30 holiday events around Big Island from Dec. 4-11: Seasonal markets, tree lightings, parades and more — even snow in Kona

We started out this week working on our normal list of top 10 things to do on the Big Island. As it got closer to the deadline for this morning, the realization set in that a mere 10 things would not suffice.

It seems the island is in a very festive mood this holiday season — and we do mean very.

There are traditional, more familiar seasonal sights and sounds included; you know, such as the annual Pāhoa Holiday Parade, which marks 32 years this year, and the 19th annual Paradise Studio Tour in Hawaiian Paradise Park.

New holiday happenings from the past few years and some putting on their inaugural events in 2025 make up a good portion of this week’s roundup.

Those include the 3rd annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel on Friday and the first Merrie Maker’s Market featuring Keiki Corner activities, handmade crafts and more in Hilo.

There’s also the inaugural Paniolo Preservation Society Christmas Night Market on Saturday in Waimea, featuring food, arts and crafts, live music and much more, including a chance to meet Santa and the Grinch.

We didn’t even notice that our weekly list had already gotten to as many as 20 by earlier today as we just kept finding them \everywhere we looked. We finally had to stop at 30 because we didn’t want to be too late getting the list to you, our awesome readers.

Already noticing a ton of holiday events coming up during the rest of the month, we decided to switch it up through the beginning of January 2026. We will keep you posted and up to date about all of the holiday events we can find during the next few weeks and into the New Year.

And if you happen to have an event or activity you’d like to add to that list, especially now during the most wonderful time of the year, don’t hesitate to send details to us and a photo to go along with it.

We’d be more than happy to include your holiday happenings in our upcoming roundups. Send them to editor@bigislandnow.com or newsdesk@bigislandnow.com.

The same goes for any of the events and activities you attend this month to get into the festive fun of the season. We’d love to publish a photo gallery from the myriad events happening, and what better way to show them off than through the eyes — and camera lenses — of the people who were there?

So finally, and again sorry for the delay this week, here are 30 holiday events around Big Island for Dec. 4-11.

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NO. 1 — Let it Snow at Kona Commons!

• When: Every half an hour from 6 to 8 p.m. through Christmas Eve, Dec. 24
• Where: Kona Commons Shopping Center, 74-5450 Makala Boulevard, Kailua-Kona

Experience nightly snowfall — yes, snow — for a touch of winter wonder under the island sky. The shopping center has transformed into a merry island wonderland, where twinkling lights, festive music, appearances by holiday characters and heartwarming seasonal entertainment bring the spirit of the holidays to life. More info: Visit the Kona Commons Shopping Center website.

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NO. 2 — Nā Mākua Invitational Christmas Gift Fair

• When: 2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 5; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 6
• Where: Edith Kanakaʻole Multi-Purpose Stadium, 350 Kalanikoa St., Hilo

Free admission. One-of-a-kind Christmas gifts. Drawings for prizes. Live entertainment. More info: Visit the Nā Mākua website or call 808-969-7985.

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NO. 3 — DIY Wrapping Paper

• When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 6
• Where: Wailoa Center, 200 Piʻopiʻo St., Hilo

Print your own native species wrapping paper with the folks who bring you Hawaiʻi Nei. ʻImi Pono no ka ‘Aina hosts this fun day, just in time for all your holiday wrapping needs. Stamps, ink and paper provided, just bring your creativity. Free to attend. More info: Contact the Wailoa Center at 808-933-0416.

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NO. 4 — Annual 365 Hawaiʻi Island Community Fund Toy Drive

• When: 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 5
• Where: Makalapua Center, Old K-Mart parking lot, Kailua-Kona

Donate a toy or gift cards to help Project Hawaiʻi bring aloha and joy to homeless keiki on the Big Island; unwrapped gifts for children Dec. 5 at Food Truck Friday Kailua-Kona at our 365 Hawaii Island Community Fund tent and kids activities area. More info: Follow 365 Hawaiʻi Living on Instagram.

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NO. 5 — Tree Lighting at Puʻuopelu

• When: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5
• Where: Parker Ranch Historic Homes at Puʻuopelu, 66-1304 Māmalahoa Highway, Waimea

Free hot cocoa and cookies, while supplies last; performances by Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy Handbell Choir, Waimea Elementary School, Parker School Choir, Kanu o Ka ʻĀina ʻUkulele Ensemble and more. Bring your own chair and umbrella just in case. Chili bowls, corn chowder, water and juice available for purchase. More info: Call 808-885-7311.

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NO. 6 — Hilo Christmas Mākeke

• When: 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5
• Where: 1099 Waiānuenue Ave., Hilo

Free admission, free parking and raffle prizes. Crafts and food vendors. It will be a fun evening of food, crafts, live vibes and community. More info: Follow Kamēa Hawai’i Events Co. on Instagram.

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NO. 7 — 3rd annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

• When: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5
• Where: Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona

Kick off the holiday season with this annual holiday tree lighting. It’s a festive celebration that will include live music, hula and a special canoe arrival by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free to attend.

