Celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Honolulu

The State of Hawaii, also better known as Hawaii Islands, has a tropical weather and almost all the things move at a leisurely pace, in the typical island-style. But when it comes to celebrating events and festivals, it doesn’t mean that they too are done in a leisurely manner. Plan your visit to Honolulu, the capital city of Hawaii Islands, particularly during Christmas and New Year. You will be amazed with the exuberance and cheerful atmosphere all around. The entire length and breadth of the island illuminates with vibrant colors and festive mood is palpable everywhere.

Visiting Honolulu and the various islands in Hawaii during the winter months to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve has its own appeal and special meaning. While experiencing memorable holidays here, you will also know a lot about the local culture, lifestyle, cuisines and rich traditions of the island.

Like elsewhere in the world, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are the biggest festivities in Hawaii Islands. The islanders are in high spirits and the atmosphere is eclectic all around. The Christmas festivities begin with an amazing illumination display, which is rightly called the ‘Honolulu City Lights’. The entire street in front of the Honolulu capitol building is elaborately decorated with multitude of lights. The statues are also decorated as well. Spend the entire month of December in Honolulu, and you will thoroughly enjoy the biggest and brightest festivities during your stay here.

The New Year’s Eve in the city is also quite exciting. Several fun options are available for you. Oodles of entertainment are just waiting for you at the super family friendly party organized at the Kakaako Waterfront Park. Your kids will also have a gala time with umpteen games and dazzling fireworks display right in the heart of Honolulu. A night out at the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore on New Year’s Eve would simply be worth remembering. The champagne toast, in-house concert, dancing, buffet and much more are just waiting for you.
 
Honolulu will keep you engaged and regaled throughout your holidays. Here are some of the best recommended suggestions on how to enjoy your festivities in the city at its best.

Honolulu City Lights keeps the city tradition alive
The Honolulu City Lights has kept the city’s tradition alive for the past several decades now. This is the perfect way to herald in the holiday season and kick off the December celebrations. The lighting of the 63-foot pine tree is the major highlight. The nearby buildings, including the Honolulu capitol building, are illuminated. A parade and live musical performance are among the major highlights as well. The month-long celebration is marked by a series of events.

The Honolulu City Lights inaugural night program is scheduled on December 6 starting from 4pm to 11 pm. A session of free photos with Santa Claus will be taking place on December 13 and 20 between 7 pm to 9 pm. A free milk and cookies night is also scheduled to take place. Among other highlights include enchanted forest display, holiday concert, children’s rides and food booths.

Haleiwa Christmas Parade
The Haleiwa Christmas Parade takes place on the North Shore in the second week of December every year. The small historic town is in a festive mood. The parade starts from the western end of the town from the roundabout, runs through the entire town and finally concludes at the town’s northern end at Haleiwa Beach Park. The major highlights of the parade include hula dancers, beauty queens, musical bands, floats and other forms of local entertainment.

Christmas at Windward Mall
The Windward Mall brings the Christmas spirit to Oahu alive during the holiday season every year. The entire mall is decorated and people can be seen indulging in holiday shopping at over 110 stores situated here. The Christmas cheer is brought alive with the visits of Santa Claus and free photos with the children. Live music, rides for children, food and entertainment options are available here. The "Hokule'a Voyage of Discovery", the first indoor children’s soft play area in Oahu, makes the Windward Mall unique in Hawaii Islands.

New Years at Aloha Tower
It’s great fun to visit the Aloha Tower Marketplace on New Year’s Eve. It’s a vibrant place for New Year’s celebration on an ocean side. More than 50 performers can be seen entertaining the revelers. A mechanical bull, amazing fireworks display and other forms of entertainment are the main highlights here.