Did ya know that the Honolulu City Light started back in da mid-80's? The tradition started back in 1985, it was an idea from the honorable Frank F. Fast (da BESTEST Honolulu mayor)! A little history about this wonderful event - https://www.honolulucitylights.org/our-story#:~:text=1985,Honolulu%20City%20Lights%E2%80%9D%20Is%20Born From a simple 50 foot Christmas tree that was installed on the courtyard of Honolulu Hale back in 1985.........through the years this holiday event has greatly expanded with a lot more holiday displays to see. One of the most iconic displays on the Honolulu Hale courtyard is the "Shaka" Santa, & Tutu Mele. The event is free, and there are numerous holiday displays on the courtyard, as well as inside of Honolulu Hale. Shout out to the hard working city workers who take the time to put up the holiday displays, as it takes a lot of time to do this. The holiday displays are usually put up around Thanksgiving time, with a big Christmas tree lighting ceremony event on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. The holiday display stays here for about a month, then it is usually taken down after the new year. Loved by locals, as well as visitors, if you're ever visiting da 808 in December, don't miss out! Make da trip down to Honolulu Hale to see this wonderful holiday display. Merry Christmas! read more

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This is our new family tradition. The whole family enjoyed checking out the themed Christmas trees and we made a contest to bet which the other like the most. The Shaka Santa and lit tree in the front is a show stopper. Although there are a lot of visitors and can be a little chaotic for those who avoid people, the holiday spirit will get you excited and it is FREE. Even free parking! read more

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The Honolulu City Lights Parade is definitely a great experience for kids, but make sure you plan ahead. Parking is tough--you'll want to arrive at least an hour and a half early to find a decent spot and set up. The streets get super packed and crowded, so getting there early really makes a difference if you want a clear view of the tree and parade route. Make sure to bring snacks and drinks because the parade is pretty long. I'd say it lasted around two hours, and honestly, it could be shortened a bit. There are quite a few groups marching, including schools that aren't even from town, which felt unnecessary. On the bright side, there are some fun vendors selling glow sticks, bubble machine lights, and other light-up toys that kids love. If you continue down the road to Thomas Square, they've added even more lights, a train ride for kids, and some food options over there too. Overall, it's a pretty great experience for families, especially if you plan ahead and get settled early. Kids will definitely enjoy it! read more

Finding joy in the journey... Things we take for granted are the lights the city puts on every single year as the journey getting here isn't that simple with parking and the crowds going with the flow is the simplistic path that you'd take once you realize that this moment will be memorable more than you realize. The Honolulu City Lights this year is quite spectacular on this 40th anniversary as the grounds surrounding Honolulu Hale has two tunnels brightly illuminated flashing various patterns making it a fun instagramable moment for yourself our your entire group but my favorite are the trees that's scattered throughout the grounds as the various flashing patterns of lights was so mesmerizing but was sadden on Christmas night one section wasn't working. Waching all ages flocking over to enjoy the lights and different displays is what makes this annual event something that we all love to enjoy along with Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele and mom's favorite was the two turtles holding treats is a fun event that made this season bright. Mele Kalikimaka! read more

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Beautiful Honolulu City lights at its 40th year. We were lucky to have experienced an event this holiday season via trolley. The parking is bad so be prepared to park a distance away or drop by a different way. One of the best part of this experience are the various tree decorations in the city hall. Everything is so creative and different every year. My favorite are the trees that have underlying messages such as preservation of the environment however presented in tree form. The Mr. and Mrs. Claus display has been there for years. The large lighted trees blinking in the night. The tunnel of lights is a nice touch. However, the small choochoo train for families is a little dangerous as there are little kids around where they traverse around the display area. This is a wonderful holiday tradition to get you into the holiday spirit. read more

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Happy Holidays!!! It is the 40th Anniversary and they sure made it a special celebration this year. What a great way to spend my evening with Irene & Steve - walking through all the beautiful captivating lights and seeing all the hard work put in to create the tunnels, Christmas trees, decorations, wreaths. It was a truly beautiful night with even better company. We've been coming here for years and each year they impress me! The first day was hectic with the parade and block party - so we had to turn back and come Sunday instead. It was worth it! If you come during the weeknights, it will be surely less busy. Just prepare if you come on the weekends for the crowds. Free parking! read more

