The theme of the 33rd annual Honolulu City Lights is “It’s a Zoo Out There.”

This year’s opening night festivities on Dec. 2 will feature the unveiling of 56 new animal-themed ornaments celebrating Honolulu Zoo on the city’s 50-foot holiday tree. The original designs were inspired by the official 2017 Friends of Honolulu City Lights ornaments celebrating the zoo.

Crews from the city’s Division of Urban Forestry and Department of Parks and Recreation helped hoist a 70-foot-tall Norfolk Pine in front of Honolulu Hale last week. The pine this year was donated by a Waikele resident of the Royal Pines subdivision.

The Honolulu City Lights opening night festivities — which include the official tree-lighting ceremony, parade and concert, kick off a monthlong celebration of dazzling lights and displays, family-friendly activities and merry fun on the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center Grounds.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell will lead the official tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. from the steps of Honolulu Hale. Polynesian Voyaging Society president and master navigator Nainoa Thompson will illuminate the holiday tree at 6:30 p.m., triggering the corridor of lights and displays down King and Punchbowl streets.

The annual Honolulu City Lights Public Worker’s Electric Light Parade kicks off at 6 p.m. from Chinatown, traveling through King Street before making its way downtown. Motorists are advised of street closures and detours in the Chinatown and downtown Honolulu areas the evening of Dec. 2. Affected streets include King, Bethel and Punchbowl streets, among others. Street parking restrictions will also be in place.

The public is encouraged to arrive early for the festivities. Free parking is available in the city’s municipal lot, with entry from the left lane of Beretania Street just past Alapai Street. Food booths and keiki rides open at 4 p.m.