2025 Events and Festivities

Annual Honolulu City Lights

This is the signature holiday event on Oʻahu. If you do only one December activity, chances are it’s this one. Locals and visitors pour into downtown all month long to see the gigantic holiday tree, ride the keiki train, take pictures with Shaka Santa, and stroll through the beautifully decorated Civic Center grounds.

What You’ll Experience

• A 50+ foot holiday tree lighting up downtown
• Enormous Shaka Santa & Tūtū Mele statues
• Dozens of themed displays, Christmas scenes, and local-style decorations
• The Electric Light Parade (opening weekend)
• Food vendors, music, and photo ops
• Free entry and great for all ages

Why We’d Tell a Friend to Go

It’s festive, it’s free, it feels like the heart of Honolulu, and it’s one of the best ways to get that “Hawaiʻi Christmas” vibe. Go just after sunset for the best lights and fewer crowds than prime evening hours.

When: December 1–31, 2025 (Opening Night November 29, 2025)

Where: Honolulu Hale, Downtown Honolulu

More Info: Honolulu City Lights 

Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade

Why It’s Popular

Some cities have Christmas parades on landOʻahu has them on the water. Boats are decked out with elaborate lights, inflatables, music, and holiday themes, all reflecting beautifully on the marina’s surface.

What You’ll Experience

• Dozens of boats glowing with lights
• Waterfront viewing from multiple points around the marina
• A totally local, community-feel event
• Optional waterfront dining before or after
• A festive yet laid-back atmosphere

Why It’s Worth Going

It’s a very “Oʻahu” experience, festive holiday energy with ocean views. It’s especially nice for couples, families, and anyone who loves scenic evenings. Bring a light jacket: the marina breeze can catch you off guard.

When: Expected mid-December 2025 (traditionally 2nd Saturday)
Where: Hawaii Kai Marina
More Info: Christmas Boat Parade

North Shore Winter Surf Season

December brings the legendary North Shore winter swells, attracting professional surfers from around the world and huge crowds eager to witness massive, thundering waves. Even when competitions aren’t running, spectators line the beach to watch the ocean unleash its power.

What You’ll Experience

• Waves that can reach 20–40+ feet
• Professional surfers practicing or competing
• Surf photographers capturing iconic shots
• Food trucks, surf shops, and a lively scene in Haleʻiwa
• The legendary Banzai Pipeline is in full force

Why You Should Go

You don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy this; it’s truly breathtaking. It’s one of the few places on earth where you can literally spend hours just watching the ocean. Always remind visitors to stay far back; winter surf is no joke.

When: December is the peak winter surf month
Where: Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach 
More Info: WSL

Beginning of Humpback Whale Season

December is the start of Hawaiʻi’s beloved whale-watching season. Thousands of humpback whales migrate to the islands to breed, calve, and nurse, and Oʻahu’s waters become one of the best spots to see them.

What You’ll Experience

• Whale breaches, fin slaps, and tail lifts
• Educational guides and onboard naturalists
• Gorgeous coastal views
• Morning and afternoon outings
• High sighting rates (especially later in the month)

Why I’d Recommend It

Whale watching is unforgettable; these giant, gentle creatures are incredible to see up close. It’s peaceful, awe-inspiring, and a perfect break from holiday crowds. Go early in the morning for the calmest water.

When: Typically December-April
Where: Waikiki, Kewalo Basin, Ko Olina
Our Tour Suggestion: Oahu Whale Tour 

How to Enjoy December on Oʻahu

December on Oʻahu is truly special because it blends holiday cheer, cultural traditions, and seasonal nature experiences in a way you won’t find anywhere else. Honolulu City Lights gives you festive, family-friendly holiday magic right in the heart of the city. The Waikīkī Trolley tour makes it easy to enjoy holiday displays without having to fight for parking or do much walking. The Hawaii Kai boat parade shows off a cozy, community-oriented holiday tradition, but on the water, island style.

Then you have winter surf season, which is honestly one of the most impressive natural phenomena in Hawaiʻi. The North Shore becomes a gathering place for surfers, photographers, and spectators who want to witness the ocean at its most powerful. Even if someone has zero interest in surfing, the sheer force of the waves is worth the trip.

And finally, December marks the beginning of whale season — a peaceful, unforgettable experience that balances out the busier holiday events. Watching humpback whales leap out of the water with the backdrop of Oʻahu’s coastline is something I’d recommend to everyone.

• Do Honolulu City Lights at night, maybe on a weekday to avoid crowds
• Take the Waikīkī Trolley holiday tour for an easy, festive evening
• Spend a half-day on the North Shore to see the winter surf
• Pick a weekend night to see the Hawaii Kai Boat Parade if the timing works
• Book a whale-watching tour in mid-December for the best chances
• And most importantly, enjoy the warm weather, beaches, food, and aloha spirit that make December in Hawaiʻi feel magical