Hawaiʻi Holidays in Waikīkī: Must‑See Winter Events & Seasonal Magic

As the calendar turns toward December, Waikīkī transforms into a dazzling playground of holiday sparkle and cultural celebration. For travelers planning a winter escape, here’s your guide to the most anticipated events, festive experiences, and island‑style traditions happening around Oʻahu this holiday season.

Holiday Highlights Worth Adding To Your December Plans

Honolulu City Lights & Tree Lighting at Honolulu Hale

One of the biggest and most beloved holiday traditions on Oʻahu is the Honolulu City Lights. Each year, the grounds of Honolulu Hale (City Hall) are dressed in twinkling lights, larger-than-life decorations, and festive displays. The opening celebration includes live performances, a walk-through display, and the lighting of the iconic Christmas tree. The lights remain lit for the entire holiday season and have proven to be a favorite pastime for visitors and locals alike.

Open until December 31, 2025

Waikīkī Holiday Parade

Waikīkī’s own holiday parade has become a festive standby, featuring marching bands, Santa Claus, floats, and torchlit segments that wind along Kalākaua Avenue. This parade often blends holiday joy with cultural homage, sometimes including acknowledgments of Pearl Harbor and Hawaiʻi’s significance in military history.

More Christmas Parades

Oʻahu hosts a variety of community parades that bring out local charm, music, and neighborhood pride. Here are more festive marches happening around the island:

Kaimukī Christmas Parade

Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Kick off the season with this beloved neighborhood tradition along Waiʻalae Avenue, running from Chaminade/St. Louis to Koko Head Avenue. Expect nearly 40 local businesses, school bands, scout troops, community groups, trolleys, and walkers, plus a special appearance from Santa Claus. Free and open to the public.

Wahiawā Santa Parade

Friday, December 5, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Watch Wahiawā come alive with its biggest holiday celebration of the year. The parade begins at Ka‘ala Elementary, travels up California Avenue, and ends at North Cane Street, filling the town with music, lights, and festive community spirit.

Kapolei City Lights & Holiday Parade

Lights: December 6, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Block Party: Saturday, December 6, 5 to 9 p.m.
Parade: Saturday, December 6, 5:30 p.m.
Join the Leeward Oʻahu community for an evening of food trucks, live entertainment, glowing displays, and a bustling block party surrounding Kapolei Hale. The parade begins at Kapolei High School and ends at Kama‘aha Avenue, with holiday lights illuminating the area nightly through early January.

Kāne‘ohe Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 6 at 9 a.m.
A longtime Windward-side favorite, this parade marches from the Kāne‘ohe Bay Shopping Center to Castle High School, rain or shine. Expect early street closures along Kamehameha Highway starting at 8:30 a.m.

Mililani Holiday Parade

Saturday, December 6, 9 to 10 a.m.
This family-friendly parade features marching bands, antique cars, festive floats, and an appearance by Santa Claus. It begins at Mililani High School’s Kauinana Stadium and finishes at the Town Center of Mililani, drawing the whole community out to celebrate.

Festival of Lights Boat Parade in Hawaiʻi Kai

For a coastal twist, the Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade in Hawaiʻi Kai is a beloved maritime tradition. Boats draped in holiday lights float along the waterways while hula and musical performances light up the evening atmosphere.

2025 schedule: December 13 | 4 pm - 7 pm

‘Twas the Light Before Christmas On Ice

This immersive light and ice experience is a seasonal favorite—combining holiday music, choreographed lighting displays, and a magical ice rink atmosphere. Held at a specially staged venue in Honolulu, this event offers a unique tropical twist on a classic winter spectacle.

The Nutcracker in Hawaiian Style & Holiday Concerts

No holiday season on Oʻahu is complete without a performance of The Nutcracker, reimagined with Hawaiian flair by Ballet Hawaiʻi. Expect vibrant tropical elements, local motifs, and classical dance. Holiday concerts, such as Jake Shimabukuro’s Holidays in Hawaiʻi, the Hapa Holiday Extravaganza, and other seasonal performances at the Hawaii Theatre round out the musical offerings.

