Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Dec. 9-13: ‘The Nutcracker,’ photos with Santa, Christmas chocolates and cocktails, candlelight memorial and more
The holiday tradition that is “The Nutcracker Ballet” returns this week for the 35th year to the historic Palace Theater stage in Hilo, with all the whirling and twirling, tap dancing, sword fighting and more to delight Big Island audiences.
It’s just one of the upcoming festive events scheduled at island venues in celebration of the Yuletide season.
Keiki have a chance to whisper their Christmas wishes directly to Santa himself — while Mom and Dad capture the magical moment in pictures — at Queens’ Marketplace in Waikōloa.
Pāhala is flipping the switch to light up Kaʻū’s first community Christmas tree. Everyone is invited to come celebrate during a special event featuring a ton of fun and special hula performance by Hula Hālau Kaleo a Keahilapalapa.
Puna Chocolate Co. is even hosting a Christmas Chocolates and Cocktails Pairing in Hilo that is sure to put you in the holiday spirit, if you know what we mean. What’s better than holiday sweets and drinks?
Perhaps the most meaningful moment of the season, however, will be during a community candlelight memorial in Hilo hosted by Hawai‘i Care Choices at Wailoa River State Recreation Area in remembrance of loved ones who are no longer here to spend the holidays with us.
Cherished memories of those loved one and uplifting reflections along with poetry and inspiring melodies from Hilo’s own Mark Yamanaka and Keiki Choirs from Kamehameha Schools will be part of the free heartfelt hourlong program.
Here’s our top 10 things to do for Dec. 9-13.
No. 1 — Free Firework Phobia Workshop (Hilo, Dec. 10)
When: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Aloha Dog Academy, 830 Kīlauea Ave.
Help your furbaby navigate their fears on New Year’s Eve by learning some ways to help them feel safe and cope with fireworks.
There’s no cost for these seminars, but donations for the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society are appreciated. Humans only though. No pooches allowed.
Pre-registration required. Call 808-315-1326 or click here.
No. 2 — Talons and Talent (Hilo, Dec. 11)
When: 9:30 to 11 a.m. first show; 1 to 2:30 p.m. second show
Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.
The students of Connections Public Charter School in Hilo return to the historic Palace stage to show off their variety of talents and skills during this variety and talent show and invite everyone to come and enjoy the fun.
Tickets are just $2 each and can be purchased at the Palace Theater website. Keiki 2 and younger are free.
Doors, box office and concessions open 30 minutes in advance of each show.
No. 3 — A Season of Light: A Candlelight Memorial Tribute (Hilo, Dec. 11)
When: 6 p.m.
Location: Wailoa River State Recreation Area, 799 Pi‘ilani St.
Hawai‘i Care Choices invites the community to this special free holiday event in honor and remembrance of loved ones who left us too soon.
Participants will experience a heartfelt 60-minute program featuring poetry, cherished memories and uplifting reflections of those who will not be here for the holidays. Local music icon and Hilo’s own Mark Yamanaka along with and Keiki Choirs from Kamehameha Schools will provide inspiring melodies and raise their voices as part of the memorial.
The holiday season is a time of joy — and sorrow. Finding ways to remember loved ones we lost, especially at this time of year, can be a vital part of the healing process. For more information about the candlelight memorial, call 808-969-1733.
No. 4 — Christmas Chocolates and Cocktails Pairing (Hilo, Dec. 11)
When: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Puna Chocolate Co., 277 Keawe St.
What’s better than chocolate and cocktails? Chocolate and cocktails at Christmastime. Join Puna Chocolate Co. in downtown Hilo and get in a festive mood while you pair some peppermint bark and four filled tasty truffles with five seasonal spirits and Christmas cocktails.
Bring your friends and explore Hawaiian-grown chocolate treats. Reserve your tickets, which are $40, at the Puna Chocolate Co. website under “Events.”
There also is a pairing event planned Dec. 13 at the Kona store and cafe, located at 74-5606 Pawai Place, No. 8, in Kailua-Kona.
No. 5 — Comedy Night Hilo featuring Ron G (Hilo, Dec. 12)
When: 6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Hilo Town Market, 69 Waiānuenue Ave.
Get ready for an evening filled with laughter that is sure to be a highlight of your holiday festivities.
Ron G is known for his relatable humor and infectious energy, telling hilarious anecdotes and side-splitting jokes. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his comedy, you don’t want to miss this show. So grab your friends and family, come early to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and be prepared for an unforgettable night of fun.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Promotix. Doors open at 6 p.m.
No. 6 — Photos with Santa (Waikōloa, Dec. 13)
When: 5 to 8 p.m.
Location: Queens’ Marketplace, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Drive
The Big Man in Red, the right Jolly Old Elf, is coming to Waikōloa for a brief break from his busy toymaking schedule to pose for photos with the kiddos to commemorate the 2024 holiday season.