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We drove by the place and it was lovely and beautiful! It's better that you park somewhere else and walking by this area! There are a huge Santa and Mrs. Claus waiting to greet you! :) Night light ornamentations are brilliant and cute!! It's a nice dating spot for sure! Highly recommended! Cheers read more

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It's an annual thing we do at Christmas. This year there were even more lights thanks to the donation by Show Aloha land. The tunnels were so cool! This year was the best yet! There was a larger area to walk around. It was such fun checking out the trees and wreaths as usual. It got super crowded after sunset. Parking in the underground municipal lot can be tight on weekends. Just to right thing to get into the Christmas mood! read more

Honolulu City Lights - Festivals Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Another amazing year at city lights! We love taking the kids to see the lights, trees, and wreaths. It's fun and something that is uniquely Honolulu. Going during the week is much calmer than the weekend. Also, loving the additions of the light tunnels and characters from Show Aloha Land. This is a great FREE event for non-scrooges of all ages. Come, get some steps and enjoy some holiday cheer! read more

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Check out the photos and you will See what a wonderful event the Honolulu City Lights display, Christmas tree displays and wreath contest are worth 3-4 hours of your time. What a great way to get into the holiday spirit and appreciate the aloha spirit alive and well. Enjoy! read more

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Check out the Honolulu City Lights 2024! It's the 40th anniversary and the City and County of Honolulu did an amazing job. The light decorations were beautiful there were SO many beautiful whimsical lighted decorations and they have 2 tunnels that are super cool also. Upgraded from previous years perfect to take your family or date! MERRY CHRISTMAS! read more

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In front of Honolulu Hale on King St. our famous Christmas Tree all lit up in the evening. Couple of Years ago I did the Honolulu city lights inside the Honolulu Hale all types of decoration trees . Also long side of King St all kinds of Christmas props all lighted up . Of course Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele iconic for the Honolulu City Lights . Support local nice family outing during this Holiday Season read more

2024 was the 40th anniversary of the City Lights. This year seemed to have the best variety of displays both within city hall and outside on the grounds. The electric tree lights were plentiful and were new from years passed. Free parking along King street in front of the palace or the city parking garage. Be careful when driving in the city parking garage since there are a few dead ends in the garage near the handicap parking areas read more

12-27-23 The holiday season just wouldn't be the same without viewing the decorations and themed light displays starting from Honolulu Hale. We even passed Iolani Palace regally lit up in purple, not flashy but very stately and in the spirit. This year we just drove around the block turned at the Board of Water Supply which also had a light display. People were still walking around the grounds to view the lights. Being 2 days after Xmas, the holiday trolley was lit up but just parked on a side street. Personally it seemed the 3 cauldesacs in Mililani were lit up and more festive as probably other neighborhoods around Oahu. Glad this is an on-going tradition to celebrate the season. It holds a special memory as a couple I know even became engaged one Christmas here among the crowds and lights. Haven't been inside to see the decorated trees in years but there's always next year. read more

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Loved the city light drive around downtown Honolulu. I drove around 3 times. Took a few pics as my friend drove around. It's well laid out. Many new displays like the lighted tunnels and cool triangle like lit trees. It was a good happy crowd. Be sure to still keep an eye on valuables. Hold on to your bags. read more

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Nice to see the Honolulu City Lights thriving downtown. So many families as well as singles enjoying themselves. Love that there are multiple displays, from giant outside displays to Christmas tree contests to Christmas wreaths created by our keiki. There was even a few food vendors set up to feed the hungry crowds. I enjoyed a savory empanada at the LA2HI grinds concession. Thank you Mayor for continuing this tradition down at Honolulu Hale. read more

