Holiday Happenings 2025 on Oahu
PARADES & FESTIVITIES FOR YOUR HOLIDAY CHEER!
Click on the links below to learn more about individual Parades and Festivals taking place on Oahu in 2025.
NOVEMBER 21, 2025
Piney Needlesmith and the Road Less Traveled (Shows thru 12/7/25)
NOVEMBER 28, 2025
Kalihi Business Association 76th Annual Holiday Parade
Liliha-Palama Christmas Parade
NOVEMBER 29, 2025
Mele’s Kalikimaka Extravaganza
Honolulu City Lights Opening Night, Light Parade, Block Party
Honolulu City Lights & Honolulu Hale Christmas Trees & Wreaths Display (thru 12/31/25)
DECEMBER 4, 2025
‘Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice (ongoing thru Jan 4, 2026)
Holiday Brass with Honolulu Brass Quintet & Friends
DECEMBER 5, 2025
Kamehameha Schools: Kula Haʻahaʻa Christmas Concert 2025
DECEMBER 6, 2025
Street Bikers United - Toys for Tots Caravan Honolulu
Kapolei City Lights Parade, Opening Night Festivities, and Block Party
Kapolei City Lights - Season of Stars (thru 1/4/26)
DECEMBER 7, 2025
Manoa Community Christmas Parade
DECEMBER 11, 2025
Kapahulu-Moiliili Christmas Parade
DECEMBER 12, 2025
Ballet Hawaii’s The Nutcracker 2025
DECEMBER 13, 2025
Aiea Community Association Christmas Parade
Waianae Coast Christmas Parade
Hawaii Kai Festival of Lights Boat Parade
Ballet Hawaii’s The Nutcracker 2025
DECEMBER 14, 2025
Ballet Hawaii’s The Nutcracker 2025
DECEMBER 16, 2025
Jake Shimabukuro’s Holiday in Hawaii
DECEMBER 17, 2025
Jake Shimabukuro’s Holiday in Hawaii
DECEMBER 18, 2025
Hapa Holiday Extravaganza feturing Natalie Ai Kamauu
Jake Shimabukuro’s Holiday in Hawaii
DECEMBER 19, 2025
Jake Shimabukuro’s Holiday in Hawaii
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
DECEMBER 20, 2025
Ewa Beach Lions Club Christmas Parade
Kalani Pe’a’s Hawaiian Christmas Show 2025 feat. Jordan Soon
Christmas in Hawaii with Kimie Miner & Friends
DECEMBER 20, 2025
DECEMBER 21, 2025
DECEMBER 22, 2025
Starr of Christmas featuring Starr Kalahiki and Honolulu Brass Quintet
DECEMBER 24, 2025
A Charlie Brown Christmas with Mike Lewis & Friends
DECEMBER 25, 2025
A Charlie Brown Christmas with Mike Lewis & Friends
JANUARY 1, 2026 AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT!
2026 Waikiki New Year’s Fireworks
More holiday events dates to come.
Kalihi Business Association 76th Annual Holiday Parade
Get ready for the 2025 Kalihi Business Association and FACF Holiday Parade. This year marks the 76th Year of this great event. The parade kicks off the holiday season in Kalihi and is a highlight for many keiki, residents, businesses and organizations in the community.
For this year, we will follow the same parade route as 2024 to avoid the construction on Dillingham Boulevard. We will also be having the Kalihi-Kapālama Pā’ina at Kapālama Elementary school with entertainment, food, community booths, and games for the Keiki.
ROUTE: Start at Kalihi Union Church, continue along King Street pass Farrington High School, left at Houghtailing Street, School Street, ends at Kamehameha Shopping Center.
Liliha/Palama Christmas Parade
Starts at United Church of Christ, to Judd St., to Liliha St., to N. King St., to end at Kohou St.
Waikiki Holiday Parade
The parade begins with warm-up and step-off from Fort DeRussy Park and ends at Queen Kapiolani Park. The torch-lit parade route travels approximately 1.5 miles along Waikiki’s main thoroughfare, Kalakaua Avenue, with festive scenery of Waikiki Beach as your backdrop. On your left, tall, twinkling hotels and restaurants are teeming with flowers, torches and spectators; to your right grand palms & white sand beach unfold to the open ocean. You won’t find a warmer welcome in any other destination!
