lobby |
| Nov 29 – Dec 29 | Honolulu City Lights – Nightly Light Display | 6pm–dawn | Honolulu Hale & Thomas Square |
| Nov 30 (Sun) | Aloha Home Market – Holiday Market | 9am–2pm | Kailua |
| Dec 3 (Wed) | Celtic Pipes & Drums of Hawaii — Special Night | 7:00pm | Honolulu City Lights |
| Dec 5 (Fri) | Prince Waikiki Holiday Marketplace | 3–6pm | Prince Waikiki Lobby |
| Dec 6 (Sat) | Kaneohe Christmas Parade | 9am–12:30pm | Windward Mall → Castle High School |
| Dec 6 (Sat) | Kapolei City Lights Parade & Tree Lighting | Parade ~5:30pm | Kapolei Hale |
| Dec 6 (Sat) | Hawaiian Railway – Holiday Express | 7pm | Ewa Beach |
| Dec 7 (Sun) | Aloha Home Market – Holiday Market | 9am–2pm | Kailua |
| Dec 7 (Sun) | Ka Pā Hula O Ka Lei Hulu Hiwa — Special Night | 5:30pm | Honolulu City Lights |
| Dec 7 (Sun) | Jingle Rock Run 5K – Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i | 3–9pm | Ko Olina Resort |
| Dec 10 (Wed) | Royal Hawaiian Band — Special Night | 6:00pm | Honolulu City Lights |
| Dec 12 (Fri) | Haleiwa Christmas Parade | 5:30–9pm | Weed Circle → Haleiwa Beach Park |
| Dec 12 (Fri) | Free Family Movie Night — Lilo & Stitch | 7:00pm | Honolulu City Lights |
| Dec 12 (Fri) | Hawaiian Railway – Holiday Express | 7pm | Ewa Beach |
| Dec 13 (Sat) | Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace – Day 1 | 10am–8pm | Blaisdell Exhibition Hall |
| Dec 13 (Sat) | Festival of Lights – Hawaii Kai Boat Parade | 6–8:30pm | Hawaii Kai Marina |
| Dec 13 (Sat) | Hawaiian Railway – Holiday Express | 7pm | Ewa Beach |
| Dec 13 (Sat) | Hula Hui O Kapunahala — Special Night | 5:30pm | Honolulu City Lights |
| Dec 14 (Sun) | Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace – Day 2 | 10am–5pm | Blaisdell Exhibition Hall |
| Dec 14 (Sun) | Aloha Home Market – Holiday Market | 9am–2pm | Kailua |
| Dec 14 (Sun) | Holiday Harpist — Special Night | 5:30pm | Honolulu City Lights |
| Dec 18 (Thu) | Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders & Dancers — Special Night | 6:15pm | Honolulu City Lights |
| Dec 19 (Fri) | Hawaii Foodservice Alliance — Special Night | 6:00pm | Honolulu City Lights |
| Dec 19 (Fri) | Hawaiian Railway – Holiday Express | 7pm | Ewa Beach |
| Dec 20 (Sat) | Royal Hawaiian Center – Holiday Performance & Santa Photos | 5–7:30pm | Royal Grove |
| Dec 20 (Sat) | Free Milk & Cookies Night — Special Night | 6:00pm | Honolulu City Lights |
| Dec 20 (Sat) | Hawaiian Railway – Holiday Express | 7pm | Ewa Beach |
| Dec 21 (Sun) | Holidays with the Animals – Honolulu Zoo | Daytime | Honolulu Zoo |
| Dec 21 (Sun) | Aloha Home Market – Holiday Market | 9am–2pm | Kailua |
Hawaii Travel Tips for Christmas in Honolulu
Christmas in Honolulu 2025 is seriously magical. You get all the festive traditions: Trees. Lights. Parades. Santa. But with palm trees, beach views, and that unmistakable aloha spirit.
A Few Tips:
- Book early: Hotels and luaus fill up FAST during the holidays
- Pack layers: Evenings can be breezy, especially at outdoor events
- Use TheBus or trolleys: Parking downtown during Honolulu City Lights is TOUGH
- Respect Pearl Harbor tributes: The Waikiki Holiday Parade is both festive and solemn
- Bring a camera: These Hawaii photos will be incredible!
Whether you’re watching the torch-lit Waikiki Christmas Parade 2025, strolling through the dazzling Honolulu City Lights, or hunting for unique gifts at local holiday markets, Oahu Christmas events 2025 deliver pure holiday magic.
Looking for a family photographer to capture your Hawaiian holiday memories? Let’s create some magic together with a Hawaii beach photoshoot!
Wondering what to wear for your holiday photos? I’ve got you covered with style tips for the perfect tropical Christmas look.
Mele Kalikimaka, and see you under the palm trees!
Traveling to Oahu? Get more tips & tricks here!
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- Christmas In Honolulu 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to Oahu Holiday Magic
- The Best Boutiques in Kailua: A Guide to Shopping In O’ahu
- Family Friendly Veteran’s Day Events 2025 On Oahu, Hawaii
- Oahu July 4 Fireworks 2025: Where to Watch the Best Shows With Your Family
- Conquering the Lanikai Hike with Kids: A Mom of 4 Boys Tells All
If you’re in the Portland area, check out this post on Portland Pediatrician about finding the right pediatrician for your family.
I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!
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Such a great list of fun holiday activities! This is the best time of the year! So much fun stuff to do. Thanks for putting together such a comprehensive list of holiday activities.
What a fantastic list of the Christmas events to attend in Oahu!
Thank you so much!
This is the perfect resource for families in Oahu to get in the holiday spirit! Thanks for sharing!
I knew it’d be helpful if my neighbors were asking for it!