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NO. 8 — Alex & Duke Derego Foundation 6th annual Holiday Benefit Fundraiser

• When: 5:30 to 10 p.m. Dec. 5
• Where: 64-783 Paʻeli Alanui, Waimea

Enjoy Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning musicians, stations with food creations by award-winning chefs and a silent auction, all in an effort to raise funds for the foundation. Tickets are $150 per person or 10-top tables are available for $1,400. More info/tickets: Visit Eventbrite.

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NO. 9 — Christmas Bazaar

• When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6
• Where: St. James’ Episcopal Church, 65-1237 Kawaihae Road, Waimea

Holiday bake sale and wreaths, Christmas thrift shop, silent auction and gift shop with Hawaiiana, art, handcrafts, unique items and experiences; pet toys and treats; Waimea County School rummage sale; and of course free hot cocoa and food trucks. More info: Contact St. James Episcopal Church at 808-885-4923.

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NO. 10 — Holiday Wreath Making Class

• When: 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 6
• Where: Waimea Nature Park Ulu Laʻau (a garden of trees), 65-1238 Māmalahoa Highway, Waimea

Small wreaths $15; large wreaths $20. Cash or checks only. All instructions, wreath forms and materials included. More info: Call 808-443-4482 or email wochawaii@gmail.com.

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NO. 11 — Palaka Kalikimaka: The 32nd annual Pāhoa Holiday Parade

• When: 9:30 a.m. Dec. 6
• Where: Downtown Pāhoa; parade route is between Apaʻa Road and Pāhoa High and Intermediate School

Join parade grand marshals Gaile Clark, Lynn de la Cruz and Susie Osborne and make it a day to celebrate the season. Head over to the school for additional holiday fun, including food, pop-up shopping and photos with Santa. More info: Email Kevin Kushel at kevinkushel@gmail.com.

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NO. 12 — 1st Merrie Maker’s Market

• When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6
• Where: East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center, 141 Kalākaua St., Hilo

⁣Keiki Corner activities, handmade crafts, Hilo vendors, food vendors, live music with Maria Ka’iu. More info: Visit the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center website.

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NO. 13 — 19th annual Paradise Studio Tour

• When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6-7
• Where: 8 studios, Various addresses, Hawaiian Paradise Park

Dive into a weekend of art and discovery at 8 studios featuring a total of 28 artists. You support local art and find unique and special gifts for the holidays. More info: Visit the Paradise Studio Tour website.

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NO. 14 — Christmas at the Zoo

• When: 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 6
• Where: Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens, 800 Stainback Highway, Hilo

Start your day by watching the playful spider monkeys as they unwrap their presents. Just be sure you get everything in you can before ending your trip with a spectacular view of the tigers opening their presents. Afterward, join one of three groups and enjoy Christmas treats: the parrots, petting zoo and hoof stock, or the donkeys and emus. More info: Contact the zoo gift shop at 808-959-9233.

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NO. 15 — Santa is coming to Kaʻū!

• When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6
• Where: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Kahuku Unit (at mile-marker 70.5 In Kaʻū off Highway 11, at mile marker 70.5)

Santa arrives at Kahuku this weekend, bringing presents to the first 100 keiki and a ton of cheer. This event is sponsored by Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, is completely free and the Friends will provide free ice shave, face-painting and photos with Santa.

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NO. 16 — Mega Christmas Dog Adoption Event

• When: 11 a.m to 3 p.m. Dec. 6
• Where: Cooper Center, 19-4030 Wright Road, Volcano

This promises to be one of the most festive adoption events of the year, featuring a joyful, holiday-themed gathering and TONS of adoptable dogs, each one hoping to find their family just in time for the holidays. There also will be a Holiday Photo Booth and more. More info: Call the Cooper Center at 702-482-7887.

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NO. 17 — Calabash Hula

• When: 1 p.m. Dec. 6
• Where: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Waimea

Celebrate the holidays Hawaiian style. Those of us who live on the Big Island home are fortunate to call a place many consider paradise as home. Join haumana, or students, with Hālau Waiau, Hula Maunalei and Hālau Malananai to welcome the season by sharing some of their favorite places and hula with a Christmas flare. More info/tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

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NO. 18 — Christmas Ornament Workshop

• When: 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 6 and 13
• Where: Nalu Builds, 94 Ponahawai St., Hilo

Participants will customize and finish pre-turned ornaments made from local wood, turned by local professional woodturner Aaron Hammer. Cost is $30 for non-HFA members, $20 for current members, which covers materials and refreshments. Suitable for ages 8 years and older.
Registration: Click here.

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NO. 19 — 1st Paniolo Preservation Society Christmas Night Market

• When: 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6
• Where: Pukalani Stables, 67-139 Pukalani Road, Waimea

Food, arts and crafts, live music, games and family entertainment. There also will be a chance to meet Santa and the Grinch. More info: Contact Pukalani Stables at 808-854-1541.