Hawaii Kai Holiday Parade
Coordinated by the Hawaii Kai Lions Club and sponsored by Koko Marina Center.
Parade ends at Koko Marina Center, followed by the Koko Marina. Center Christmas Carnival Celebration.
Bring the keiki, bring the ‘ohana! (activities subject to change)
Visit and take photos with Santa Claus and his Elf
Keiki Hula
Cookie Decorating
Popcorn Booth
Carnival Games
Donate a toy!
Bring a new unwrapped toy to enjoy the carnival games FOR FREE!
Honolulu City Lights Opening Night, Light Parade, Block Party
HONOLULU CITY LIGHTS IS PRESENTED BY THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FRIENDS OF HONOLULU CITY LIGHTS.
Free
Opening Ceremony:
Begins at 5:30 PM and the lights are scheduled to be turned on at approximately 6 PM
Public Workers' Electric Light Parade:
The parade travels on King Street, from River Street to Kawaiahao Street.
Step-off is at approximately 6 PM and the first unit arrives at Honolulu Hale approximately 6:30 PM
Honolulu City Lights and Honolulu Hale Christmas Trees & Wreaths Display
HONOLULU CITY LIGHTS IS PRESENTED BY THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FRIENDS OF HONOLULU CITY LIGHTS.
Free
The Honolulu Hale Christmas Trees on display are decorated by City Departments, bringing each department’s unique attributes to the display.
Kaimuki Christmas Parade
Get ready for the 2025 Kalihi Business Association and FACF Holiday Parade. This year marks the 76th Year of this great event. The parade kicks off the holiday season in Kalihi and is a highlight for many keiki, residents, businesses and organizations in the community.
For this year, we will follow the same parade route as 2024 to avoid the construction on Dillingham Boulevard. We will also be having the Kalihi-Kapālama Pā’ina at Kapālama Elementary school with entertainment, food, community booths, and games for the Keiki.
ROUTE: Start at Kalihi Union Church, continue along King Street pass Farrington High School, left at Houghtailing Street, School Street, ends at Kamehameha Shopping Center.
Wahiawa Town Santa Parade
The parade will start from Kaala Elementary at 6:30pm, going up California Avenue, and ending at North Cane Street.
38th Mililani Ohana Holiday Parade
Bring your ohana and beach chairs to watch hundreds of Parade Marchers including Mililani High School Band, Hula Hãlau's, Community Groups, Schools, Local Businesses, Neighborhood Organizations, Beauty Queens, and Santa Claus!
Parade starts at Mililani High School Kauinana Stadium and will travel along Kipapa Drive past Millani Shopping Center, to Moenamanu St., then onto Kuahelani Ave., and Meheula Pkwy., ending at the Town Center of Mililani.
Kaneohe Christmas Parade
Photos by Castle High School Yearbook Staff
The 61st Kaneohe Christmas Parade, "Hometown Heroes"! Usher in the holiday season for all of Windward Oʻahu!
Pearl City Christmas Parade
Holiday cheer will once again grace the neighboring community, bringing joy to its residents!
Sponsored by the Pearl City Shopping Center Merchants Association and partners with Pearl City High School Project Grad, who volunteer to coordinate the festive parade.
After the parade, check out the BLEIZN FX Cruz Night Car Show featuring by invitation only…dozens of Hawaii's top Hot Rods & Classic Cars with lots of door prizes! (no purchase required). Cruz Night runs from 5pm - 8pm next to Flagship Fastlube & Union 76 on the Makai side of Pearl City Shopping Center.
Manoa Community Christmas Parade
There will be 800 marchers, 15 vehicles, 2 floats and 4 bands. It starts at Noelani School and goes to Woodlawn Drive, Kolowalu Street, East Manoa Road, Lowrey Avenue, Manoa Road and ends up at Manoa District Park
Aiea Community Association Christmas Parade
The parade features marching bands, school and community groups, classic cars, floats, and, of course, Santa. The Fun Fair features entertainment, children’s activities, information booths, crafts, and food booths. We plan to have the blood mobile available for blood donations and a flu/covid shot clinic. It’s a great opportunity for the community to relax and enjoy the holiday activities and share community spirit.
Christmas on the Avenue
This year’s theme is Pupukahi I Holomua, which translates to “Unite to move forward as one.”
