Holiday calendar
HANUKKAH
Temple Emanu-El Celebrates Hanukkah: Dinner with latkes and dreidel games precede a Shabbat Hanukkah service for all ages. Everyone is welcome to bring a Hanukkah Menorah to light at the conclusion of the service. 6 p.m. Friday, 2550 Pali Highway at Jack Lane. 595-7521
A Tale of Two Miracles Spectacular/Hanukkah Banquet: 6:30 p.m. Friday, 960 Ahua St., Honolulu. $12-$18. 834-3434
FAMILY FUN
“12 Days of Christmas — Sandsational Style”: Sheraton Waikiki presents its “largest sand sculpture ever created” at the hotel. On display through early 2018 at the entrance and main lobby, 2255 Kalakaua Ave.
Kapolei City Lights: Kapolei Hale Holiday Courtyard hours are 8 a.m.-10 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. weekends (after opening night) through Jan. 1. 768-6622,
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Christmas at the Hukilau Marketplace: Enjoy selfies with Santa Claus, train rides and live Nativity performances. 6:30-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and Mondays-Saturdays from Dec. 18-23, Polynesian Cultural Center. 293-3333
Breakfast with Santa: 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, The Reef Bar & Market Grill, 2169 Kalia Road. $15-$36. Reservations: 924-7333.
Breakfast With Santa: Breakfast buffet, balloon twists, airbrush tattoos, photos with Santa and a complimentary PowerCard. 8-10:30 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dave & Buster’s, Ward Entertainment Center. $13.99-$19.99, free for ages 2 and under. Reservations: 589-2215.
Brunch with Santa: Dine and take photos with Santa. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Red Barn Farmstand, 66-320 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa. $20-$25, $15 for walk-in photos only.
Kunia Karaoke Christmas Caroling Event: Compete in a karaoke competition for prizes, meet Santa and make a donation in exchange for a wristband to ride the Kunia Xpress Trackless Train. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Kunia Shopping Center, 94-673 Kupuohi St., Waipahu. Proceeds to benefit Kalei‘opu‘u Elementary School student-enrichment programs.
A Muppets Christmas at Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii: Extended twilight hours, 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday (rides close 6 p.m.), 400 Farrington Highway, Kapolei. Enjoy Santa photo opportunities and a “Dive ‘n’ Movie” showing of the PG-rated “A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa” at 6:30 p.m.; general admission after 6 p.m. is free. 674-9283
Wahiawa Christmas Wonderland: Community block party with entertainment, food trucks, gift-giving and a keiki fun zone with activities and inflatables. 4-9 p.m. Saturday, 130 California Ave. (fronting Ka‘ala Elementary School). Also accepting non-perishable food items and toys. 379-2532
Bank of Hawaii Family Sunday: Decorate cookies, create holiday wreaths with felt and bells, and celebrate Pasko (Filipino holiday) through parol-making. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Honolulu Museum of Art; activities end 2 p.m. Entertainment line-up includes Kilauea Strummers at 10:30 a.m. and Tekniqlingz at 1:30 p.m. Also, enjoy Family Film Sunday featuring free showings of 1966’s “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at 11:10 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.
Jingle Rock Run: 3-9 p.m. Sunday, begins at the state Capitol; packet pickup from 1 p.m., entertainment and food from 3 p.m. Race time is 6 p.m., with a Keiki Sprint at 5:15 p.m. for ages 12 and under. Festive attire encouraged. Parking (for a fee) available at Alii Place, Capitol Place, Bishop Square and Davies Pacific Center. Registration: $25-$40; proceeds benefit Make-a-Wish Hawaii. 537-3118
Storybook holiday caroling: Trio of holiday characters. 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Ka Makana Alii, with photo opportunities through 7 p.m.
ON STAGE
“It’s a Wonderful Life”—A Live Radio Play: Be part of a live studio audience as this American holiday classic comes to life on stage as a live 1940s-style radio broadcast on KSSF-FM to be aired this Christmas. Friday, with a reception at 7 p.m. and show from 8-9 p.m., Spectrum Music Hall at KSSK-FM, 650 Iwilei Road, Suite 400. $35. Proceeds to benefit Kailua Onstage Arts Theater Group.