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Nice night to look at 40th Anniversary displays. Wow so many lights that move. Two tunnels. Some old favorites and a lot of new favorites. Some ads for the sponsers are new. Not too crowded. Clear skies. Parking lot had empty stalls. Displays still worked.Many people taking selfies and videos. Go check it out. read more

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Beautiful holiday decorations available for viewing every December throughout the month. The State and City and County of Honolulu go all out with an amazing show of lights and decorations for the end of year celebrations. Various companies sponsor additional holiday displays as well. We decided to take these pictures at dawn rather than in the evening. read more

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As a child, I was always sooooo excited to go see the Honolulu City Lights, even if it was only to drive through them rather than walk. I've been inside the hale to see all the awesome Christmas trees, and even walked down the hall with all the beautiful wreaths. 2023 was the first year that we went as a family, my husband, myself, and our kids. To be honest, it didn't seem as extravagant and amazing as it did when I was younger, but I bet it was all that and more for my two littles! So so very exciting! We went on a Monday, so it wasn't crazy crowded, and it was fairly easy to find parking along Punchbowl Street! They had an amazing time, and even left with some light up souvenirs, and were excited to see Santa, who gave them candy canes! Everything was great, we made lots of family memories and took lots of pictures. But I just wonder why all the "religious" set ups were kind of "hidden" behind the hale? Jesus is the reason we have Christmas, so why hide it? Anyways, we're so glad we got to come and the kids were able to experience all the light magic we grew up with! read more

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The Honolulu city of lights happens every year around the beginning beginning of December. They start off with a big parade and there is a Santa. There's a Christmas tree in the famous Shaka Santa in Tutu Mele. There's a nice block of different holiday themed structures were you can take pictures and there's a Christmas tree exhibit that local businesses/companies decorate. This is my first time going during the day. I prefer the daylight if you're going to take photos. But for the experience of the lights, I would go at night. We went on a Sunday where it's free parking and there's barely anybody there. There's toll parking right in front. There is a parking structure, but I don't remember where it is. It's been a couple years. read more

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I wish to thank ALL THE SPONSORS who put the Holiday Season City Light Spectacular! That's what my kids and grandkids called it and I agree. I've been to at least 32 of these but 2024 was the best and most exciting for all ages. We went 3 different times just to celebrate the season and community spirit. The picture attached are the BIG SPONSORS and we are all grateful and appreciative of your giving back to the community. I also wish to thank ALL OTHER SPONSORS behind the scenes as we all know it takes a village! Thank you ALL very much! You created long lasting memories for so many, to include visitors to our State. I am already hoping next year will be as good!! read more

Honolulu City Lights - These SPONSORS have went above and beyond this year. - Festivals Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Visiting family with a toddler so we had to come here! Be prepared to navigate your way through crowds if you come here during the peak times. My family and I came here with my toddler the day after Christmas hoping the crowds would die down.... Nope we were wrong, apparently everyone was thinking the same thing. Luckily I had my nieces and nephews with me to create a bubble for my boy to walk and his stroller. With the help of family, my son was able to enjoy the decorated Christmas trees in city hall building and see Santa clause and Mrs clause without being pushed or trampled on. There were lots of decorative spots to walk to, a small tunnel of lights, and lots of photo ops throughout the area. There were also food vendors selling food and icecream. Prices were pretty up there but it was nice supporting local vendors. read more

Honolulu City Lights - Festivals Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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イエーイ！ 遂にシティーライトのシーズンがやって来た！ ホノルルにサンタクロースがやって来た！ 2022年もまだCovid-19 問題は解決していないけれど、私たちハワイ在住者はみんな精一杯生きているよ！ サンタクロースとミセスクロースが私たちを見守ってくれるに違いない！ だから今年も平和に終わり、明るい2023年がきっときっとやって来るよ！ ハワイは負けない！ ハワイに住む私たちはみんなオハナだから！ 新しい年もみんなで力を合わせ頑張ろう！ 皆さん素敵なホリデーをお過ごしくださいね。 みんな愛してるよ〜 Yay! The City Light season has come! Santa Claus is here in Honolulu again! The Covid-19 problem has not been solved yet in 2022, but all of us in Hawaii are living here very actively! I'm sure Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus are watching over our energetic life like this! So this year will end peacefully, and I'm sure the bright 2023 will come! Hawaii will not give up anything. Because we all live in Hawaii are Ohana! Let's all work together and do our best in the new year! Have a wonderful holiday, everyone! I love you all! read more