This theme speaks to the heart of our mission—to bring the community together to reconnect and celebrate the season in fellowship.
Hawaii Kai Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade
Hawaii Kai Marina shines with the Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade, a unique chance to see Hawaii-style holiday magic.
The Hawaii Kai Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade features styled, festive boats and lots of Christmas cheer!
Music, entertainment and a holiday wonderland on water!
2026 Chinatown Festival
A family-friendly festival in Honolulu's Historic Chinatown to welcome the 2026 Lunar New Year. The festivities include Food Vendors, Craft Vendors, Free Keiki Bouncy Houses, Rest Tent, Entertainment Stages, Bicycle Valet, and a Parade.
30th Annual Honolulu Festival & Parade 2026
The Honolulu Festival is Hawaii’s premier cultural event, promoting mutual understanding, economic cooperation and ethnic harmony between the people of Hawaii and the Pacific Rim region. Each year, the Festival attracts thousands of new and returning spectators who are looking for an experience unique to Hawaii. Through educational programs and activities sponsored by the Honolulu Festival Foundation, the Festival has been successful in showcasing the rich and vibrant blend of Asia, Pacific and Hawaiian cultures to the rest of the world. The three day extravaganza takes place every year in March from Friday through Sunday.
SUNDAY, MARCH 15 SCHEDULE
08:00 -
SISTER EVENT Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN 2026
10:00 - 15:00
Craft Fair / Ennichi Corner / Food Corner
10:00 - 15:00
10:00 - 15:00
10:00 - 15:00
10:00 - 15:00
10:00 - 15:00
16:00 - 20:00
20:30 - 20:45
Honolulu Pride Parade & Festival
Join the community for a sunset Parade down Kalākaua Avenue at 3pm and a night time Festival at Waikīkī Shell starting at 5pm. Enjoy the cool afternoon shade and the evening breeze as we celebrate the spirit of equality for all people of Hawai‘i.
The Festival will feature 4 hours of live national and local entertainers, 70+ craft and merchandise vendors, a resource fair, ‘ohana and kūpuna zones, onolicious food and beverages, and lots of MVPFAFF/LGBGTQIA+ aloha.
Chinatown808 presents the 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival & Parade
Photo: Courtesy of Chinatown808.com
Chinatown 808 presents the 2025 Honolulu Mid-Autumn Festival! Celebrate this traditional Chinese holiday that marks the end of a great autumn harvest and a reunion time for families. Come out with your friends and family for a weekend of fun with food, crafts, keiki activities, live entertainment, and more!
2025 Chinatown Parade
The 2025 Lunar New Year parade starts at the Hawaii State Capitol lawn. Participants march along Hotel Street through Downtown to Chinatown and are brought to the Chinatown Festival, formally known as Night in Chinatown. The festival will be on Beretania Street and flow into the historical ‘A'ala Park.
2025 Chinatown Festival
A family-friendly festival in Honolulu's Historic Chinatown to welcome the 2025 Lunar New Year on Saturday January 25, 2025. Lunar New Year falls on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, starting the year of the Snake. The festivities include Food Vendors, Craft Vendors, Free Keiki Bouncy Houses, Rest Tent, 3 Entertainment Stages, Bicycle Valet, and a Parade.
Honolulu City Lights Opening Night, Light Parade, Block Party
HONOLULU CITY LIGHTS IS PRESENTED BY THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FRIENDS OF HONOLULU CITY LIGHTS.
Free
Opening Ceremony:
Begins at 5:30 PM and the lights are scheduled to be turned on at approximately 6 PM
Public Workers' Electric Light Parade:
The parade travels on King Street, from River Street to Kawaiahao Street.
Step-off is at approximately 6 PM and the first unit arrives at Honolulu Hale approximately 6:30 PM
Honolulu City Lights Celebration
HONOLULU CITY LIGHTS IS PRESENTED BY THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FRIENDS OF HONOLULU CITY LIGHTS.
Free
The Honolulu City Lights celebration continues throughout the month of December, featuring a variety of family-friendly events, holiday displays, entertainment, Christmas Tree Contest and Wreath Contest displays and festivities.