>> Ballet Hawaii production set in the 1858 kingdom of Hawaii. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Blaisdell Concert Hall. $39-$120; discounts may apply to higher-priced tickets for military, seniors ages 62 and older, students, and group sales of 10 or more. Tickets: 800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
>> Hawaii State Ballet’s presentation, accompanied by Page Academy of Dance. 7 p.m. Friday; 3:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday; and 1 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Mamiya Theatre, Saint Louis School. $16-$36. A portion of proceeds to benefit Make-A-Wish Hawaii.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas”: In this stage version of the 1965 television special, cartoonist Charles M. Schulz’s beloved alter ego confronts the materialism of the Christmas season with the help of Lucy, Linus, a spindly Christmas sapling and Snoopy. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday, Diamond Head Theatre. Also showing 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22-23. $15-$50. 733-0274
Glitter & Be Gay: Festive performance of seasonal tunes by Gay Men’s Chorus of Honolulu. 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Hawaii Theatre. Keiki under age 4 not permitted. $25-$50; discounts may apply.
HONOLULU CITY LIGHTS
“It’s a Zoo Out There” is this year’s theme for the 33rd annual Honolulu City Lights, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. daily through Jan. 1.
Special events:
>> Free Family Movie Night with a showing of “Moana” on the Civic Center grounds, 7-9 p.m. Saturday.
>> Performance by Halau Hula o Kapunahala o Nuuanu YMCA near the front steps of Honolulu Hale, 5-6 p.m. Sunday.
Trolley Tours: Enjoy a 30-minute ride through downtown Honolulu sparkling with lights and decorations. Through Dec. 30 (except Dec. 24-25), with pickup and drop-off at Ward Villages (fronting Auahi Street) from 6:30-9 p.m. $7.75, free (lap seating) for ages 3 and under. Tickets: holidaylightstour.com. Info: 808ne.ws/2yZkDXm.
PARADES
Ewa Beach: 10 a.m. Saturday. Starts at Ilima Intermediate School; proceeds to Fort Weaver Road, Kuhina and Hanakahi streets, North and Fort Weaver roads; returns to the school.
Olomana: 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Starts at Maunawili Elementary School; proceeds to Ulupii, Ulupuni, Uluohao, Uluhala, Ulupuni and Ulukou streets; returns to the school.
MUSIC & MERRIMENT
Masaki School of Music: String ensembles and pianists play holiday and classical favorites. 5 p.m. Friday, Kahala Mall.
Melemai Kapuuwaimai Benefit Christmas Concert: With musical guests from Performing Arts Center Kapolei. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Waipahu United Church of Christ, 94-330 Mokuola St. Proceeds benefit the group’s travel to serenade veterans on neighbor islands during Memorial Day weekend. $10-$15, free for under age 5. Tickets: 294-1184.
‘Iolani School Chorus Christmas Concert: 7:30 p.m. Friday, St. Andrew’s Cathedral. 943-2314
Skylark: Recorder and ukulele ensemble plays holiday classics. 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Salt Lake-Moanalua Public Library. 831-6831
Ke Kula Mele School of Hawaiian Music: Students perform songs on steel guitar, ukulele, guitar and Hawaiian-style bass for its Winter concert under the direction of Kumu Alan Akaka. 10:45-11:45 a.m. Saturday, Windward Mall. 375-9379
The Kapolei Chorale: Christmas concert featuring soloists on vocals, flute, hula and whistling. 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, Kapolei Public Library. 672-8888, 693-7050
Voices of Aloha: 11 a.m. Saturday, Hawaii State Library. voicesofaloha@gmail.com
“‘Aha Mele”: Music series sponsored by Hawaii Tourism Authority, with performances by Turnaround Arts Hawaii’s Kalihi Kai Elementary School, Halau Na Mamo O Pu‘uanahulu and The Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame. 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Washington Place, 320 S. Beretania St. Register: 808ne.ws/2B5I29q. Info: 221-0991.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Christmas Concert: Holiday singing by children, youth and adult choirs, orchestral selections and a performance by Drill Team Hawaii. 7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Honolulu Tabernacle, 1560 S. Beretania St. 358-6935
Makaha Kalikimaka: Features Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning The Makaha Sons, with prime rib dinner buffet with (or without) wine pairings. 7 p.m. Saturday, Turtle Bay Resort, Kuilima Ballroom; doors open 5:30 p.m. $85-$120. 293-6020
Merry Tuba Christmas: 7-7:45 p.m. Saturday, Kahala Mall, Center Court.
