Top 15 things to do on Big Island for Nov. 28-Dec. 4: Holidays arrive in force, from Hilo Christmas Parade to arts and crafts fairs

‘Tis the week after Thanksgiving, when what to our wondering eyes should appear, but the arrival of Christmas and holiday events aplenty, from far and near.

Lights from the Hilo Christmas Parade on the crests of downtown streets will illuminate the community in a joyful lustre when everyone meets.

Up at Kahilu Theatre there will be such marvelous melody, away to Waimea you’ll want to go for the warmth, holiday spirit and camaraderie.

Crafters can get nestled all snug at Keauhou Farmers Market to make sure visions of their perfect holiday wreath are on target.

You can even settle your brains at the Palace for “The Nightmare Before Christmas”; just remember, there’s also a full slate of holiday markets that will be open for business.

With that we will take our leave for this week, but first let us exclaim, there’s so many holiday events coming up during the next several days we had to add 5 to our top 10 acclaim.

So it’s dash away to Volcano, Kona, Hilo, Orchidland, Keauhou, Waikōloa, Waimea and Puakō, from south to north, just be sure to check out or top 15 things to do on the Big Island for Nov. 28 through Dec. 4.

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NO. 1 — 17th annual Kamahalo Craft Fair (Volcano, Nov. 28-29)

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

Location: Cooper Center, 19-4030 Wright Road

Shop small, shop local during this magical weekend of holiday flair showcasing 45 local artisans and featuring homemade, handmade and homegrown products including arts, crafts, jewelry, festive treats and unique gifts, plus food will be available. Free admission. Funds raised are used toward this and many other community events.

More info: Visit the Cooper Center website.

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NO. 2 — JoAnn William’s 44th annual Christmas Treasures and More Gift, Jewelry, Art and Crafts Fair (Kailua-Kona, Nov. 28-29)

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

Location: Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel (ballrooms, entryway, middle mall area, middle garden), 75-5660 Palani Road

Don’t miss the “Best of the Best” artist, craftsman and nonprofit vendors from Hawai’i, offering exclusive items that make the perfect gifts. Plus, there will be jams and jellies, ornaments, animal items, quilts, dolls, handmade jewelry, wood items, handmade cards, paintings, Hawaiian clothing for the whole family, lotions and oils, hats, photography, blankets, books, bags, art, purses, fused glass items, sushi, baked goods, koa items, mugs, puzzles and much, much more. Free admission.

More info: Call 808-936-1975 or email to dagoose@hawaii.rr.com.

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NO. 3 — 39th annual Volcano Village Artists Hui Studio Tour and Art Sale (Volcano, Nov. 28-30)

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day

Location: Various art studios and locations throughout the Volcano community

Explore the five studios on this year’s tour, meet the artists and find one-of-a-kind works inspired by the beauty of Hawaiʻi. Hui members open their studio and/or showroom doors each November the weekend after Thanksgiving, inviting visitors, art collectors and holiday shoppers to meet and talk with artists, view their latest pieces and purchase unique hand-crafted items at reasonable prices. Maps to the studios and exhibit locations are available at businesses and galleries in Volcano and on the hui’s website.

More info: Visit the Volcano Village Artists Hui website and follow the hui on its new Facebook page.

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NO. 4 — Island Science Talk Story: The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle – Hawai‘i’s Silent Invader (Waikōloa, Nov. 28)

When: 5 to 7 p.m.

Location: Hawai‘i Keiki Museum, K104, 69-250 Waikōloa Beach Drive

The coconut rhinoceros beetle is one of the most damaging invasive insects in the Pacific region, threatening the health of coconut, hala and other palms that shape Hawai‘i’s landscapes, ecosystems and cultural practices. Learn how the beetle arrived, how it spreads and why it’s so difficult to control. Guest expert Brother Mango will share the latest findings and biological control research, as well as strategies communities can use to help slow the beetle’s movement throughout the islands. Free.

More info: Visit the Hawai‘i Keiki Museum website.

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NO. 5 — Dead Night: Althea Later (Hilo, Nov. 28)

When: 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m.

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

The Palace Theater and Uila Records present Althea Later live in concert for an evening to be grateful. Hawai‘i’s all-star band is made up of Dan Brauer on guitar/vocals, Jason Sherbundy on keyboards/vocals, Jason Smith on bass/vocals and Kristin Bolton on drums. The show will also feature special guests Trever Veilleux on guitar and Jesse Snyder on saxophone. Tickets are $20 presale or $25 at the door.

More info/tickets: Visit the Palace Theater website.

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NO. 6 — Free Wreath Making (Keauhou, Nov. 29)

When: 9 a.m.

Location: Keauhou Farmers Market, Keauhou Shopping Center, 78-6831 Ali‘i Drive

Enjoy a beautiful Saturday during this free annual holiday market event. Wreath frames and enough foliage for a basic wreath will be provided, but be sure to bring your own embellishments to let your creativity shine. Those who participate will also enjoy a day full of live music and holiday cheer.

More info: Visit the Keauhou Farmers Market website.

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NO. 7 — Basically Books 40th Anniversary Party (Hilo, Nov. 29)

When: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Basically Books, 334 Kīlauea Ave.

