Kauai Events December

2025 Events and Festivities

Lights On Rice Parade

The Lights on Rice Christmas Parade is huge for Kauaʻi — it’s described as one of the island’s most prominent attractions, with Rice Street completely closed so that floats, hālau (hula groups), school bands, clubs, and businesses can roll through in a glowing, blinking line of holiday lights.

Floats are decked out island-style: think truck beds strung with lights, kids in Santa hats and aloha shirts, inflatables, homemade decorations, and plenty of Christmas music. Crowds line both sides of the street, often several people deep. It really feels like the whole island came into town for the night.

Why you should go

If you only do one December event on Kauaʻi, this is the one I’d push you to see. It’s:

• Super family-friendly
• Easy to attend if you’re staying near Līhuʻe
• A perfect “first night” activity if you arrive around the start of the month

You’ll get that instant “oh wow, we’re really in Hawaiʻi for Christmas” feeling, warm night air, palm trees, and float lights reflecting off the road.

How to plan it

• Arrive early: Rice Street closes around 5:30 pm, so plan to park and find a spot well before then.
• Bring: A light jacket (trade winds can pick up), water, and maybe folding chairs or a blanket if you like to sit.
• With kids: This is an easy, high-energy evening. Just be ready for crowds and a late bedtime.

When: December 5, 6:30 PM
Where: Rice St, Lihue
More Info: Lights On Rice 

Waimea Light Parade & Holiday Concert

The Waimea Light Parade is celebrating its 25th year in 2025, which tells you how loved this event is. Floats and vehicles lineup near Waimea Canyon Middle School, then roll through town down Waimea Canyon Drive to Kaumualiʻi Highway, ending by Hofgaard Park.

The vibe is cozy and community-oriented, on a smaller scale than Lights on Rice but just as heartfelt. After the parade, everyone tends to hang around Hofgaard Park for live entertainment and holiday fun.

Why you should go

If you’re staying on the south or west side (Poʻipū, Waimea, or Kekaha) or planning a Waimea Canyon day, this is a fantastic way to cap off your evening:

• Less traffic chaos than Līhuʻe can have, but still a very popular local event
• Great chance to see the West Side community in action
• The lights + small-town setup feel super charming and laid back

How to plan it

• Make a day of it: Do Waimea Canyon / Kōkeʻe during the day if conditions are good, then drift back down for an early dinner and the parade.
• Parking & closures: Watch for road closures starting at 5:00 pm and give yourself time to park and walk into town.
• Bring: Light layers and maybe something to sit on if you want to settle near Hofgaard Park for the post-parade concert.

When: Saturday, December 20, 2025. Road closures from 5:00 pm; parade starts around 6:00 pm–6:15 pm; live entertainment at Hofgaard Park from 8:30 pm. 

Where: Waimea town, ending at Hofgaard Park (west side of Kauaʻi)

More Info.: Waimea Light Parade & Concert

Kauai Island Crafters Fair - Holiday Edition

The Kauaʻi Island Crafters Fair is a beloved series that’s been running for 15+ years, featuring all handmade items from Kauaʻi artisans. You’ll see:

• Jewelry, lauhala work, shell pieces
• Locally inspired art and photography
• Hand-sewn items, quilts, bags
• Soaps, lotions, baked goods, and small-batch treats

During December, the fairs basically become holiday gift central — both locals and visitors show up to tackle Christmas lists with all-local goods.

Why you should go

This one makes the top 5 because it’s:

• Really popular with residents, not just tourists
• A fantastic way to find unique souvenirs that aren’t mass-produced
• A chance to actually meet the people who made what you’re buying

The two December dates also hit both sides of the island — Līhuʻe (central/east) and Princeville (North Shore) — so there’s probably a fair near wherever you’re staying.

How to plan it

• Go early: The good stuff does get snapped up; aim for mid-morning.
• Bring: Cash and a reusable bag; many vendors do take cards, but not all.
• Pair with: Breakfast or coffee in Līhuʻe or a beach stop on the North Shore if you hit the Princeville fair.

When: Saturday, December 6, 2025 • 8:00 am–2:00 pm – Kauai Veterans Center, Līhuʻe. Saturday, December 13, 2025 • 8:00 am–2:00 pm – Church of the Pacific, Princeville (North Shore)

Where: Kauai Veterans Center & Church of the Pacific

More Information: December 6th & December 13th

Little Pea's Holiday Market & Kauai Hospice Fundraiser

Little Pea’s Holiday Market is both a craft fair and a fundraiser for Kauai Hospice. You’ll find:

• Handmade crafts, jewelry, fashion, and seasonal gifts from small local businesses
• A silent auction and country market where proceeds support hospice care services on Kauaʻi
• A warm, community vibe, this is very much a “locals giving back” kind of event

Compared with the larger, more general craft fairs, this one feels extra heartfelt because of its direct support for hospice work on the island.

Why you should go

If you’re the type who likes your shopping to mean something, this is an excellent way to:

• Check off gifts on your list
• Support small Kauaʻi makers
• Contribute to hospice services for local families

Plus, it’s easy to reach from Līhuʻe hotels, the airport area, and central island accommodations.

How to plan it

• Timing: You can absolutely pair this with the Kauaʻi Island Crafters Fair on the same day if you’re ambitious. They overlap but are relatively close by (Veterans Center in Līhuʻe + Puhi).
• Parking: It’s at the Kauai Philippine Cultural Center, so look for signage near the YMCA pool area in Puhi.

When: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 9 am - 3 pm

Where: Kauai Philippine Cultural Center in Puhi (behind the YMCA Pool, just outside Līhuʻe)

More Information: Little Pea's

How I’d Use These in a December 2025 Itinerary

If you’re building this into a guide or planning your own trip, here’s how these top 5 fit together:

1. Early December anchor:
   • Lights on Rice Christmas Parade (Dec 5) is your big, can’t-miss kickoff. It’s one of the island's most prominent attractions and instantly sets the holiday tone.
2. Ongoing holiday vibe:
   • Kauaʻi Festival of Lights runs throughout the season, so you can drop by any evening you’re near Līhuʻe. It’s low-effort, high-magic, and works for every type of traveler.
3. Shopping + local artisans:
   • Kauaʻi Island Crafters Fair (Dec 6 & Dec 13) and Little Pea’s Holiday Market (Dec 6) give you two flavors of craft experiences:
     • A long-standing, island-wide artisan fair series
     • A more intimate fundraiser that still has great shopping
   • Together, they check the “unique gifts + support local” box really well.
4. West-side holiday night:
   • Waimea Light Parade & Concert (Dec 20) is perfect if your trip extends into mid/late December or you’re spending time on the south/west side. It gives you a second big parade night with a different, more small-town feel than Līhuʻe.

If I were sending you this as family, I’d say:

• At least one parade (Lights on Rice or Waimea or both if your dates allow)
• One big craft fair day (Kauaʻi Island Crafters + Little Pea’s if you’re there that first weekend)
• One chill night at the Festival of Lights

That mix gives you culture, community, shopping, and pure holiday magic, all without pulling you too far from beaches, hikes, and shave ice.