By Cameron Enomoto | Staff Writer

With the beginning of the holiday season and people eager to start festivities, here are five activities happening this month on Oʻahu that you don’t want to miss.

Honolulu City Lights: The annual Honolulu City Lights will be taking place this year at Honolulu Hale, but in a slightly different fashion. Due to the pandemic, the event was canceled last year and many people had to find other activities to partake in. This year, attendees will be required to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test. There will still be a tree lighting ceremony and other activities, however, the keiki rides, photos with Santa, and the wreath competition will not be available. The tree lighting ceremony will be held on Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Honolulu City Lights website.

Polynesian Cultural Center Winter Wonderland: The Polynesian Cultural Center will be hosting a two-week event beginning on Dec. 9 to celebrate Christmas. The Christmas Lagoon Canoe Ride will be decked out in festive decorations that commemorate the “birth of the savior.” There will also be holiday train rides and a free scavenger hunt for children. The holiday activities will take place in the evenings after the main attractions of the park end for the day. More information can be found on the PCC website.

Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra “Handel’s Messiah:” For those that would rather celebrate the holidays with traditional Christmas music, the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra will be performing Handel’s Messiah. In accordance with local regulations, all attendees are required to show proof of full vaccination and will be asked to keep masks on and maintain social distancing. The concert will take place on Dec. 11 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Hawaiʻi Theatre Center. To purchase tickets and to view the full program, visit the HSO website.

The “Festival of Lights” Boat Parade: The 24th annual “Festival of Lights” boat parade is on this year. Viewers will be able to watch the event from Hawai‘i Kai Towne Center and Koko Marina as boats pass by with their creative displays of the Christmas spirit. The parade is set to take place on Dec. 11 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. If you are interested in decorating and entering your own boat, the last day for entries is Dec. 10 at 12 p.m. To enter your own boat or to view the parade map, visit the HKMCA website.

Annual Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace: To get your last-minute holiday shopping in, be sure to check out the 5th annual Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace on Dec. 10 (10 a.m.-8 p.m.) and on Dec. 11 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.). Shoppers will be able to explore unique booths in the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall while children take pictures with Santa and meet Rudolph. There will also be a keiki Christmas carnival and winter wonderland. Children 12 and under are granted free admission and the fee for adults is $4. For more information, visit the Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace website.