Bring your camera and have a visit with Santa at the grand Christmas tree near Starbucks today and again Dec. 14-15 and 20-22. A few of his elves will also be on hand to make sure your holiday pics are definitely merry and magical.
No. 7 — Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Pāhala, Dec. 13)
When: 6 p.m.
Location: Pāhala Plantation Cottages, 96-3208 Maile St.
Get ready. It’s almost here. The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, and Pāhala is ready to celebrate. The Pāhala Town Lighted Christmas Parade Committee presents the first tree lighting event to be conducted in the Kaʻū community, which will feature a special hula performance by Hula Hālau Kaleo a Keahilapalapa.
Food trucks and local vendors will also be part of the fun, so come and enjoy the start of the Christmas season in Pāhala.
A portion of Kamani Street will be closed from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for the event. Check in at the information booth in front of Pāhala Gas Station when you arrive. Bring your own chairs and/or mats to enjoy the holiday spectacular.
No. 8 — Celtic Christmas Show (Waikōloa, Dec. 13)
When: 6 to 7 p.m.
Location: Queens’ Marketplace, Coronation Pavilion, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Drive
Join Queens’ Marketplace and Hawai‘i Irish Dance, a diverse group of professionals, students and friends brought together by a love of dance, music and Irish culture, for this special free evening of Irish dance, music and story in celebration of the season.
World-renowned Scottish musician and balladeer Bill Mullen will join the show, which will also feature musicians Ka‘ohi and O’Casey and flaggers from Scully’s Pub.
The performance is part of the shopping center’s holiday events happening throughout the month. For more information about other upcoming events, including pictures with Santa, visit the Queens’ Marketplace website.
No. 9 — “The Nutcracker Ballet” (Hilo, Dec. 13-15)
When: 7 p.m. Friday and Dec. 14; 2 p.m. Dec. 15
Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.
Island Dance Academy and the Palace present this Hilo holiday tradition, featuring whirling and twirling ballerinas, tap dancing soldiers, sword fighting combatants and more, first started in 1989. Along with new choreocraphy and reworked traditional dances, the production is ever-changing, adapting to dancers’ strengths.
As a special bonus, Rick Mazurowski will introduce each performance with Christmas music played on the Palace’s magnificent pipe organ.
Doors, box office and concessions open 1 hour before each showtime. Tickets are $20 general admission in advance, $5 more the day of the show, and can be purchased at the Palace Theater website or box office.
No. 10 — “Shattered” (Hilo, through Jan. 31, 2025)
When: Regular gallery hours
Location: East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, 141 Kalākaua St.
In the latest exhibit at East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, Honolulu-based artist, activist and attorney Deborah Nehmad confronts gun violence in America.
Compassion and empathy in the face of pain and death inform Nehmad’s work. Her pieces have been described as visceral and poignant by fellow artists and critics. She uses handmade Nepalese paper, graphite and beeswax in which she stitches and burns holes to graphically represent gun fatalities.
For more information, visit the East Hawai‘i Cultural Center website, call 808-961-5711 or visit the cultural center in person. Gallery and office hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The gallery is also open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
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Want to check for yourself what’s going on around the island?
We admit. We can’t fit everything going on each week in our top 10. So here are websites for some popular Big Island venues that you can peruse to discover other events, activities, shows, festivals or workshops that pique your interest.
- Aloha Theatre, Kealakekua: https://apachawaii.org/
- Blue Dragon Tavern, Kawaihae: https://www.bluedragontavern.com/
- Donkey Mill Art Center, Hōlualoa: https://donkeymillartcenter.org/
- East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, Hilo: https://ehcc.org/
- Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
- Hilo Town Market, Hilo: https://hilotownmarket.co/events
- Hilo Town Tavern, Hilo (on Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041333509786
- Honoka‘a People’s Theatre, Honoka‘a: https://www.honokaapeople.com/
- Kahilu Theatre, Waimea: https://kahilu.org/
- Keauhou Shopping Center, Kailua-Kona: https://keauhoushoppingcenter.com/experience/
- Kona Commons, Kailua-Kona: https://www.konacommons.com/events
- Lava Shack, Pāhoa (on Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/lavashackpahoa/?hl=en
- Lyman Museum, Hilo: https://lymanmuseum.org/
- MyBar Kona, Kailua-Kona: https://www.mybarkona.com/
- Palace Theater, Hilo: https://hilopalace.com/
- University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Performing Arts Center, Hilo: https://artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu/
- Volcano Art Center, Volcano: https://volcanoartcenter.org/
- Wailoa Center, Hilo: https://www.wailoacenter.com/
- Willy’s Hot Chicken, Kailua-Kona: https://willieshotchicken.com/
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