Alo-ho-ho-a, mama! Christmas on Oahu is a whole vibe! Trade your fuzzy boots for slippers (Hawaiian for flip flops) and that hot chocolate for a Mai Tai (or TWO!). I’ve got your list of Oahu Christmas Events locked and loaded.
There’s parades, Aloha Santa on red canoes, city lights, trolley rides and giant trees.
Some big events in December you should look out for are the Van Triple Crown of Surfing, Christmas Luau, Honolulu City Lights, Pearl Harbor Anniversary Events (Dec 7 only!)
I’ve created a few different categories based on what you’re looking for, links for just about everything and a chronological order so you don’t miss anything!
If you’ve got something I should add, email me at alison@alisonbellphotographer.com
Mele Kalikimaka, babe!
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.
Oahu Christmas Events : Holiday Markets
Weekly markets are frequent around Oahu, all the more during the holiday season! Vendors have been prepping for months by now to have stock for these special occasions.
Lanikai Christmas Craft Fair
- Nov 23
- Lanikai Association Park
- See website for vendor list
Mari’s Gardens Christmas pop-up market
- Dec 7
- Mari’s Gardens Mililani location
Aloha Home Market Holiday Markets
Home to the original Aloha Home Market, the Kailua Market has been operating since 2018. The market runs from 9am-2pm in the covered parking lot on the makai end of Uluniu Street”
Alohahomemarket.com
34th Islandwide Christmas Crafts & Food Expo
- Nov 29- Dec 1
- Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, Honolulu
- $6-8 admission
Hawaii Holiday Craft & Gift Fair
- Dec 20-22
- Admission $7, military & 6 and under are free
- Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall
- Cash only!
Mele Kalikmaka Marketplace & Gingerbread Workshop
- Dec 14 & 15
- $4-6 admission
- Blaisdell Exhibition Hall
Santa, I know him!!!
Get a photo with Santa Claus at these Oahu Christmas events. Some are Aloha Santa on a red outrigger canoe or VW bus, some are traditional Santa. Most are pet friendly and free!
Aloha Santa at Out To See Kailua
Santa will be at OUT TO SEE in his vintage VW bus decorated for complimentary holiday photos parked directly in front of our location. Pets welcome.
- December 7, 2024 3-5pm
- December 12, 2024 4:30-6:30pm
- Out To See Vision in Kailua
Photos with Santa at Santa’s Surf Shack
- Nov 15- Dec 24th
- Ala Moana Center, Mall level 2, Makua Wing
- Furry friends welcome!
“Windward Wonderland” Photos with Santa
- Nov 18- Dec 24th
- 11:00 am – 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm, Sundays close at 6:00 pm
- At windward mall
Selfies with Santa
- Saturdays, Nov 30- Dec 21st
- Town Center of Mililani, Fireside Food Court
Photos with Santa
- Nov 25- Dec 24th
- Kahala Mall
- Print packages start at $25 and $35 for digital.
Weekly Holiday Performance and Free Photos with Aloha Santa
- Date: 11/27-12/21, (Wednesdays and Saturdays, 5pm-7:30pm)
- Royal Hawaiian Center, The Royal Grove
Breakfast with Santa
- Dec 7th
- Kroc Center (Ewa Beach)
- Keiki $20, Adults $30
Oahu Christmas Lights
Lights, lights lights! Oahu Christmas events wouldn’t be complete without drive through, trolley rides or walk the city streets in Honolulu. There are options everywhere.
- Opening night Dec 7
- Trolley Rides, $25-$35 for 2 hour rides
- Lights are up all month! ( Dec 8-30th)
Hawaiian Railway’s 2024 Holiday Express
- Nov 29th-30th, Dec 6-7th, Dec 13-14th, Dec 20-21st
- Departs at 7:00pm
- Need a reservation! The train sells out, call for cancellations
- Dates not yet published, but it is a fun annual event. Check the Hilton website for updates or call for a reservation
Chronological Oahu Christmas Events
More Oahu Christmas events are that happen in December – parades, shopping, and more all in chronological order so you can see what’s happen right now!
