Honolulu City Lights 2025 – Everything You Need to Know
When palm trees sparkle with lights and Shaka Santa waves from Honolulu Hale, you know the holidays have officially arrived in Hawaiʻi. Every December, locals and visitors gather downtown to experience Honolulu City Lights — Oʻahu’s most beloved holiday celebration that fills the air with aloha, laughter, and music.
Since its debut in 1985, this free community event has grown into a month-long festival of lights, art, and joy. From the towering Christmas tree on the front lawn to the handmade decorations by local schools and artists, every corner of Honolulu Hale glows with island spirit.
Whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth, this guide will help you discover everything you need to know about Honolulu City Lights 2025 — from event dates and local tips to the easiest way to get there without worrying about parking.
What Is Honolulu City Lights?
Honolulu City Lights began as a small downtown tree lighting ceremony almost four decades ago. Today, it’s a full-fledged holiday spectacular that transforms Honolulu Hale (City Hall) into a glowing winter wonderland — Hawaiian style.
You’ll find:
- 🌴 Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele statues greeting visitors at the front lawn
- 🎄 50-foot Christmas tree decorated differently each year
- 🎨 Christmas tree exhibition inside Honolulu Hale, where local artists and community groups display uniquely themed trees
- 🎶 Live performances by local musicians and hālau hula groups
- 🍧 Food booths and keiki rides in the courtyard
This annual event represents what Hawaiʻi does best — celebrating community, creativity, and culture with a local twist.
Fun fact: Every year, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department picks a new theme for the main Christmas tree. Past designs have honored Hawaiian royalty, ocean life, and even hula traditions.
2025 Dates, Schedule, and Highlights
The 2025 Honolulu City Lights celebration is expected to begin in early December 2025 and run through the first week of January 2026.
While official details are typically announced in November, here’s what you can expect based on previous years:
🎄 Opening Night Ceremony (Expected: Saturday, December 6, 2025)
- Lighting of the city’s 50-foot Christmas tree at Honolulu Hale
- The famous Electric Light Parade down King Street
- Live performances, food booths, and keiki rides
🌟 Throughout December
- Indoor tree exhibit open daily (free entry)
- Outdoor light displays and Santa statues available for viewing 24/7
- Weekends often feature live music and family activities
🎆 Closing Week (Early January 2026)
- Last chance to take photos and enjoy the lights before they’re turned off for the season
📍 Location: Honolulu Hale, 530 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813
How to Get There
Honolulu Hale sits in downtown Honolulu, about 15–20 minutes from Waikīkī by car.
🚗 Driving
Limited street parking is available nearby, but it fills up quickly — especially on weekends and opening night. There are a few public garages within walking distance, but traffic in the area can be heavy.
🚌 Public Transportation
TheBus offers several convenient routes from Waikīkī and Ala Moana. Check schedules ahead of time and allow extra travel time.
🚕 Rideshare or Taxi
Uber and Lyft operate in the area, though prices may surge during peak hours.
🛻 Trolley Option
For a more relaxing and festive way to see the lights, the Honolulu City Lights Trolley Tour by Turtle Trolley offers direct transportation from Waikīkī — complete with holiday music, open-air views, and no parking stress.
👉 Learn more about the Honolulu City Lights Trolley Tour
Pro tip: Weekday evenings are usually less crowded, and parking is much easier to find.
Tips for Visiting Like a Local
- Go around sunset (5:45–6 PM): You’ll catch the tree lighting against a golden sky, then watch the city sparkle after dark.
- Dress comfortably: Evenings in December are mild (70s °F / 20s °C), but a light sweater helps on breezy nights.
- Explore inside Honolulu Hale: Don’t miss the indoor tree exhibit — each one has a different theme and often includes clever local touches.
- Bring cash or card: For snacks, drinks, or keiki rides at the small carnival area.
- Photo favorites:
- Shaka Santa & Tutu Mele statues
- Tree-lined King Street arches
- The “ALOHA” light display on the front lawn
How to See the Lights the Easy Way – The Turtle Trolley Christmas Tour
If you want to experience Honolulu City Lights without worrying about parking or traffic, hop aboard the Turtle Trolley Christmas Tour.
Running nightly through December, this open-air trolley takes guests directly from Waikīkī to Honolulu Hale — decked out in festive lights, music, and holiday spirit. It’s the perfect way to sit back, relax, and take in the twinkling beauty of the city.
📍 Route includes: Waikīkī → Downtown Honolulu → Honolulu Hale → Return to Waikīkī
🎟️ Tickets: Reserve your Honolulu City Lights Trolley Tour here.
Bonus for Travelers – 25% Off All And You Creations Tours
Planning to explore more of Oʻahu while you’re here? When you book the Honolulu City Lights Trolley Tour, you’ll receive 25% off any And You Creations tour — the perfect way to extend your holiday adventure.
✨ Tours you can enjoy with the discount:
- 🐬 Dolphins & You – Swim with wild dolphins and snorkel in pristine waters.
- 🐢 Turtles & You – Meet Hawaiian green sea turtles up close.
- 🌊 Ocean & You – A sunset cruise with live DJ and breathtaking Waikīkī views.
- 🌴 Island & You – A full-day circle island tour with local food and scenic stops.
- 🌺 Nature & You – Waimea – Explore lush rainforest trails and a waterfall swim.
It’s a small holiday gift from us — a way to enjoy both the island’s festive lights and its incredible natural beauty.
Celebrate the Holidays Island-Style
There’s something magical about seeing Christmas lights shimmer against palm trees and the Pacific breeze. Honolulu City Lights captures the best of Hawaiʻi — community, creativity, and aloha — all in one unforgettable holiday tradition.
Whether you stroll through Honolulu Hale with your family, join a trolley full of carolers, or spend the next day exploring Oʻahu’s waterfalls and reefs, your holiday in Hawaiʻi will shine a little brighter this year.
✨ Mele Kalikimaka and happy holidays from all of us at And You Creations and Turtle Trolley!