75th Annual Kailua 4th of July Independence Day Parade
Commemorating three-quarters of a century of community spirit and resilience, the Kailua Chamber of Commerce embraces the diamond’s multifaceted symbolism: strength, longevity, and the preciousness of shared cultures. This year’s parade will sparkle with the essence of Kailua’s vibrant history, illuminated by the contributions of its people and the radiant legacy they have built together.
Parade participants will decorate accordingly to represent the theme, but participants may Decorate their floats in a patriotic way, or however best represents their businesses.
Judges will be picking winners for: “Best Overall Float”, “Best Marching Unit”, “Best Keiki-Centric Float”, “Best Representation of the Theme” and “Most Patriotic”
Kapolei City Lights: A Westside Wonderland Opening Night Parade & Block Party
This year's theme of "A Westside Wonderland" will feature decorations inspired by historic, cultural, and recreational aspects of our Leeward communities, from Waipahū to Kaʻena Point, to showcase pride in the westside! All are invited to come and experience these free City events and decorations. Come take a walk in the country this holiday season and enjoy "A Westside Wonderland."
Kapolei City Lights is held at Kapolei Hale, at 1000 Ulu'ōhia Street. The luminous decorations of Kapolei City Lights 2023 will be open to the public from the evening of Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 until Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024.
Honolulu City Lights Opening Night, Light Parade, Block Party
HONOLULU CITY LIGHTS IS PRESENTED BY THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FRIENDS OF HONOLULU CITY LIGHTS.
Free
Opening Ceremony:
Begins at 5:30 PM and the lights are scheduled to be turned on at approximately 6 PM
Public Workers' Electric Light Parade:
The parade travels on King Street, from River Street to Kawaiahao Street.
Step-off is at approximately 6 PM and the first unit arrives at Honolulu Hale approximately 6:30 PM
Kaneohe Christmas Parade
Windward Oʻahu ushers in the holiday season with a fun theme "Then and Now." Do you remember what local supermarket used to be where Walgreens is now? Did you know that this parade attracts almost 10,000 spectators? Celebrate the windward community's history, health, and happiness with the 59th annual Kaneohe Christmas Parade! Eō Kāneʻohe!!
Waikiki Holiday Parade
Since 1998, the Waikiki Holiday Parade commemorates Pearl Harbor Survivors and the anniversary of the attacks. The mission of the event is to educate students on this important piece of U.S. history and preserving Polynesian culture. It also ushers in the holiday season for locals. The week of events and performances on the island, as well as months of preparations leading up to the trip, give students a unique learning experience that they will not soon forget. Thousands of spectators, residents and visitors gather on the Friday after Thanksgiving to watch this non-competitive parade, which hosts local bands, marching bands from the mainland, Pearl Harbor Survivors, service bands, military units, local officials, dignitaries and entertainers.
Honolulu Pride Rooted In Pride: Homecoming - Parade & Festival
Opening Honolulu Pride Month on October 1 is the 3rd Annual Kapaemahu Ceremony, honoring our cultures and ancestors, held at the Nā Pōhaku Ola, commonly referred to as “the healer stones”, in Waikīkī. Other highlights of the month include the National Coming Out Day celebration at UN Mānoa on October 11, and Rainbow Town Halls and Mālāma ʻAina gatherings.
Along with our sponsors, community partners, non-profits and businesses, there will be more than 40 social, educational and cultural events during Honolulu Pride Month. There’s something for everyone, so come out and celebrate with Hawai’i’s MVPFAFF/LGBTQIA+ community. Stay tuned for more details coming soon.
Prince Kuhio Parade and Hoʻolauleʻa Celebration in Kapolei
Bring your ʻohana to watch the parade!
The parade starts at Kapolei Hale and will end with a Hoʻolauleʻa celebration with food, vendors, and music at Ka Makana Ali’i Shopping Center.
27th Annual Honolulu Festival Grand Parade and Nagaoka Fireworks
Pacific Harmony: Connect with Aloha, Forward to the New Future
GRAND PARAGE: People from Hawaii, Japan and other Asia-Pacific countries join this Grand Parade, the finale of the Honolulu Festival. This is a great chance to see the traditional performance of various countries here in Hawaii.
FIREWORKS: Nagaoka Hanabi (Nagaoka Fireworks) is presented by Nagaoka Fireworks Foundation. Turn into “Hawaiian 105KINE” as they will sync their music to the firework show from 8:30pm
Event schedule subject to change.