“Love Came Down at Christmas”: Chaminade University of Honolulu and Hawaii Vocal Arts Ensemble. 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday, Mystical Rose Oratory, Chaminade University, 3140 Waialae Ave. $5-$35. 550-8457
“Taimane’s Holiday Fete”: Enjoy holiday songs and fare through a live concert featuring ukulele virtuoso Taimane and her trio, and special guests Andrea Torres (aerial dance), Rose Wolfe (contemporary dance) and Jonathan Troupe and Lenyia Preston of Island Zouk (Brazilian dance); festive dinner and drinks available, with cabaret-style seating. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, The ARTS at Marks Garage. $60 show only; $100-$120 with dinner catered by Ilima award-winning restaurant Fete.
Christmas concert: Features Danny Kaleikini, Rene Paulo, Melveen Leed, Michael Paulo and Nicholas Kaleikini with guests Kathy Paulo-Hirai, Al Waterson, Kaylee Shimizu, Rene Paulo Jr. and Bruce Hamada Jr. 8 p.m. Saturday, Hawaii Convention Center, Liliu Theatre. $30. Parking: $10. 951-696-0184
Holiday Christmas Special with Funkshun: 8-11:30 p.m. Saturday, Gordon Biersch, Aloha Tower Marketplace, with a toy and food drive, prize giveaways and an appearance by Santa. 599-4877, 537-3291
Karol’s Karolers: Christmas classics from around the world. 1 p.m. Sunday, Kaimuki Public Library. 733-8422
Windward Choral Society: Holiday concert by the 100-voice chorus. 4 p.m. Sunday, St. John Vianney Church, 920 Keolu Drive, Kailua. Donations welcome.
Merry & Bright Celebration: Performances of hula, belly dancing, comedy improv, ZenDance and aerials, with dance costumes from Paris and New York for sale. 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Still & Moving Center, 1024 Queen St. 397-7678
Masaki School of Music: Students perform in the mall’s 35th annual Christmas Extravaganza. 7 p.m. Sunday, Ala Moana Centerstage.
Christmas in Ensemble: Students from Ernest Chang Piano Studio perform holiday music and Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite” arranged for two pianos with narration by storyteller Manly Kanoa. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Orvis Auditorium, UH-Manoa. Presented by Honolulu Chinatown Lions Club. $10-$15. 536-0218
CRAFT/GIFT FAIRS
Hidden Treasures: Christmas wrapping, ornaments, boxes, bows and tissue paper, lights, felt bags and batik ladies’ tops. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays through Dec. 24, Moiliili Community Center. 942-0595
Moanalua 99 Craft and Gift Fairs: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on third Sunday monthly, 99 Ranch, 1151 Mapunapuna St. 479-5525
Season’s Best Craft & Gift Fair: 5-9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Neal Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall, with more than 250 booths. Admission (cash only): $3; $1 discount online coupon; free for ages 6 and under with paid adult. 683-6064
Hawaii Animal Sanctuary Charity Fundraiser WWII Tunnel Tours and Indoor Garage Sale: Holiday decorations and garage-sale items including toys, clothing, kitchenware, furniture and more. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Aikahi World War II Tunnels, 221 Iliaina St., Kailua. Tours ($3-$5) begin at 10 and 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. Proceeds to benefit HAS for the care and feeding of animals. 253-0675, 824-1068
Coco’s Trading Post—Holiday Shopping Bazaar: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club. Pop-up shop offers a collection of vintage items, curated exclusives and local brands showcased during a poolside fashion show, with complimentary libations throughout the evening. 923-8882
Queen Emma Summer Palace open house and fair: Bake sale, holiday caroling and palace tours. 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Queen Emma Summer Palace. $5 donation. Free for members and keiki under age 12. Valet parking. 595-6291
Holiday Bonsai Fair and Exhibit: Plant fair, demonstrations and a display. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Noelani Elementary School, 2655 Woodlawn Drive, Manoa. Sponsored by Rainbow Bonsai Club.
