Christmas in Paradise: The holidays come to Hawaii

The thought of Christmas may evoke jingle bells and sleigh rides for many folks, but those of us who call Hawaii home have a slightly different version of holiday cheer. If you're lucky enough to be spending the holiday on Oahu, you'll find palm trees lit with Christmas lights, see Santa waving a shaka, and hear Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas) wherever you go. You might even be lucky enough to catch Santa's arrival on a surfboard. The following events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.


Ride the Pearlridge Express - Children under 48" can climb aboard the Pearlridge Express for only $3. The train chugs around the Uptown Center Court from November 19-January 2.


Santa's German Gingerbread Village - The Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Hawaii features an edible winter wonderland made of gingerbread and other sweet treats created by Executive Chef Ralf Bauer and his team of culinary artists. November 24 to January 3, 2011 in the resort's lobby.


Honolulu City Lights - From December 4, 2010 to January 2, 2011 the courtyard at Honolulu Hale (City Hall) is transformed into a Christmas Wonderland with decorated trees and wreaths. Open from 8 am. to 11 pm daily including Christmas and New Year's.


Santa Arrives - On Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 9 a.m., Santa arrives via outrigger canoe on the beach in front of the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, Hawaii.


Christmas Boat Parade - On December 18 you can enjoy the 14th Annual Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade at the Hawaii Kai Marina. The parade starts at sunset and features boats decorating with dazzling lights and glitter.


Wreath Display - On December 20 from 9 am to 12 noon, the employees at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach Waikiki, Hawaii showcase their festive artistry with creative holiday wreaths. The public is invited to vote for the best in the categories.


Gingerbread Display - During the week of December 20-24, Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, Hawaii invites the public to enjoy the creative gingerbread works of the Outrigger Waikiki’s employees as they show off their creative and culinary skills.


–Kris Bordessa of Honolulu On The Cheap and Big Island On The Cheap


Photo credit: gabesk/Flickr