Admission to all the events is free, ensuring that everyone can take part in the Festival.
27th Annual Honolulu Festival Stage Performances
Pacific Harmony: Connect with Aloha, Forward to the New Future
Enjoy dance, music and traditional arts performed by groups from Hawaii, Japan and other parts of the Pacific region.
*Show ends at different times depending on the venue.
*Performance schedule is subject to change without notice.
Event schedule subject to change.
Admission to all the events is free, ensuring that everyone can take part in the Festival.
27th Annual Honolulu Festival: 3-Day Premier Cultural Event
Pacific Harmony: Connect with Aloha, Forward to the New Future
The Honolulu Festival is Hawaii’s premier cultural event, promoting mutual understanding, economic cooperation and ethnic harmony between the people of Hawaii and the Pacific Rim region. Each year, the Festival attracts thousands of new and returning spectators who are looking for an experience unique to Hawaii. Through educational programs and activities sponsored by the Honolulu Festival Foundation, the Festival has been successful in showcasing the rich and vibrant blend of Asia, Pacific and Hawaiian cultures to the rest of the world. The three day extravaganza takes place every year in March from Friday through Sunday. Performers from various countries and regions such as Japan, Australia, Tahiti, the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, Hawaii and the mainland United States get together and give dance performances and traditional art demonstrations. The Festival culminates with a spectacular parade down Kalakaua Avenue, the main street in Waikiki. Events and activities of the Honolulu Festival take place close to the city center, making them great outings for locals and tourists alike.
Admission to all the events is free, ensuring that everyone can take part in the Festival.
Honolulu Pride 2022: Rooted In Pride Parade & Festival
ROOTED IN PRIDE is the theme for 2022 Honolulu Pride, the first in-person celebrations since 2019.
Join community programs throughout Honolulu Pride Month in October, and for the main event, the Honolulu Pride Parade and Festival. Honolulu Pride takes place in October to coincide with LGBT History Month, National Coming Out Day, and Spirit Day.
The Honolulu Pride Parade
With more than 20,000 parade viewers, 60 parade entrants, 115 moving units and 1,500 participants, the Honolulu Pride Parade gets bigger and more festive every year.
The event includes a parade that departs at 11 am from Magic Island (on the oceanfront, just south of Ala Moana Center, at the east end of the park), proceeds through the heart of Waikiki along Kalakaua Avenue, and ends near Kapiolani Park.
The event is always held the third Saturday of October and is the culmination of two weeks of events for Hawaii’s LGBTQ+ community and our allies.
Pride Festival Day
Diamond Head Greens, adjacent to Kapiolani Park, hosts the parade after party, at the base of iconic Diamond Head – this celebration is held from 11 am until 8 pm and includes live entertainment and a full program of shows and events.
The event attracts more than 4,000 party revelers.
Honolulu Pride 2022: Rooted In Pride Parade & Festival Registration
Registration for the 2022 Honolulu Pride Parade and Festival is now open! Welcoming non-profits, businesses large and small, government agencies, faith organizations, professional associations, community groups, student groups and, well, everyone!
Register for the Parade or a booth at the Festival.
ROOTED IN PRIDE is the theme for 2022 Honolulu Pride, the first in-person celebrations since 2019.
Join community programs throughout Honolulu Pride Month in October, and for the main event, the Honolulu Pride Parade and Festival. Honolulu Pride takes place in October to coincide with LGBT History Month, National Coming Out Day, and Spirit Day.
The Honolulu Pride Parade
With more than 20,000 parade viewers, 60 parade entrants, 115 moving units and 1,500 participants, the Honolulu Pride Parade gets bigger and more festive every year.
The event includes a parade that departs at 11 am from Magic Island (on the oceanfront, just south of Ala Moana Center, at the east end of the park), proceeds through the heart of Waikiki along Kalakaua Avenue, and ends near Kapiolani Park.
The event is always held the third Saturday of October and is the culmination of two weeks of events for Hawaii’s LGBTQ+ community and our allies.
Pride Festival Day
Diamond Head Greens, adjacent to Kapiolani Park, hosts the parade after party, at the base of iconic Diamond Head – this celebration is held from 11 am until 8 pm and includes live entertainment and a full program of shows and events.
The event attracts more than 4,000 party revelers.