Come peruse the wide selection of books and other merchandise Basically Books has available on Small Business Saturday and stay to help the store celebrate its 40th anniversary. Visitors can meet and greet local authors including Tom Peek, Sara Ackerman, Jane Hoff and others; create art with Erzsi Palko; munch on fresh cookies; enter a prize drawing; and pick up a free pen and notepad with their purchase throughout the day.

More info: Call Basically Books at 808-961-0144 or email to basicallybook@gmail.com.

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NO. 8 — “The Nutcracker” preview (Waikōloa, Nov. 29)

When: 2 p.m.

Location: Hawai‘i Keiki Museum, K104, 69-250 Waikōloa Beach Drive

West Hawai‘i Dance Theater & Academy presents a free teaser for its upcoming holiday show “The Nutcracker Ballet.” All ages are welcome to catch a glimpse of what’s in store for this festive, family-friendly production that includes more than 70 local dancers and professional guest artists from New York City Ballet and Las Vegas, featuring original and new choreography that will delight audience members. Full performance is slated for Dec. 23 at Kahilu Theatre in Waima.

More info: Visit the West Hawai‘i Dance Theatre website.

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NO. 9 — Sip, Shop and Celebrate the Season (Puakō, Nov. 29)

When: 2 to 8 p.m.

Location: Puakō General Store, 69-1649 Puakō Beach Drive

A joyful afternoon filled with island flavors, local art and aloha spirit with plenty of holiday cheer as part of the mix. The general store’s first Christmas market and fundraiser is in honor and support of Pete and Wendy Jones. Funds raised will go to the Jones family, as well as nonprofit Project Hawaiʻi. Shop local artisans, handmade gifts and island delicacies. Enjoy wine tasting and festive food, including world-famous mac nut chocolate chip cookies, along with live music.

More info: Call Puakō General Store at 808-882-7500.

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NO. 10 — “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (Hilo, Nov. 29)

When: 2:30 p.m.; doors open at 2 p.m.

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

Bring the family and join the Palace to watch the classic tale of Jack Skellington, Halloweentown’s beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the “real world.” When Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, all the bright colors and warm spirits, he gets a new lease on life, plotting to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role. Tickets are just $5.

More info/tickets: Visit the Palace Theater website.

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NO. 11 — Hilo Christmas Parade (Hilo, Nov. 29)

When: 6 p.m.

Location: Downtown Hilo

Bring your family, friends and holiday spirit and enjoy one of Hilo’s most cherished traditions. The streets will light up by dazzling floats with lively music and festive cheer — all welcoming the magic of the holiday season. Schools, community groups, businesses and individuals will march, dance, drive or ride on a float through town decked in their holiday lighted best. Sean Benito of Keaukaha is this year’s grand marshal. Don’t forget to vote for your favorites, too.

More info: Email to hilolightparade22@gmail.com.

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NO. 12 — Taste of Puna Holiday Artisan Market (Orchidland, Nov. 30)

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: Kaleo’s Bar and Grill, 16-110 Orchid Land Drive

Nearly 20 local artisan vendors will bring their products made in Hawai‘i that will make the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for-someone on your list. Products include jewelry, honey, hats, crystals, kombucha, ceramic pipes, mushroom tinctures, kava extracts and gummies and a lot more. Those who attend will also enjoy live bluegrass music by Wondergrass. Come support local entrepreneurs. Free to attend.

More info: Email to tasteofpuna@gmail.com.

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NO. 13 — Celebrate in Song (Waimea, Nov. 30)

When: 2 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Join Waimea Community Chorus this holiday season for an uplifting concert rich with spirited melodies and festive harmony. Experience works spanning classical choral favorites, seasonal standards and joy-filled surprises that evoke warmth, camaraderie and the holiday spirit. This concert is a heartfelt way to embrace the season — through harmony, heritage and ʻohana connection. Tickets are $25 general admission.

More info/tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

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NO. 14 — World of Magic 2025 (Hilo, Nov. 30)

When: 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

Enjoy an afternoon with the Big Island’s own Big Wave Dance Academy’s Tsunami Dance team and Magician Karl Sunagawa. Rooted in the spirit of aloha, the academy provides a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can explore movement, build confidence and express themselves creatively. Sunagawa has delighted friends and family with magic for more than 25 years. His customized performances blend sleight of hand, storytelling and audience participation. Santa will even stop by to share some cheer — and presents. Free admission.

More info/tickets: Contact Lily at the Hilo Elks 808-796-3111. Reserve tickets at the Hilo Elks website.

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NO. 15 — Help Us Shine in the Holiday Parades! (Waikōloa, Dec. 3-4)

When: 2 to 6 p.m.

Location: Hawai‘i Keiki Museum, K104, 69-250 Waikōloa Beach Drive

Come be one of Santa’s little helpers and help the museum get decked out in holiday style for upcoming holiday parades. Whether you love crafting, painting, building or just being part of something fun and festive, your creativity, aloha spirit and help will make this year’s entry absolutely sparkle! Drop in or RSVP for an hour or stay the whole time — every bit helps! Snacks, music and lots of fun are guaranteed.

More info/RSVP: Call the Hawai‘i Keiki Museum at 808-315-8862 or email to dana@HawaiiKeikiMuseum.org to let them know you’re coming to lend a holiday hand.

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Check for yourself to see what’s happening around the Big 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.

• Willy’s Hot Chicken, Kailua-Kona: https://willieshotchicken.com/
• 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/