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We really enjoyed the Honolulu City Christmas Night of lights. Many displays from previous years. This year's displays were a bit smaller than usual. The Christmas Eve weather was perfect after 3 weeks of rain. The people downtown town was just raking in the Christmas lights right along with us. The public parking garage was terrible though. You'd think that the city would have more parking spaces open to the public during this time. There were several areas blocked off which could accommodate the heavy parking traffic. Several people turned their cars around and left. It took us 45 minutes to find parking. I was determined to get to the lights this year all the way from the North shore. Another 30 minutes to get out of the parking garage. Let's work on this for the 2024 Holiday Season. read more

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Five stars. Highly recommended. Although the pandemic muted the usual opening ceremony and parade, the lights and decorations were up as usual and grand! Always enjoy the festive mood when the decor goes up. Puts one in a holiday season mood. I truly enjoy the Christmas trees decorated in the Hale and also the lights outdoors. It always brightens my evenings. Hopefully, the tradition of the opening ceremony and parade returns sometime soon, perhaps next year? We shall see, but always looking forward to that. It's sad to see the decor taken down in early January, but makes it going back up at year's end that much more special. Highly recommend to go down to view it, when it returns. read more

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Dear Honolulu City Lights, The plan was to see you again this Christmas. Unfortunately, COVID-19 and 2020 had different designs for us. A hui hou. Mele kalikimaka, friends! Mask up! Stay safe! read more

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Went to see the lights last night as we had time well taking a few days off. And because it was in the middle of the week, not too many people were there Didn't realize it until later, but free public parking is available at the Capital's parking garage. However, we were able to find free street parking in front of Iolani palace. Although years past, there were far more decorations, they had enough for it to still feel festive. Along with the decor in front of Honolulu Hale, they have the department Christmas tree decorations indoors and a handful more behind the Hale and behind the Capital on the lawn. We spent at least 1 1/2 hours there. And at the end, my family happily said thank you for the little family excursion. And best part besides spending time with family? It's a free event. read more

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The parade was fun and nicely organized! It was my first one so i was very excited about it! read more

The family and I don't have too many Christmas/holiday traditions. Aside from an annual Christmas Eve dinner, and a visit from Santa, that's about it.... I wouldn't say that going to see the Honolulu City Lights is a tradition of ours but it definitely is something we look forward to when the holidays come around. Now that our family has a few smaller children again, we at least try to make an effort to drive by it at least once. On our most recent trip to see the lights, the boyfriend and I took our niece--it was a Friday night and we were surprised to find that what was once packed with people, was fairly empty and what used to take a few hours to see everything took less than one. No rides or food this year either, and no wreaths like in years past. It was nice to kind of aimlessly wander the Honolulu Hale grounds all while admiring the nice holiday decorations. Parking is free in the lot under the preschool! read more

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The parade ALWAYS falls on the first Saturday in December. Festivities starts around 4 and the parade begins at 6. But you won't start seeing it come down South King street til around 6:20-6:30. People had their own personal 10x10 tents set up and put out their chairs near the fence.....I'd say the farther you go from Honolulu Hale, the less crowded it'll be. There will be vendors selling food and cool lights. But I seen people bring their own food and have like a family pot luck there. The parade didn't seem to flow. There were many stops and long awkward delays.. I was disappointed in the lack of high school bands and big trucks that attended this year. Mililani band will always be my favorite! They showed up and showed out this evening! Waipahu was another good one this year. On the other hand, I remember a lot more schools used to attend. No private school showed up for this parade.. And there used to be a ton of huge trucks just completely decked out in lights. Only The Bus was decked out! Winners. Handy-van played loud music, it was lit! Good to see Chief Ballard's presence. Didn't see any governmental positions there, hmm. All in all, it's a great fun yet chaotic event to attend. My boys had a blast! read more

