Top 20 things to do on Big Island for Dec. 21-27: Holiday concerts and celebrations continue, Winter Solstice events and much more

Christmas is almost here and all around the Big Island, there are many events to make your holidays more brightened.

You can celebrate the Winter Solstice with activities at several venues, or sing along with members of the Waimea Community Chorus to your favorite Christmas carols. There’s also the Nashville in Paradise concert and cookout at Mauna Lani and Da Taste by ‘Ohana Q is hosting a holiday wreath painting party.

Those are just a few of the activities in store on the island this week. We’ve compiled a list of 20 things to do from Dec. 21-27, so be sure to take a peek.

No. 1 — Yule: Wheel of the Year — Celebrate the Winter Solstice (Kalapana, Dec. 21)

Celebrate Yule at The Oasis, located at 12-4575 Pāhoa-Kalapana Road, from 6 to 10 p.m. with a night of music, dance, fire and performances.

Dress up for the Warriors and Goddesses costume contest for a chance to win $150. Experience the powerful Heavy Bass of DJ Jenesis. You can also participate in the open performance circle to express your fire and flare.

Cost is $20 at the door, with 20% of the proceeds going to support families with children from Lāhainā.

No. 2 — Kahilu Pau Hana Thursdays: Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long (Waimea, Dec. 21)

Get into the spirit of the season from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at Kahilu Theatre, located at 67-1186 Lindsey Road, and sing along with members of the Waimea Community Chorus during two free sessions of Christmas caroling.

The Kahilu bar also will be open, serving its own spirits of beer and wine along with a few snacks. The Simperman and Hāmākua galleries will be open, too, featuring Malialani Dullanty’s exhibition “Huliau” and Janice Nakashima’s mixed-media artworks exhibition “Seeking Solace.”

No. 3 — Holiday events at Mauna Lani (Kohala Coast, Dec. 23)

Mauna Lani Resort, located at 68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive, is hosting two events perfect for anyone looking for a Country cookout or to tee off for the holidays.

The Nashville in Paradise concert and cookout celebrates the Big Island’s paniolo culture, featuring music by rising stars Waylon Nihipali and Ian Flanigan from “The Voice,” a BBQ-inspired menu, local pours from Kona Brewing, paniolo lawn games and line dancing. The fun starts at 5 p.m. Tickets are $270 for adults, $125 for keiki (both include dinner and beverages) and can be purchased online.

The Holiday Classic charity golf tournament, benefitting Maui wildfire relief efforts and Baby2Baby, tees off at 9 a.m. on the resort’s nationally-ranked North Course overlooking the ocean. The event is open to the public, ages 18 and older. All participants receive practice range tournament amenities, specialty beverages and lunch. The awards ceremony is at 2:30 p.m. The cost to participate is $350 per player or $1,400 per foursome. Free to watch. To reserve your spot, click here.

No. 4 — The Dark Side Of The Moon: 50 Years In A Heartbeat (Hilo, Dec. 22 and 29)

This Pink Floyd tribute returns to ʻImiloa Astronomy Center’s newly enhanced planetarium, located at 600 ʻImiloa Place, at 5:30 and 6:45 p.m. both nights.

Lose yourself in the waves of colors, images, animations and fractals that dance along to this epic masterpiece. From “Breathe” to “Money” and “Eclipse,” the digital interpretation of the songs takes audiences on an immersive thrill ride for the senses.

Admission is $12 for ʻImiloa members or $18 for the general public. For tickets, call 808-932-8901 or visit the astronomy center’s front desk during operating hours.

No. 5 — The Nutcracker Ballet (Waimea, Dec. 23)

West Hawaii Dance Theatre lights up the holidays with two presentations of “The Nutcracker” at 2 and 6 p.m. on the stage at Kahilu Theater, located at 67-1186 Lindsey Road. This festive, family-friendly production includes more than 55 local dancers and professional guest artists from American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Cleveland Ballet and more.

New and original choreography will delight audiences as this iconic and charming fairy tale — based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” — is performed to the melodic music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

Tickets start at $25. Click here to purchase in advance. All proceeds support West Hawaii Dance Theatre and Academy, a local nonprofit educational arts organization.