Family Farmer’s Food, Crafts and Gift Fair: 3-6:30 p.m., Momilani Community Center, Pearl City. 479-5525
ARTS & CRAFTS
>> Living Art Marine Center offers holiday T-shirt printing.Design your own holiday-themed shirt. 10 a.m.-noon, Living Art Marine Center. $8 and up; reservations advised:
Holiday Topiaries: Participants receive a topiary form and a variety of items to create their trees, and are encouraged to bring their own shells, small ornaments, pine cones or old costume jewelry. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, Lyon Arboretum. $25, plus $25 supply fee. 988-0456
Kadomatsu: Create a traditional Japanese decoration for the new year. 10 a.m.-noon Friday, Wahiawa Botanical Garden. $25. Reservations: 522-7066.
Evergreen cuttings: Visit the Halawa Xeriscape Garden to receive free decorative green wreath cuttings from Cypress and Juniper trees, ideal for creating holiday sprays, centerpieces or wreaths, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 30, Wednesdays through Dec. 27. 99-1268 Iwaena St. One bundle per household, while supplies last. 748-5315
GIFT OF GIVING
Habilitat Christmas trees: Funds programs at the addiction treatment center. Lots open 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily at Stadium Mall, Central Union Church, Kaneohe Bay Shopping Center and Kapolei Commons. 235-3691, give@habilitat.com
Macy’s Believe campaign for Make-A-Wish Hawaii: Through Dec. 24, Macy’s invites “believers” of all ages to bring their letters to Santa to a local Macy’s store (or at the Make-A-Wish Hawaii office at 223 South King St.). With each letter, Macy’s will donate $1 (up to $1 million) to the organization to help grant wishes to keiki with critical illnesses.
The Salvation Army Angel Trees: Select an ornament from these trees and purchase the requested item for the keiki or senior designated on the tag at Central Pacific Bank locations and malls and stores statewide. Drop off gifts at CPB branches through Friday; monetary donations accepted through Dec. 31. In partnership with Aloha United Way, donate cash at local Burger King restaurants through Dec. 24. Donate at Aloha Island Mart convenience stores through Dec. 31. Adopt a specific family or senior by calling 988-2136.
Share a Holiday Feast: Through Dec. 31, make a donation to the Salvation Army at Foodland and Sack N Save stores to feed families in need.
Waikiki Toy Jam: Donate a new, unwrapped gift to Toys for Tots Hawaii through Sunday and receive promotions and discounts from participating merchants in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza and Waikiki Business Plaza.
AT THE MALLS
>> Photos with Santa: Mall Level 2, Ewa wing (Bloomingdale’s Court). 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday through Dec. 23; and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 24.
>> Strolling Santa: Bring your cameras to take selfies with an aloha-attired Santa. 3-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday; 6-10 p.m. Dec. 22; 3-10 p.m. Dec. 23; and 3-6 p.m. Dec. 24.
>> Photos with Santa: Near Macy’s. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. through Dec. 23; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 24; Santa takes daily breaks from 2-3 p.m.
>> Photos with Santa: Center Court. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through Dec. 24. Skip the line by signing up for a Santa Fast Pass at expressionshawaii.net.
>> Photos with Santa: Downtown (across from Amy’s Hallmark). 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. through Dec. 23; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 24. Santa takes daily breaks from 2-3 p.m.
>> Pearlridge Express Holiday Locomotive: Through Jan. 7 for riders under 4 feet tall, Uptown Center Court, Pearlridge Center. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 31 (closed Christmas Day); 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 1; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 2-7. $3.50 per child, $29 for 10 tickets.
>> Photos with Santa Marty: Royal Grove. 6-8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; line closes at 7:30 p.m.
>> Photos at Santa’s Beach House: Level 1, Ward Entertainment Center (adjacent to theater). Noon-8:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, noon-6 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 23; and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 24.
>> Pet Night at Santa’s Beach House: Furry friends can take pictures with Santa, 5-8:30 p.m. Tuesday.
>> Photos with Santa: Center Court. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 3-7 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 3-6 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 24.
>> St. Nick’s Pet Pics: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday. Leashed or caged pets may take pictures with Santa. Enter through main ground-floor entrances; pets are permitted in mall only for the duration of photo session. Sponsored by Koolau Pets.