If you’re stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, MCB Hawaii, or one of the other military bases on Oahu, experience the December holidays “Hawaii style!” The tropical climate doesn’t hinder the festive spirit. Locals go all out with spectacular lights, attractions, and local flavor.
Here are some of the major celebrations in Honolulu and beyond!
Events and dates listed have been updated for 2025.
Honolulu City Lights is among the most well-known holiday exhibits on Oahu. Hosted at Honolulu Hale, the festival features a giant Christmas tree, sculptures of "Shaka Santa" and his wife, Tutu Mele, plus many other holiday displays. Popular local vendors sell food.
The opening night ceremony is November 29, and the festival runs through December.
A fun way to visit the Honolulu City Lights is on a double decker bus! The tour starts at the corner of Aloha Tower Drive and Richards Street. Enjoy hot cocoa, games, and photos with Santa before hopping on the Waikiki Trolley, which travels throughout downtown Honolulu to Honolulu Hale.
The tours run daily between November 30 through December 30. Buy tickets on the website.
Kapolei hosts its annual holiday light display at Kapolei Hale beginning on December 6. The Opening Night Festivities include a Parade and Block Party featuring local vendors, live music, and more. This year’s theme is “Season of Stars,” a tribute to the islands’ ocean navigation traditions.
Head over to Hawaii Kai Town Center to watch this incredible display! A parade of light-adorned boats will cruise by the marina starting at sunset, plus you have opportunities to win gift cards from businesses in the mall.
The festival is free and takes place on December 13 from 4–7 p.m.
Nearly anywhere you live with your Hawaii BAH on Oahu, you’ll find festive lights and parades.
Over in Kaimuki, the community spirit shines bright during the Kaimuki Christmas Parade on December 4. This beloved neighborhood tradition brings together about 1,500 marchers, 30 festive vehicles, and three bands. The parade kicks off at St. Louis High School and Chaminade University, traveling along Waialae Avenue toward Koko Head Avenue before wrapping up at the municipal parking lot.
Kick off the holiday season on December 5 with the Wahiawa Santa Parade, a cherished community tradition that brings families, friends, and local organizations together for a morning full of festive spirit. Expect plenty of holiday cheer with 1,500 marchers, 100 decorated vehicles, five lively bands, and 25 creative floats making their way from Ka‘ala Elementary School down California Avenue, finishing at Fred Wright Park.
In Central Oahu, the Mililani Holiday Parade fills the streets with color, music, and community pride on December 6. This hometown favorite starts at Mililani High School and winds through the heart of the neighborhood before ending at Mililani Town Center. Grab a spot along the route to enjoy the festive sights and sounds that make this parade a true highlight of the holiday season.
Neighborhoods all over Oahu boast elaborate holiday lights and other decorations. Here are a few of the most well-known:
Kaneohe: Homeowners on Namoku Street transform their block into “Christmas Tree Lane” with a variety of incredible decorations.
Kailua: Head to Akumu Street to check out this popular display on Oahu’s windward side.
Kaimuki: Pu’u O Kaimuki Mini Park, also known as “Christmas Tree Park,” is a popular spot to see panoramic views of Honolulu. The Christmas tree, which is made of metal and lights, is aglow nightly throughout December.
Mililani: This neighborhood in central Oahu draws visitors from around the island who come to see the annual display. The spectacle is on three cul-de-sacs off Mahinahou Street.
Waikele: Make your way to Anapau Place to check out the synchronized light show, which runs nightly from 7-9:30.
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Besides the public holiday events, check out these military-only celebrations!
Join the annual celebration at the Freedom Tower in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam housing. It features live entertainment from two military bands, a laser light show, “local-style” ice skating, food, and giveaways.
The celebration takes place on December 15.
The Hale Koa (a military-only resort in Honolulu) has special holiday meals and events for Christmas and New Year's celebrations.
Bibas Courtyard Grill often serves Christmas and New Year's meals (reservations highly recommended). The hotel is also known for hosting a special New Year's Eve Luau in their garden (tickets required).
You do not need to be a registered guest at the hotel, but you must have a military ID to make the reservation. The ID card holder can sponsor guests.