Enjoy a Tropical Christmas Extravaganza at the Honolulu City Lights

After you’ve celebrated enough white Christmases, you might get a little jaded. It’s like, we get it. Snowdrifts, shoveling, freezing temperatures, and slippery roads. Sometimes the downsides of winter seem to outweigh the festive feelings it can bring.

If you’re feeling a little bit down on a winter Christmas this year, it might be time to change things up.

While it may not be a classic Christmas holiday destination with sled riding, frosty windows, and jaunty snowmen, Honolulu still offers the holiday excitement — just in full tropical style. There’s a canoe-riding Santa wearing Bermuda shorts, extravagantly decorated palm trees, and plenty of aloha Christmas spirit. Spending Christmas on a beach is an unexpected joy that might have you choosing it over the classic destination year after year.

One of the highlights of the season is the Honolulu City Lights, an extravaganza of merrily twinkling lights that kicks off with a tree-lighting ceremony. There are rides for children, booths with handmade crafts and local food specialties, and an electric light parade before the lighting of the spectacular Christmas tree.

Honolulu’s convenient location makes it ideal for planning vacation logistics. With an airport right next to the city, restaurants celebrating the best of local seafood and produce, and plenty of beautiful hotels in Waikiki, you can focus on the fun of your stay rather than planning the details of your trip.

Other Christmas Attractions in Honolulu

Santa’s Beach House at Ward Village — This tropical locale with a Hawaiian shirt-wearing Santa is fun for all ages. Have a picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, then enjoy a bit of Christmas shopping if you’ve still got things on your list to buy.

Twelve Days of Christmas at the Polynesian Cultural Center — The Center in nearby Laie offers a fun boat ride that takes in colorfully lit palm trees and an area with real snow for making snowmen or snow angels and is fun for the entire family.

Accommodations

Pearl Hotel Waikiki — This budget-friendly accommodation is several minutes’ walk from Waikiki Beach and offers some rooms with kitchens and a resort package that includes Wi-Fi, a shuttle, and beach towels. It’s also close to shopping areas and offers a laidback vibe with comfortable rooms.

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa — Set right on gorgeous Waikiki Beach, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa offers rooms with both mountain and ocean views. Enjoy access to the beach or ride of a few minutes to reach the Diamondhead volcano trail. There’s a spa, fitness center, swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, and two great on-site restaurants.

Restaurants

Duke’s Waikiki — A classically laidback beachside eatery that offers fresh seafood in a relaxed atmosphere.

Marukame Udon Waikiki — A casual Japanese noodle shop in a convenient location with deliciously homemade broths, a variety of toppings, and plenty of side dishes.

Transportation Options

Fly — Access to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is just 10 miles from Honolulu. Buses, taxis, and rental cars are all available for transportation to the heart of the city.

Ride — City buses are plentiful and travel to all popular areas at most times of the day.

Drive — Rent a car at the airport or at various points in Honolulu. As Honolulu Citya main artery of the city, the H1 highway travels the length of Honolulu.