Most Exciting Ways to Celebrate the Holidays on Oahu

How about doing something different for the holidays this year? We can see it now…luscious palm trees, beautiful clear ocean waves lapping in on the shore, and gorgeously temperate weather…why wouldn’t you want to spend your holidays on Oahu?

If you want to change it up this year, we have some great ideas. Whether you want to make sure you still have a dose of the holiday spirit, or you just want to kick back and have a few relaxing days off, you can find what you need here.

Here’s a list of the most exciting ways to celebrate the holidays on Oahu! 

Honolulu City Lights

Honolulu City Lights is one of the most spectacular holiday displays on Oahu! Every year, the city sets up a brilliant lights display anchored by a large central palm tree covered in dazzling lights.

The mayor of Honolulu illuminates the tree to kick off the ceremonies, and then there are plenty of special events to explore! The Electric Light Parade is certainly a sight to behold.

You can explore the lights throughout the entire month of December, but you won’t want to miss special occasions like Free Milk & Cookies Night. Yes, it’s exactly what you think—Hawaii Foodservice Alliance is providing free milk & cookies on Saturday, December 21st, from 6-9 PM, or until supplies last! Make sure you get there early so you can enjoy a nice chocolate chip cookie and glass of milk.

See A Christmas Show at Blue Note Hawaii

Missing the classic Christmas music you grew up with? No worries, you can still find it here on Oahu!

Blue Note Hawaii has several holiday-themed shows happening that’ll help you celebrate the holidays on Oahu in style. If you’re staying here through Christmas Day, you can see A Charlie Brown Christmas on December 24th or 25th. Trumpeter Mike Lewis will be recreating all the beloved music from the Peanuts on his trumpet!

For more of a native Hawaiian touch, check out Ukulele All Stars Christmas Featuring Cynthia Lin, Brittni Paiva, Kalei Gamiao & Abe Lagrimas, Jr. You can hear classic Christmas songs played by skilled ukulele players—we can’t think of a better way to celebrate Christmas in Oahu!

Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade

Don’t miss out on this Oahu holiday classic! The 27th Annual Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Watch from the marina docks or a marina front restaurant as people pass by on beautifully decorated boats in this annual Christmas parade. Popular restaurants with a great view include Liko’s, Island Brew, and Tex 808!

The parade begins around 5:30 PM when boats first appear in the marina. More and more boats join in as the sun sets, and each one has a unique lights display as well as fun dancing and entertainment aboard. If you’ll be around for the boat parade, you can vote for your favorite on the marina’s Instagram page! Visitors and locals alike always rave about this event, and it’s been said it’s like something straight out of a holiday movie! You won’t want to miss it if you’re in town.

Kapolei City Lights

Kapolei has another impressive holiday lights display to check out! This holiday event has been running since 2001 to complement Honolulu City Lights in this fast-growing part of Oahu. Plus, it’s closer to our vacation rental properties than Honolulu!

This lights display will be open to the public from November 30th, 2024 through January 5th, 2025. Festivities will kick off at the annual block party on November 30th from 5-9 PM, with the parade starting around 6 PM. You won’t want to miss the parade—dozens of vehicles and floats provide a dazzling display of holiday lights.

The block party includes live music, over two dozen food trucks, and a ton of local vendors. It’s a night of wholesome holiday fun—don’t miss out if you’re in town on November 30th!

Find Some Gifts at the Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace

Want to get in some last-minute holiday shopping? The Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace is the perfect spot for you!

Honolulu’s premier gift fair showcases more than 250 vendors with the finest unique gifts and products around. If you’re looking for something special to bring back to a loved one from your time here in Hawaii, you should definitely check out this market!

The market spans two days (December 14th from 10-8 and December 15th from 10-5), and there’s a small fee of $6 to enter. Kids 12 and under are free! Beyond the gift shopping, there’s even more to explore, from live entertainment like hula dancers and music to a Pet Zone, including a petting zoo! Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace is a wonderful way to spend a holiday day here on Oahu.

Book Your Holiday Trip to Oahu with Oceanfront Vacation Villas!

Are you getting excited to spend your holidays on Oahu now? We’re excited to have you here! With all of these exciting holiday events, you’re sure to have the time of your life here this holiday season.

When you’re searching for accommodations for your holiday trip to Oahu, look no further than Oceanfront Vacation Villas! We have the best places to spend your winter holidays.

Whether you’re looking for a beachfront villa, one of our Turtle Bay Villas, or want to take advantage of the many specials we have going on, you can’t go wrong when you stay with us! No matter where you stay, our villas offer the best amenities on Oahu. Browse our available vacation rentals now and book your holiday trip to Oahu directly with Oceanfront Vacation Villas!