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Now that I have my own little humans, the holiday season has become such a special time. Typically we just drive by to see the lights, but this year we took the trolley tour to see the city lights. It dropped us off so we could walk around and check out the displays for an hour. There were a few vendors around selling cute flashing light necklaces and headbands. Unfortunately I mistakenly left our water bottle in the truck, so it was kind of difficult that there were no vendors selling water or refreshments.. prob because of COVID. But hey.. at least we can walk around! The displays were fun and seeing my kids eyes light up was the best. I definitely recommend swinging by with the family and taking a stroll to check out the city lights. read more

Honolulu City Lights - Festivals Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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On our very very long walk which ended up at Iolani Palace, we were lucky enough to see that they had some kind of Christmas set up right across the street. When you see a Summer Santa & Mrs. Clause, you need to go investigate! Well our luck Honolulu City Lights was what this was. Inside the building were various Christmas trees decorated by various organizations and companies with varying themes. You can donate some money to help out with the charity or just stroll on in and enjoy the free festive decor. It was eerily quiet but then again it was the weekday after all and there are security guards making sure everything is in order though they were taking up some of the seating areas! Still it was a nice little break for us to sit and admire the beauty of the trees and also play with the water display outside. read more

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The Honolulu City Lights has been around since I was little. They have pretty much the same displays that they had 20 years ago, but I still try to go every year because it's tradition! They have a lot of displays inside Honolulu hale including the tree decoration contest between the different government departments. They also have a wreath competition. If you're hungry, they have Leonard's and some other small stands, but people usually make a night out of the lights by grabbing dinner elsewhere and walking or driving over to Honolulu hale after. I believe parking is free if you go after a certain time. I've seen better Christmas light displays on other cities, and Honolulu City lights isn't exactly amazing. I think it's mostly nostalgic for people, so we continue to go every year. read more

Honolulu City Lights - Festivals Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Well this year wasn't as exciting as I thought or hoped it would be. I mean, other than the regular parade and city lights... the fact is, THAT'S ALL they had! Especially for the latecomers or the people passing by after hours. Everything was emptied out so fast that it looked like there was absolutely nothing going on tonight. Oh wells... maybe later they'll do more or next year. read more

We went to this year's Honolulu City Lights and to me I was just overwhelmed. We had originally wanted to go at 4:00 when the sun was still up but my daughter's nap ran long and we ended up going there so late. We pretty much went there when everyone decided to go. It was so crowded and hard to take pictures. It was definitely not a place to take your stroller. We were able to bring our stroller into Honolulu Hale but because of the crowd, we always had to move on the side. Having the stroller was such a pain to maneuver around everyone. The last time I came to the Honolulu Lights it was with my husband when we were dating. It's really different now. It seemed like there's not as many exhibits. The outside scene has been overtaken by rides and outside vendors selling things. I don't care for all of the vendors. I liked the simplicity of just looking at the displays and lights. Not sure if I would come back at night to this display. Pictures were kind of dark and hard to see and during the day it's less crowded. read more