Nutcracker: December 12-14, 2025 at the Blaisdell Concert Hall

Whale Watching Season Begins

Winter in Hawaiʻi also marks the return of humpback whales, migrating from the cold waters of Alaska to breed and calve in Hawaiʻi’s warm waters. From December onward, charter cruises and ocean tours depart from Waikīkī and surrounding harbors, giving visitors a chance to glimpse these majestic mammals in their natural environment.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Over Waikīkī Beach

The 2026 Waikiki New Year’s Fireworks are officially happening, bringing one of Oʻahu’s most exciting year-end traditions back to the shoreline. Sponsored by the Waikiki Improvement Association and produced by Hawaii Explosives & Pyrotechnics Inc, this midnight display lights up the coast with a dazzling blend of artistry, color, and island-style celebration.

At the stroke of 12:00 a.m., a barge offshore launches a choreographed show of jewel-tone bursts, shimmering silver, sparkling gold, and dramatic multi-shot effects that rise from the ocean and fill the sky above Waikīkī. The performance symbolizes lokahi (unity), reflecting how local partners come together each year to create a moment of joy for visitors and residents alike.

The fireworks are visible all along Waikīkī Beach, making it easy to watch from the sand, a beachfront restaurant, or even your hotel lanai. Arrive early for a good spot, and if you're staying at Waikiki Resort Hotel, it's a relaxed stroll to the shoreline—no traffic stress, just steps away from one of Hawaiʻi’s most magical ways to welcome the new year.

Sample Holiday Itinerary: Five Magical Days

Day 1: Arrival & Holiday Kickoff
- Settle in at Waikiki Resort Hotel, enjoy a relaxed beach afternoon or check out the new game room
- Evening out in Waikiki, dine with an ocean view
Day 2: Culture & Parade Day
- Morning at Pearl Harbor historical sites or downtown museums
- Evening stroll in Waikiki, enjoy the Waikīkī Holiday Parade
Day 3: Adventure on the Water
- Whale-watching or snorkeling trip (if sea conditions allow)
- Night-time ride on the Waikīkī Trolley Holiday Lights Tour or check out the Festival of Lights Boat Parade
Day 4: Arts & Music
- Gallery visits, local markets, crafts & lei-making
- Evening: catch The Nutcracker or a holiday concert at Hawaii Theatre
Day 5: North Shore & Surf Culture
- Scenic drive to the North Shore; watch big-wave surfers or enjoy local shops and eateries
- Return to Waikīkī for a festive farewell dinner and optional evening stroll

Tips for Making the Most of the Season

Reserve early. Holiday performances and tours sell fast—book shows, whale cruises, and special events well in advance.
Layer up wisely. While days are warm, evenings near the water may carry a cooler breeze. Bring a light sweater or shawl.
Check event pages. Dates and schedules may shift—always verify via official sources or event websites.
Embrace local flavors. Seasonal treat stands, holiday markets, and craft fairs offer unique gift ideas and island specialties.
Respect ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) and traditions. Many holiday events incorporate hula, mele (songs), chants, and other cultural aspects. Participate respectfully and with an open heart.

Why Stay at Waikiki Resort Hotel During the Holidays

With so many festive events happening throughout Waikīkī and Honolulu in December, staying somewhere central makes the season feel even more magical. Waikiki Resort Hotel places you right in the heart of it all. Guests can easily hop on a trolley or bus to Honolulu City Lights, or stroll to nearby beaches for sunset views and fireworks gatherings.

When you return from a day of holiday adventures, you can unwind in spacious rooms, enjoy the convenience of on-site parking, or relax in the new game room. And when you book direct, you’ll start each morning with a complimentary Ilima Café breakfast, giving you the energy to take on festive markets, concerts, and sightseeing.

If you need help planning your holiday itinerary, the hotel’s friendly concierge team can assist with whale-watching tours, show tickets, transportation tips, and local recommendations to make your winter escape both effortless and memorable. Staying at Waikiki Resort Hotel keeps you close to the season’s brightest moments while offering the comforts of a welcoming home base.