The holiday season is on its way back to the islands. As with so many other things, The Gathering Place will be the epicenter of it all. Electric light parades, holiday luau’s, historical commemorations, and more are lined up to arrive on the shores of Oahu this holiday season.
Here are the most exciting events and festivals coming to Oahu in December.
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Updated 2023 Hawaii Visitor Guides
If you're visiting Hawaii soon, be sure to download a copy of one of our updated 2023 Hawaii Visitor Guides. We've updated the travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and for those who've been a time or two as well).
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2023 Events and Festivities
Events for Oahu in December 2023 will be posted in the coming weeks. Typically, we'll update this page about six to eight weeks before the month in question. Below, you can review a summary of what happened within the last 12-18 months, as many of these Hawaii events are held annually.
2022 Events and Festivities
38th Annual Honolulu City Lights
One of the most iconic holiday events in all of Hawaii is Honolulu’s City Lights. The visual marvel runs for almost the entire month of December, but if you’re in town early in the month, be sure to catch the opening ceremony on December 3rd, which includes a tree lighting ceremony and an electric light parade.
When: Starting December 3rd, 4 PM - 12 AM
Where: 530 King St, Honolulu (Chinatown)
More Info: Honolulu City Lights
81st Commemoration - National Pearl Harbor Remembrance
December also marks the anniversary of one of the most significant historical events in Hawaii’s history - the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. For the 81st time, Oahu will commemorate the event at the very site where it happened. Visitors, veterans, and survivors will all gather to retell the story and honor the legacy of this moment that forever changed the world after.
When: Wednesday, December 7th
Where: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu (Pear Harbor National Memorial)
More Info: Pearl Harbor Events
Holiday Luau at Paradise Cove
What better way to celebrate the holiday season in Hawaii than with a big luau? The Holiday Luau at Paradise Cove is just what you’re looking for. Paradise Cove is a 12-acre oceanfront property. Therefore, in addition to all the traditional wonders like live music, hula, and fresh-cooked traditional food, this luau also includes canoe rides!
When: All December, 5 PM
Where: 92-1089 Aliinui Dr, Kapolei
More Info: Paradise Cove Luau
Na Leo Pilimehana Holiday Dinner Concert
Na Leo Pilimehana is a Hawaiian female group - and the world’s best-selling one. This exceptional holiday performance will be complemented by a buffet dinner and signature cocktails. Soothing, beautiful music, high-class food freshly prepared by Executive Chef Hector Morales, and a signed CD included to take home - Na Leo Pilimehana’s Holiday Dinner Concert is one of the highest-caliber holiday events happening anywhere in Hawaii this season.
When: Saturday, December 17th, 5 PM - 10 PM
Where: 1801 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu (Hawaii Convention Center)
More Info: Holiday Dinner Concert - Ticketspice
Honolulu Marathon
December is also the month of the Honolulu Marathon. This has far and away been the largest marathon in Hawaii since its first instance in 1973, and in fact, it is among the largest marathons in the world, drawing runners (many of them first-timers) from all around the world. Roughly 25,000 runners finish the race every year!
When: Sunday, December 11th
Where: 1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu (Ala Moana Beach Park)
More Info: Honolulu Marathon
We hope you find this to be a helpful guide to planning your December in Oahu. As always, mahalo, and best wishes for your visit!