No. 6 — Christmas Eve Dinner (Mountain View, Dec. 24)

Da Beans Green Café, located at 17-937 Volcano Road, is excited to offer another donation-based dinner this holiday season. Bring your ‘ohana, a friend or come alone to make new friends from 5 to 9 p.m. for a Christmas Eve dinner.

The menu includes Caesar salad, honey ham and pineapple chutney, turkey, kalua pork and cabbage, mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, dinner rolls, pear pie and cherry pie. There will also be presents donated by Project Hawaiʻi for keiki who attend.

This is a first come, first served event, until food runs out. RSVP online.

No. 7 — Winter Solstice Dance Party (Hilo, Dec. 21)

Celebrate Saturnalia and the Winter Solstice at the historic Palace Theater, located at 38 Haili St., with this special performance by the Hot Potaytahs. Shake your groove thang to funky classics, rocking covers and piping fresh originals performed live.

Dress up as your favorite god, goddess or in your best toga for a chance to win a cash prize in the costume contest. Beer, wine and food will be available for purchase, but the good times are free.

The show starts at 7 p.m., with doors, box office and concessions open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available for purchase now online.

No. 8 — Holiday Concert with Kuana Torres Kahele (Hilo, Dec. 22)

This night of Hawaiian entertainment includes Kahele’s sweet symphonies paired with hula performances from Hālau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaehu and Heuaʻolu Sai-Dudoit.

The show at the Grand Naniloa’s iconic Crown Room, located at 93 Banyan Drive, is from 5:15 to 10 p.m. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Tickets start at $60. Get them online now before they disappear.

No. 9 — Holiday Wreath Paint Party (Dec. 23, Kailua-Kona)

Enjoy creating your own holiday wreath with a saying or your initials. From 2 to 5 p.m., learn a variety of leaf brushstrokes and how to make perfect berries and paint on a black canvas to pop those holiday colors.

You can also enjoy barbecue, pasta, tacos and cocktails during the party at Da Taste by ‘Ohana Q, located in Suite 104 at 75-5742 Kuakini Highway. The cost to participate is $55. Register now online.

No. 10 — 5th annual Puna Toy Exchange (Hawaiian Paradise Park, Dec. 23)

Help make sure all keiki have a wonderful Christmas this year by bringing a toy gift from 9 a.m. to noon at Connection Point Church of the Nazarene, located at 15-1839 32nd Ave.

Remember to clean your toys before donating and only donate good condition and fully working toys. Also, make sure there are no broken or missing parts.

If you would just like to donate and not attend the event, the Pāhoa Smoothie Shack, located at 15-2891 Pāhoa Village Road in Pāhoa, will be accepting donations until Dec. 22.

No. 11 — “Krampus” (Hilo, Dec. 22)

‘Twas the Friday Fright Night before Christmas and all through the town, not a child was stirring, because Krampus was found.

This horror comedy, which will be shown at the historic Palace Theater located at 38 Haili St., starring Toni Collette and Adam Scott tells the tale of a boy who has a bad Christmas and accidentally summons a festive demon to his family home.

The show starts at 7 p.m. Doors, box office and concessions open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 general admission or $9 for seniors, students and veterans and can be purchased now online.

No. 12 — Winter Solstice at ‘Awapuhi Labyrinth (Hawaiian Paradise Park, Dec. 21)

You are invited to walk the labyrinth’s torch-lit path with your family, friends and neighbors in celebration of the Winter Solstice. People can drop by anytime between 5 and 7 p.m.

Walking the labyrinth is a symbolic representation of people’s spiritual journey through life. Unlike a maze, which confuses with false paths and dead ends, the labyrinth has a single path — one way leads you in and, reversed, the same path brings you out.

The labyrinth is located at 15-1601 4th Ave. in Hawaiian Paradise Park. For more information about the labyrinth, click here. You can also email [email protected] for any questions.

No. 13 — Golden Light Festivities (Pāhoa, Dec. 23)

Join the Hawaiian Sanctuary, located at 13-3194 Pāhoa-Kalapana Road, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for holy-day festivities focused on gathering the ‘ohana that will include prayers, music and an epic imu feast, with vegan options.

