As we near the holiday season and begin marking our calendars with ugly sweater parties and cookie swaps, there is one event in Hawaii you should definitely add to your schedule, an event that shines a little brighter than the rest. The Honolulu City Lights is not only the largest Christmas light display found across the state, but it also quite a magical affair – and it all begins on December 3.

lucho_84/Flickr
The event at Honolulu Hale began in 1985 when former Mayor Frank F. Fasi held a free event that featured a magnificent lighted tree, holiday concert on the main lawn, decorated trees in the courtyard, and lights adorning trees and buildings stretching downtown to the civic center.
Danielle Chang/Flickr
The spectacular lights will turn on December 3, and will stay lit through January 1.
Honolulu City Lights/Facebook
The celebration kicks off at 4 p.m. with food booths, souvenir tents and keiki rides at Sky Gate, followed by the tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m., an Electric Light Parade, Holiday Concert, photographs with Santa, and various light displays.
Cliff/Flickr

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The 50-foot tall Norfolk Pine tree is decked out in a different theme each year, and we can’t wait to see what 2016’s tree looks like.
There’s truly nothing more Hawaiian than a Santa throwing a shaka...
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr
And the lights strung through the trees will fill you with holiday cheer.
Honolulu City Lights/Facebook
While these photographs are certainly gorgeous, there is no way to do this magnificent celebration the justice it deserves, and you absolutely must do everything you can in order see the lights for yourself.
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr
lucho_84/Flickr
The light display is always free, and open to Hawaii residents and tourists alike.

Luckily, unlike all of our mainland friends, we won’t be freezing while we experience this magical holiday celebration – though the cold weather might honestly make that peppermint hot chocolate more appealing. Will you be headed to Honolulu Hale for opening night, or will you wait a little longer in order to catch the beauty without the crowds? For more information, head to the Honolulu City Lights website.

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