Waikiki Holiday Parade – Torchlight Parade
- Always Black Friday
- From the website “The Waikiki Holiday Parade commemorates Pearl Harbor by honoring survivors and veterans in memory of the attacks from December 7, 1941. Local Hawaiian bands, marching bands from the mainland, military units, local officials and dignitaries march down torch-lit Kalakaua Avenue along Waikiki Beach. It is held annually the Friday following Thanksgiving Day and hosts thousands of spectators, residents and visitors alike.”
- Nov 30th
- Parade at 6p
- Block party with local food trucks, vendors & live music
Diamond Head Theatre’s White Christmas
- Nov 22- Dec 15th
- $41-$52
- Diamond Head Theatre
Pearl Ridge Express Holiday Train
- Nov 22- Jan 5th
- Pearl Ridge Uptown
- “Children under 48 inches tall can take a ride in the scale-model train through a mystical Christmas wonderland in Mauka Center Court”
- Dec 1
- 4pm
- Honolulu
- Family pricing available, starting at $35
Kaimuki Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
- Dec 5
- 6p
- Dec 7
- 9-11a
- Windward Mall to Castle High School
- 60 Years and running!
- Dec 7 at 6pm
- Block Party at 4p
- Mayor’s Tree lighting Ceremony
- City Department Tree Exhibit
- Holiday Wreath Contest
- From the website: “The celebration kicks off with a block party at 4:00 p.m., on Punchbowl Street and across the Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds, featuring food vendors and live entertainment. At 6:00 pm the Public Workers’ Electric Light Parade will start from Aʻala Park and the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at the front of Honolulu Hale. After the tree lighting ceremony, the City Department Tree Exhibit and the Holiday Wreath Contest Exhibit at Honolulu Hale will officially open to the public.”
CocoKeaholi Christmas Wreath Workshop
- Dec date TBD
- Ko Hana Distillery in Kunia
- Dec 12
- 4:30-7:30
MARFORPAC Band Holiday Concert Series
- Wind Ensemble & Brass on the Beach (New Orleans-Style Brass Band) 6 & 12 Dec 6 & 12 at 6pm
- Marine Corps Base Hawaii Chapel (Base access required) Dec 13 at 6p
- Dec 13
- 6-8pm
- Weed Circle to Haleiwa Beach Park
- Date TBD, pictures from prior years
- Outrigger Resort Waikiki
- 9am – arrival is free
- Breakfast with Santa $15-36
- Dec 14- Dec 15th
- Blaisdell Arena
- Dec 14 6-8:30p
- Fun video from last year!
Marine Corps Band Holiday Concert Series Hale Koa Hotel
- Wed Dec 12
- Hale Koa Hotel in Honolulu
- Follow the MARFORPAC Band for details
Make a Wish Hawaii Jingle Rock Run 5k
- Dec 15, Ko Olina
- 3-9p
- $30-40
- Dec 23-24 *historical dates, details TBD for 2024
- 1-7p
- FREE – BYO Camera, animals welcome
Christmas Movie Showings
Movie theaters have changed to stay competitive over the years! Many of the theaters in Hawaii start to offer old Christmas movies during the month of December. It is a fun way to get out of the house and watch some movies your family knows and loves! Check your local theaters for details, not all dates are released. This is also a great option for last-minute rainy day Oahu Christmas events in December!
Get tickets, showings and more details for Kailua movies here.
For Honolulu Consolidated Theatre showtimes & tickets click here.
Windward Mall Regal Theater, Kaneohe click here
Traveling to Oahu? Get more tips & tricks here!
- Best Oahu Beaches for Boogie Boarding
- Lanikai Beach – Ultimate Run Down For the Best Experience
- Best Shave Ice Oahu
- Largest July 4th Fireworks Oahu 2024
- 2024 Oahu Summer Camps
- Top 5 Reasons You MUST Do a Morning Photoshoot In Hawaii
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!