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I've been coming here for the past few years and cant believe I havent done a review! Maybe it's because I enjoy it here so much every year for the holiday season it's just I assumed I already gave it 5 stars. BUT to start off here's some major tips: - Free parking in the garage near the lights BUT be aware of your surroundings and be safe with recent reports of mugging groups of ppl. Rare but it gas happened and reported on the news past couple year. Safety first my friends. - Want crowd free photos? WEEKDAY NIGHTS are your best bet for that best Instagram post or holiday photos. - Family fun with activities? WEEKEND with small business booths, Malasada and snacks, mini carnival rides, and photos with Santa! - Bring your selfie stick to capture great angles with the beautiful large decor! Honolulu city lights is a must with family and friends. Although they may have the same vendors and Christmas decor every year, it's the holiday spirit and activities that brings you all together in happiness for the holiday season. Cannot forget the giant Shaka Sants claus with his wife, the Snowman Family, the infamous big bulb Christmas lights, the huge "Mele Kalikimaka" in keiki blocks, Honolulu Hale filled with decorated Christmas trees with various themes and Santa Claus photos, and so much more. Yes, there are crowds of people. Yes, parking can be packed. Yes, Honolulu Hale feels like theres no AC. (Lol). But I feel like it's something you must go to at least once. Especially with your keiki. As for the keiki there are mini carnival rides through extreme fun and also the Christmas train that rides through out the area. Although it's just a small train that rides on the side walk and grass, its decorated with Christmas decor and lights that fills your kids up with joy. This year there was also booths with face painting and toy could buy balloons and light toys. Theres also some snack booths with popcorn, cotton candy, Malasadas, hot dig, and more but no major food vendors. Just use this place as your go to before or after your dinner. Also, if you havent came here to their opening light before. This includes the night where they light up Honolulu Hale's infamous Christmas tree along with the Christmas City Light Parade. Busiest day of the time the city lights are up but that's an event to see as well. But beware, some people start camping for their spot to see the parade HOURS before it even starts! read more

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It's been decades of going to see the Christmas lights at Honolulu Hale and I never get tired of seeing them. Some years we would go to the opening night and watch the parade and lighting, some years we'd just wait to near the end when it's not that crowded, and some years just drive by it to see. No matter what we did, it was always fun to feel that joyous rush of being a kid again. This year I took some friends that are fairly new to the islands to see the lights. Opening night was this past Saturday but we decided to go on Sunday instead. It was still packed with happy Christmas light lookers with an endless amount of smiling faces...young and old. My friends particularly enjoyed the big Shaka Santa and Tutu display with ocean creatures spouting water everywhere. They're both from Montana so couldn't get over how lucky the Hawaiian Santa is to be able to be barefeet! LOL. They also wasn't sure what seahorses and octopuses had to do with Christmas but one of them did point out that the octopus did have a red stocking cap on so it was all good. Some of the other things that are always nice to see are the decorated trees done by various C&C departments, and also the wreath display thats on the Diamond head side of Honolulu Hale. It's amazing to think how much time people put into some of these trees and wreaths. There was one wreath that was made entirely out of piano keys and string hammers that was impressive. Along with some of the other oversized decorations along the city block are various food stands if you get hungry. There was a Leonard's malasada truck and a Taste Tea stand there. There was also Yellow Ribbon Fries there. We shared a plate of the cheesy bacon cheddar fries that looked good but was served at room temp which really ruined them. The "fries" are not the normal french fry but more like potato chips, you can also have them with tater tots instead. The chips were homemade but I could see they were using bagged nacho cheese and frozen taters, boo. If it was hot I bet it would be okay but I wouldn't recommend this stand otherwise. I'm sure I'll stop by to see the lights again this year, probably multiple times since it's on my way when walk to work in the evening. At least it would put a smile on my face before heading into the hell hole I work at...Lol. read more

Honolulu City Lights - HO HO HO BRAH! - Festivals Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Oh, what fun it is! The Honolulu City Lights are just magical! If you are planning on visiting Honolulu during the Holidays, you should plan to visit this beautiful light show. The city lights show is held in the Mayor's office of culture and arts and is free to the public. You'll first notice the Hawaiian Santa and Mrs. Claus! The most adorable display EVER! Next to Santa is a huge Christmas tree filled with giant sized ornaments! Once you enter the hall, your eyes will light up in pure enjoyment. Well, at least that's what happened to me! I felt like a little kid again as I walked between all of the beautifully decorated Christmas trees! They have almost every type of Christmas tree that you can imagine! A Pokémon tree, a carousel tree... heck, there's even a Darth Vader Tree! All glowing, and all so beautiful! With Christmas music playing in the background, you would think that you were walking through a winter wonderland full of Christmas trees. In the back of the building, there's a huge display of unique wreaths! These wreaths are all candidates for the city's annual wreath making contest. Talk about variety! Never have I ever seen a wreath made out of origamis or toilet paper rolls! These wreaths are super creative and very fun to look at. This light show will put a smile on just about anyone's face! I'm so glad that I was able to experience this festive show while out visiting Honolulu! read more

