Bookmark These 8 Holiday Attractions and Activities on Oʻahu

The holidays are officially in full swing! 

While there’s no drastic change between seasons here in the Islands, there are still plenty of ways to feel the holiday spirit and celebrate. From wandering through a winter wonderland to sipping cocktails at Christmas-themed bars, these attractions and pop-up activities on Oʻahu will help you get into the jolly spirit.  

Let the festivities begin!

1. Stroll a Winter Wonderland at ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas

Now to Dec. 31 

Explore a 32,000-square-foot winter wonderland at ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas.
Photo: Grace Maeda

Hosted at the Hawaiʻiʻ Convention Center, ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas offers loads of winter fun (and photo opps!) for the entire ʻohana. Plan a date night or family outing to this one-of-a-kind immersive experience and you’ll feel as if you’re strolling through a magical storybook. Here, you can explore a 32,000-square-foot winter wonderland filled with snow-dusted pathways, twinkling light tunnels, holiday music and delicious treats right in Honolulu. Tickets start at $26.99 for adults and $14.99 for children. Additional discounts are available for students, seniors, military members and groups. VIP packages are also available. 

Get tickets at alohaimmersive.com. 

2. Brighten Your Spirit at Honolulu City Lights

Dec. 7 to Dec. 31 

Honolulu City Lights is a holiday tradition on Oʻahu and it is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024.
Photo: David Croxford

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Honolulu City Lights is a beloved holiday tradition and a grand spectacle of giant-sized ornaments, decked-out palm trees and plenty of spots to snap photos. The festivities can be enjoyed (for free!) throughout this month. But you’ ll want to bookmark Dec. 7, because the lights officially flick on. The evening includes a block party with local vendors and the Pubilc Workers’ Electric Light Parade. As the parade passes Honolulu Hale, Mayor Rick Blandiardi will illuminate the holiday tree and the lights decorating the grounds.  

For more information, visit honolulucitylights.org. 

3. Take a Holiday Lights Trolley Tour

Dec. 8 to Dec. 30 

All aboard and hop on the holiday trolley! Take a jolly 30-minute ride to Honolulu Hale to see Shaka Santa, Tūtū Mele and to explore all the bright lights. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for children 3 to 11 years old. Tickets also include free hot cocoa, entry into the Waikīkī Trolley Winter Wonderland and a photo with Santa Clause.  

For more information, visit holidaylightshi.com/tickets.  

4. Shop at Local Pop-Up Markets

Skip the mall and big-box retailers and opt to spend time shopping at a local market. During December you’ll find local craft fairs and holiday markets across the island, making it easy to score unique gifts—and support Hawaiʻi’s small businesses. Expect to find artisan jewelry, adorable apparel, delicious snacks and so much more at these markets. Happy shopping! 

Upcoming markets: 

• Dec. 12: Kailua Town Holiday Sip + Shop 2024 (more information here) 

• Dec. 7, 14, 15: Mālama Hawaiʻi Makers Market (more information here) 

• Dec. 8, 15, 22: Aloha Home Market (more information here) 

• Dec. 14: Sunshine People Market (more information here) 

• Dec. 14, 15: Mele Kalikimaka Market Place (more information here) 

• Dec. 15: Koko Marina Makers Market (more information here) 

5. Sip on Festive Spirits at a Pop-Up Bar

Sippin’ Santa is open now through Dec. 30 and Winter Wonderland is open now through Dec. 28 

Sippin’ Santa is a holiday pop-up bar at the Prince Waikīkī.
Photo: Courtesy of Prince Waikīkī

Not feeling the holiday spirit, yet? Sipping on a spirited cocktail at a Christmas-themed pop-up bar might do the trick. You can check out Sippin’ Santa, a tiki-themed holiday bar at the Prince Waikīkī. Here, you can enjoy cocktails including the Kris Kringle Colada or the signature Sippin Santa, made with El Dorado 8-year Demerara rum, Averna, fresh orange and lemon juice, nutmeg and ginger syrup—served in a surfin’ Santa mug.  

You can also warm up with holiday-themed brews and cocktails at Winter Wonderland, a festive pop-up bar at the Ala Moana Center.   

For more information about Sippin’ Santa, visit princewaikiki.com/holidaze. For more information about Winter Wonderland, visit winterwonderlandhonolulu.com. 

6. Catch a Christmas show at Blue Note

The December lineup at Blue Note Hawaiʻi is filled with holiday specials by well-known Hawaiʻi musicians. From Hoʻokena and Henry Kapono to Kimié Miner, enjoy your favorite holiday tunes with an island twist in this intimate venue.  

For Blue Note Hawaiʻi’s calendar of shows and to purchase tickets, visit bluenotejazz.com/hawaii. 

7. Watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on the Big Screen

Dec. 11 and Dec. 12 

Catch this classic Christmas flick at the iconic Hawaiʻi Theatre with a live rendition of the score by the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra. Tickets start at $25. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit hawaiitheatre.com. 

8. Attend a Special Rendition of “The Nutcracker” Ballet

Dec. 14 and Dec. 15 

Ballet Hawaiʻi presents its delightful rendition of “The Nutcracker,” a ballet performance you won’t find outside of the Islands. Set in 1858 in the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, you will be carried away by the traditional holiday dances but set in the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. Tickets start at $50. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ballethawaii.org. 

Check out HAWAIʻI Magazine’s event calendar to find out what’s happening across the Islands.