December Events in Waikīkī, Honolulu & Oʻahu 2025
December on Oʻahu is all about ocean breezes, festive lights, and celebrations that bring the island community together. Whether you’re visiting for Christmas, the Honolulu Marathon, or a warm-weather winter escape, you’ll find plenty to experience across Waikiki, Honolulu, and the rest of the island.
If your holiday plans include Waikiki, consider staying with Waikiki Resort Hotel for easy access to all the season’s highlights.
Things to Do in December in Waikiki, Honolulu, and Oʻahu: Holiday Events & Festive Celebrations 2025
Chicago the Musical
December 2–7, 2025
Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall
Broadway’s longest-running musical brings all the jazz, glamour, and razzle-dazzle to Honolulu. With multiple showtimes across the week, it’s a great holiday date night or group outing. Tickets available on Ticketmaster.
Honolulu City Lights
Honolulu Hale, 530 S. King Street
A beloved tradition for locals and visitors, Honolulu City Lights fills the month with parades, live entertainment, and plenty of holiday sparkle. Enjoy the massive tree, the Shaka Santa and Tūtū Mele statues, festive displays, and evening performances all December long.
Highlights
- Celtic Pipes & Drums of Hawaii – Dec 3, 7 pm
- Ka Pa Hula O Ka Lei Hulu Hiwa – Dec 7, 5:30 pm
- Royal Hawaiian Band – Dec 10, 6 pm
- Free Movie Night: Lilo & Stitch – Dec 12 and 21 at 7 pm
- Holiday Harpist – Dec 14, 5:30 pm
- Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders – Dec 18, 6:15 pm
- Free Milk & Cookies events – Dec 19–20
Perfect for families, couples, and anyone who loves the magic of the season.
Twas the Light Before Christmas On Ice
December 4, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Hawai‘i Convention Center
A glittering, immersive holiday wonderland with lights, music, treats, skating, and endless photo ops. Explore the Fir Forest, enjoy the immersive room, browse the Christmas Market, and sip festive drinks while soaking in the holiday spirit.
Flexible entry hours and free admission for kids two and under make it an easy family outing.
Kāneʻohe Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 6, 2025 – 9 AM
The largest community-run parade in Hawaiʻi, featuring over 2,400 participants and around 10,000 spectators. The route runs from Windward Mall to Castle High School and showcases local pride, marching bands, decorated floats, and plenty of holiday cheer.
A rain-or-shine tradition for Windward Oʻahu.
Kapolei City Lights
Opening Night: December 6, 2025
A lively block party with over 70 vendors, music, local food, a huge parade, and the annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting. This West Oʻahu event draws crowds for good reason—festive lights, live performances, Santa photos, community displays, and sparkling decor throughout Kapolei Hale.
If you miss opening night, the displays stay up through January 4, 2026.
Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Big Wave International
Event Window: December 7, 2025 – March 6, 2026
Location: Waimea Bay
Held only when the waves reach a massive 20–40 feet, The Eddie is the premier big-wave event in the world and deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. It has run only ten times in forty years, making each occurrence historic.
The opening ceremony takes place December 5. After that, it’s a waiting game for the perfect swell. If you’re on Oʻahu this winter, keep an eye on the surf forecast and you might witness surfing legend in real time.
A Gift of Song 2025: Free Christmas Concert
December 14, 2025 – 4 PM
Kawaiahaʻo Church
A warm and uplifting holiday performance by The Sounds of Aloha chorus hosted in one of Honolulu’s most historic churches. Free and open to the community.
JAL Honolulu Marathon
December 14, 2025
Ala Moana Boulevard / Queen St, Honolulu
One of the largest and most welcoming marathons in the U.S., the JAL Honolulu Marathon attracts more than 35,000 runners each year. It’s iconic, scenic, and filled with aloha.
What Makes It Special
- No Time Limit so everyone finishes on their own terms
- No Qualifications or Lottery just sign up and run
- Aloha Spirit Everywhere from spectators to fellow runners
The Experience
The race starts at 5 AM with fireworks lighting up the sky. The course winds through Waikiki, downtown Honolulu, and around Diamond Head with beautiful sunrise views. Runners finish in Kapi‘olani Park where malasadas, refreshments, and celebration await.
If you’re participating or cheering someone on, staying close to the action in Waikiki makes the weekend easy and memorable.
A Charlie Brown Christmas – Mike Lewis & Friends
December 24–25, 2025
Blue Note Hawaii
A holiday jazz tradition at Waikiki’s iconic Blue Note venue featuring the music of Vince Guaraldi. A charming, nostalgic, and beautifully performed Christmas experience. Ticketed event with a food and beverage minimum.
Sheraton Hawai‘i Bowl
December 24, 2025 – 3 PM
A college football tradition in Honolulu featuring teams from the Mountain West and American Conference. Held at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, it’s a fun way to spend Christmas Eve before heading into the holiday festivities.
Plan Your Holiday Stay in Waikiki
December is one of the most festive months on Oʻahu and staying close to the action makes it even more enjoyable.
If you’re planning a holiday getaway, marathon trip, or an end-of-year escape, Waikiki Resort Hotel offers the comfort, location, and value to make your stay seamless.
From direct booking benefits like complimentary breakfast to wellness activities and cultural experiences, it’s the perfect home base for your winter visit.
Ready to enjoy a warm Hawaiian holiday? Browse our current offers and start planning your December escape.