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NO. 20 — Tabletop Wreath Making and Sip Workshop

• When: 4 p.m. Dec. 6
• Where: Big Island Meadery, 16-313 Shipman Road, Kea‘au

Come have some holiday arts and crafts time and a few sips, too. This is a fundraiser for Hālau Ke ‘Olu Makani O Mauna Loa. Tickets are $75. For more info/tickets: Visit the Big Island Meadery website.

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NO. 21 — “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas”

• When: 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6
• Where: Billy Kenoi District Gym, 15-3022 Kauhale St., Pāhoa

Big Wave Dance Academy presents a festive night of dance, laughter and holiday cheer. Set to the iconic music from the 2000 movie starring Jim Carrey. Admission is $20 adults, $10 keiki. More info: Visit the Big Island Wave Dance Academy website.

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NO. 22 — Winterfest Dance Party at Hilo Woman’s Club

• When: 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6
• Where: Hilo Woman’s Cub, 7 Lele St., Hilo

Music, laughter and dancing. DJ Uncle Mikey will be spinning all your favorites that are guaranteed to keep you on the dance floor. Tickets are $30. Pupus will be served; BYOB. Kick off the holidays in style during this unforgettable night. More info/tickets: Call 808-935-9838.

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NO. 23 — Kailua Kalikimaka

• When: 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 7
• Where: Emma’s Square, 75-5703 Likana Lane, Kailua-Kona

This big holiday celebration in historic Kailua Village includes a stroll through town and plenty of opportunities to shop small. The Kailua Kalikimaka Holiday Concert from 4 to 5 p.m. is a free gift to the community and features Hawaiʻi’s top selling female vocalist of all time Amy Hanaiali‘i on center stage at Emma’s Square. More info: Email to HKVevents@gmail.com.

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NO. 24 — “Tinsel Tidings”

• When: 4 p.m. Dec. 7, Kailua-Kona
• Where: Hale Hālāwai County Park, 75-5760 Aliʻi Drive, Kailua-Kona

Enjoy the free hour-long concert spotlighting sounds of the season by West Hawaiʻi County Band. Santa Claus will be coming to town, Jingle Bells will be jazzy and Good King Wenceslas will be swinging. Tap your toes to all your December favorites. Kealakehe High School band members also will join the band as special guests. More info: Visit the West Hawai’i County Band website.

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NO. 25 — Kailua Kalikimaka 10th annual Lighted Boat Parade

• When: 6 p.m. Dec. 7
• Where: Kailua Bay, Kailua-Kona

The holiday fun continues following the festive fun from earlier during the day, but not it shifts to the waters of Kailua Bay as the 10th annual Lighted Boat Parade gets underway. Kona’s fleet will put on a jovial show, lighting up the night to celebrate the season. More info: Email to HKVevents@gmail.com.

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NO. 26 — Dog Christmas Photo Sessions

• When: By appointment only; Dec. 8, 10 and 14
• Where: Aloha Dog Academy, 830 Kīlauea Ave., Hilo (across from Cruisin Coffee)

A fundraiser for Dudley’s leg surgery. Very limited spots available. Three backdrops, one inflatable, fun props. Multiple dogs welcome, and families can get their pic taken with the furball, too. More info/reservations: Call or text 808-315-1326.

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NO. 27 — “Magic of the Season”

• When: 5 to 8 p.m. each night from Dec. 8-12
• Where: Hawaiʻi County Building, 25 Aupuni St., Hilo

Hawai‘i County is again hosting this cherished weeklong tradition, with themed Christmas trees decorating the building and a variety of festivities — including live hula and music performances, food trucks, keiki activities and more — all free and open to the public. Santa Claus will also make special appearances, and nonperishable food items and donations will be collected for The Salvation Army. More info: Call 808-961-8223.

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NO. 28 — Santa is Coming to Thelma Parker Library

• When: 4 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10
• Where: Thelma Parker Memorial Public and School Library, 67-1209 Mamalahoa Highway, Waimea

Bring the entire ʻohana — and your camera — to enjoy caroling, story time with local author Robyn Brewer, crafts, refreshments and the main event, a visit with Santa. More info: Call 808-887-6067.

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NO. 29 — Photos with Santa and Story Time with Mrs. Claus on Gingerbread Lane

• When: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10
• Where: A Building, Honokaʻa High and Intermediate School, 45-527 Pakalana St., Honokaʻa

Hot cocoa, crafts and laughs on a night full of holiday fun. Free activities. Walk Gingerbread Lane. Pics are $5 for 4×6 prints; free photos using mobile devices. More info: Call Kaʻui Lagaret at 808-313-7080.

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NO. 30 — “A Christmas Carol”

• When: 6 p.m. Dec. 11; 3 p.m. Dec. 12
• Where: East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center, 141 Kalākaua St., Hilo

Performance by eighth-grade students of Mālamalama Waldorf School. Suggested donation of $5 to $10. Tickets: Visit Basically Books in Hilo or the school in Hawaiian Paradise Park.

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

We admit. As hard as we tried this week, we still likely didn’t find every holiday event happening around the Big Island, and we can’t fit everything going on each week in our entertainment roundup. 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/