Big Island’s Weekend: Festive Parades, Performances and Crafts

This holiday season is full of festive fun. Read on for some weekend cheer.

Christmas Festival in Waikoloa

On Saturday there’s a parade, Christmas festival and free holiday concert? From the corner of Waikoloa Road and Paniolo Avenue to Waikoloa Elementary School, expect a green and red display of holiday spirit from 10 a.m.

Bring the camera for photo-ops with Santa and the keiki.

The elementary school hosts the Keiki Christmas Festival beginning around 11 a.m. The Chamber Orchestra of Kona will follow the festival. The elementary school is located at 68-1730 Ho’oko Street in Waikoloa.

Get Crafty

To gift and receive; for those difficult people who have everything, or need nothing, why not try the Christmas Jubilee craft fair at the Mokuaikaua Church?

Mokuaikaua Church in Kona, photo courtesy of Wikimedia commons.

The Big Island’s oldest church will have local crafts, food, farmers market and live entertainment throughout the day from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday December 15.

The church is located at 75-5713 Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona. This event is free to the public.

Everyone Loves a Parade

Saturday brings a joyful Christmas Parade replete with sparkling lights, music, candy and floats from approximately 75 community and corporate entities.

The parade begins at 5 p.m. from the Kekuaokalani Gym, and ends around 7 p.m. past the Coconut Grove Marketplace in Kona.The marketplace is located at 75-5809 Ali’i Drive in Kailua-Kona.

The Menehune Food Drive will be accepting donations at collection points along the parade route. For more information visit www.paradesinkona.com.

Cry Laugh in Volcano

The Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus hosts local comedians on Saturday December 15 and Sunday December 16 for holiday giggles and guffaws.

Be entertained by the Puna Princess, The Stand Up Yogi, Angie Libadisos, the Volcano Fly Girls, Kathleen Butler and Tanya Aynessazian.

Doors open for Saturday’s show at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday’s show will start their seating at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 general and $10 discounted for VAC members.

The Niaulani Campus is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano.

Kamuela Philharmonic in Concert

It will sound like Christmas at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on Saturday at 7 p.m. The Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra plays selections from the Nutcracker, Christmas carols other pieces from classic composers.

This free concert on the lu’au grounds of the Waikoloa Village, offers validated parking. For more information visit www.kamuelaphil.org. The Hilton is located at 69-425 Waikoloa Beach Drive in Waikoloa.

World of Magic

Magic abounds on Sunday December 16, at the Palace Theater.

This annual performance begins at 11 a.m. and features professional acrobats, jugglers, balloon artists and more.

The man in the big red suit is also expected to make a guest appearance. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

The Palace Theater is located at 38 Haili Street in Hilo.

Sing in the Holidays

Seasonal songs from around the world will be presented in a free holiday concert at the Old Airport Beach Park Recreation Pavilion, on Sunday December 16 at 4 p.m.

The Kona Music Society and the KMS Youth Chorus will entertain and sing in the Christmas cheer. For more information visit www.konamusicsociety.org. The pavilion is located at 74-5562 Makala Boulevard in Kailua-Kona.

This weekend promises many picture taking opportunities, Santa sightings and more. No bah-humbugs allowed, but slightly Grinch-y people are encouraged to receive some holiday spirit.