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I've been coming to this event for like 6 years. And I'm telling you people are clueless. Let's talk about this year though. I came here opening day. My only mistake was driving on Beretania at 6pm. Stupid me. Stupid, stupid me!! Go around to kakaako, or take an uber. Really, save yourself the friggin headache. Anyway, this year it was decorated very beautifully...as always. I'm noticing they are adding more attractions which is nice. My issue is the same every year, it's a packed, small area. Lots of people. Very congested. So if you're that person who can't handle standing in line at the grocery store when its busy, well...this ain't the event for you. At least if you're trying to see the decorated trees inside Honolulu Hale. Swear, that's where the anger can get to people. It's a line, just keep walking and follow the line! This year I noticed they set up an area to take a really beautiful family christmas picture. EVERYONE and they mommas was in line. My only suggestion is that they set up a few of those backdrops. That line was nuts! Next year, I hope they set up more and space them out, please!! As for parking, get there early!! The lots fill up fast. People will park near and far. And walk quite a ways. I never get there early and have to drive around looking for metered parking so it's free. read more

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Each year from December through beginning of January, the City and County of Honolulu holds its annual Honolulu City Lights event. The opening night event is a very special Honolulu event that happens on just one night each year to kick off the holiday Christmas season here on Oahu. WHAT: ANNUAL HONOLULU CITY LIGHTS (1) Opening Ceremony (2) Lighting Ceremony (3) Public Workers' Electric Light Parade (4) City Departments Christmas Tree Exhibition (5) City Christmas Wreath Contest WHEN: 1st Saturday every December WHERE: Honolulu Hale PARKING: Side street parking but not on King Street where the parade will take place; parade route is beginning of Chinatown (same street as IHS) along King Street and ends at Alapai Street just before the intersection where Kabuki restaurant is located. Honolulu Hale is the Mayor of Honolulu's office building and location where the night's events begin. The first event is the lighting ceremony to welcome in the festive season followed by the actual lighting. City Council members and Directors from each of the departments come to help celebrate the event. Once the tree is lit, is when everything else begins. Next comes the parade marching down King Street. At same time - after the stage is cleared of council members and esteemed parade and event guests - the doors of Honolulu Hale are open to visitors to view the city departments special Christmas tree creations inside the Honolulu Hale and the surrounding city grounds come to life with kiddie rides and food, dessert, and beverage vendors. The parade consists of community businesses and groups from high school marching bands to minor and major organizations and stores like Macy's that march between the city's various department vehicles and floats. In any given year, you'll get to see HUGE fire trucks, ambulances, trash pick up trucks, vactor trucks, booms and cranes, back hoes, trolleys, and buses brightly decorated with Christmas lights and decorations. At end of the parade route, all city vehicles park so that kids parents and adults can take photos and talk with the public servants manning their vehicles. The trees inside the Hale are decorated by each separate city department. Funds are raised by the department personnel to decorate their tree submission. It truly is a labor of love and the season's gift to the city. There is a separate day election to determine "best of" for various tree categories and awards are given out at a separate ceremony. Sometimes the winning departments will post their award certificates somewhere under their tree. Check them out! Guess which trees won! :) Each year both the tree exhibitors and the parade vehicles and trailers decorate according to a certain theme that the Customer Service Department decides. Walk around the trees in the Hale and watch the entire end of the parade try to figure out the themes for both! :D It's neat to see throngs of Oahu residents and city employees come together to celebrate the year's annual celebration event! Great for kids of all ages! Couldn't or can't make it this year? Not to worry! After this opening event, the Christmas tree displays are open to the public daily until about the first week in January. If you can't make it this year, there will be a next year ;) Oh and hey, maybe before putting your phone down, remember to put it on your calendar for next year so you won't forget! Hehehe :D See ya there soon! :D Merrrrrrry Christmas, Everyone!! :D May your holiday season be sooo super bright!! :D read more

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