Just because there’s no snow in Hawaii for Christmas doesn’t mean there isn’t holiday spirit in abundance! Whether you’re vacationing or living on the island during the winter months, take part in one of these O’ahu Christmas and holiday events happening this year. You’ll be sure to get in a festive mood in no time.
Waikiki Holiday Parade
November 28, 2014 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Honolulu, Hawaii
Admission: FREE
Website
If you’re looking for something inspirational for Thanksgiving weekend, bring the entire family out to the Waikiki Holiday Parade. Since 1998, the annual festival has been commemorating Pearl Harbor survivors. The parade, which features an entertaining array of local bands, marching bands from all over the US, service bands, military units in addition to local dignitaries and entertainers. The route starts at Fort DeRussy and ends in Kapiolani Park.
The Holiday Craft Fair
November 29, 2014 8:30am – 3:00pm
Hawaiian Mission Houses -553 S King St, Honolulu, Hawaii
Admission: FREE
What better place to find that unique gift for that special someone on your list than at Oahu’s oldest and finest Holiday Craft Fair? Find all sorts of one-of-a-kind and Island-made crafts! With over 50 vendors selling everything from glass artwork to locally made food. Live entertainment is sure to keep the entire family entertained. Kawaiaha‘o Church also has its Annual Holiday Ma-keke and Craft Fair across the street on the same day. Visit both for over 100 vendors to visit between them.
Kaimuki Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
December 04, 2014 6:00pm – 7:00pm
St Louise School/Chaminade University -Koko Head Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii
Admission: FREE
Let the tradition continue! the 68th annual Kaimuki Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting is the state’s longest running Christmas parade, and it only gets better with every year. The parade which starts at St. Louise School and ends at Koko Head Avenue will feature the Royal Hawaiian Band lead by this year’s Parade Grand Marshall: Barbara Marumoto. The events also marks the official lighting of the Kaimuki Christmas Tree.
5k Jingle Rock Run for the Make-A-Wish Hawaii
December 21, 2014 6:00am – 9:00am
Mother Waldron Park -330 Cooke Street, Honolulu, Hawaii
Register online
Now in its second year, the Jingle Rock Run hosted by Make-A-Wish Hawaii is a 5k race whose proceeds help grant the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions. Run, walk or jog the festive course which is pet and stroller friendly. All participants can choose to run as an individual or as a team, with prizes being award for most funds raised as well as for best costume and for winners of each division. Festive attire is encouraged.
Gingerbread Family Festival -O’ahu
December 14, 2014 9:30 am – 11:30 am; 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Exhibition Hall
Kits are $39 and available online
Get ready to crumble at this delicious annual event. Hosted by Easter Seals Hawaii, the Gingerbread Family Festival brings out the baker in everyone. Bring the kids to build and decorate their very own gingerbread houses. This year will feature Iron Chef Morimoto as a special guest judge. Santa will also be making an appearance from the North Pole to pose for pictures. All proceeds support people with disabilities and special needs in the area.