There also will be dances for universal peace, foot anointing, reiki healing and a vendor fair. Proceeds from the event will benefit the establishment of Kūpuna Village in Puna, a safe place for elders to be cared for and connected, and Lōkahi Chorus, which provides cross-cultural music education.

Entry cost is $15. Keiki 12 and younger and kūpuna are free.

No. 14 — Wine Night at the Point (Kailua-Kona, Dec. 27)

You’re invited to Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, located at 78-121 Ehukai St., for an exquisite evening of fine dining and exceptional wines during this Prisoner Wine Co. dinner that starts at 5:30 p.m.

Experience an unforgettable culinary journey curated to complement the unique and bold flavors of Prisoner wines, set against the stunning backdrop of Pa‘akai Point. Indulge in a carefully crafted menu and savor each moment surrounded by the beauty of the resort.

For more information or to reserve your spot, click here.

No. 15 — Music Under the Monkeypod (Kohala Coast, Dec. 24)

This free Christmas Eve concert at Hokuloa United Church of Christ, located at 69-1600 Puakō Beach Drive, will feature The Kona Brass at 5:30 p.m. followed by a 6:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service.

The group consisting of five musicians from the Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Christmas music in all styles. Come and enjoy some sounds of the season. For more information, click here.

No. 16 — Hilton Waikōloa Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (Waikōloa, Dec. 24)

Join Calvary Community Church at 6 p.m. on the Grand Staircase at Hilton Waikōloa Village, located at 69-425 Waikōloa Beach Drive, for worship, Christmas songs, hula, scripture readings, a Christmas message and candle lighting.

There also be performances by KMA and Kid’s Church, as well as refreshments after the service. So bring your ‘ohana and celebrate the reason for the season. For more information, email [email protected]

No. 17 — Gold Party (Kailua-Kona, Dec. 22)

Join Maui Brewing Co. and A-Bays on Ali‘i, located at 75-5799 Ali‘i Drive, at 5 p.m. for the launch of A-Bays’ Golden Ale and new menu, bringing back some fan favorites.

Dress for the theme in gold. Toast and prizes for the best dressed at Golden Hour.

For more information, call A-Bays at 808-731-4790.

No. 18 — Jazzy Holiday Celebration and Dinner (Nāʻālehu, Dec. 22)

Celebrate the season with Hana Hou Restaurant, located at 95-1148 Nāʻālehu Spur Road, from 5 to 7 p.m. with dinner and a wonderful jazz performance with Farley and Cheryl “Just the two of us,” a duo from the Jazz Gardeners.

The event will also feature a special menu. Reservations are recommended; call 808-929-9717.

No. 19 — Kingside live (Kawaihae, Dec. 21)

This up-and-coming group blends rock, reggae and hip-hop in a fun and dynamic style. The quartet from North Hawai‘i plays a solid bevy of original songs while putting their fresh spin on covers in their energetic live shows.

With a penchant for soulful, grooving island rock and hip-hop, this Big Island band is on a mission to make you move with their music.

The show at Blue Dragon Tavern, located at 61-3616 Kawaihae Road, is from 6 to 9 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or $13 at the door; children 12 and younger are free. Purchase tickets now online.

No. 20 — Amy Hānaiali‘i: A Pālehua Christmas (Kealakekua, Dec. 22)

Join this six-time Grammy nominee, and one of Hawai’i’s most celebrated artists, as she performs songs from her award-winning album “A Hawaiian Christmas.” Hānaiali‘i also will premiere her new video “Pālehua” and new Christmas single “Christmas in Hawai’i.”

Pālehua, a mountain on O‘ahu, inspired creative magic when Hānaiali‘i and the late Uncle Willie K united there 25 years ago to compose some of Hawai‘i’s most beloved songs. The song “Pālehua” was written in tribute to this magical place, becoming an instant classic.

The concert event starts at 7 p.m. at Aloha Theatre, located at 79-7384 Hawaiʻi Belt Road. Tickets are $60 or $125 for VIP access, which includes VIP entry, a pre-show meet-and-greet with Hanaiali’i, a glass of her very own Palehua Sparkling Rose and the closest seats in the house. Purchase tickets online now.