12 things the Big Island gave us to do during the 5 days before Christmas

During the 5 days before Christmas, our truly loved home the Big Island gave us 12 things — and much more — to do.

There’s a Christmas Town to walk through. Enchanting evenings at Lili‘uokalani Gardens. A sing-along to Handel’s “Messiah.” Even a gingerbread house decorating party, where you can sip some Christmas cocktails at the same time.

“The Nutcracker” hits the Kahilu stage in Waimea. Big Island hometown boy and 3-time Grammy winner Kalani Pe‘a performs in Hilo on the historic Palace Theater stage.

You can even see “Gremlins” and find some haunting merriment with a Ghosts of Christmas exhibit.

Enjoy the full slate of what the Big Island has given you to do this year for the holidays.

It is much better than a partridge in a pear tree or 4 calling birds.

At least in our opinion.

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“A Walk Through Christmas Town” (Hilo, Dec. 21)

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Location: Edith Kanaka’ole Multi-Purpose Stadium, 350 Kalanikoa St.

What: ‘Tis the season! The 5th annual “Tis the Sesaon – A Walk Through Christmas Town” promises festive fun, Christmas treats and and evening of merriment for every family. Check out the light up displays, grab some ono grinds from the food vendors, enjoy live entertainment and let the the kids enjoy all the activities. It’s all free and open to the public.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/HawaiiProsecutors/photos/please-join-us-this-saturday-night-december-21-2024-for-the-5th-annual-tis-the-s/909258188017590/?_rdr

2 enchanting nights in Lili‘uokalani Gardens (Hilo, Dec. 23-24)

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Location: Lili‘uokalani Gardens, 49 Banyan Drive

What: The Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens present the 8th annual Garden Enchantment, featuring a variety of Christmas activities for the entire family at the queen’s guardens that have been festively lit up just for the holiday. There will be Christmas carols, stargazing, lighted Volkswagens, Lions Clubs village, photo opportunities with the Grinch and Santa and more. Even the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Grand Naniloa and Suisan are joining in the fun.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofliliuokalanigardens/events/?id=100064369884315&sk=events

3 choruses to sing along with Handel’s “Messiah” (Hilo, Dec. 21)

When: 4 p.m.

Location: Church of the Holy Cross, 440 W. Lanikaula St.

What: The 15th annual Tom McAlexander Community SingAlong Messiah invites the Big Island to this free merry musical event. Whether you’re an experienced singer or just enjoy belting out a tune, everyone is welcome to participate. Join Hilo Community Chorus, Big Island Singers and Church of the Holy Cross to fill the church with beautiful music and holiday spirit! It’s OK to just come and listen, too. A Christmas cookie reception follows the event.

More information: www.hilosingalong.com

4 haunting hours of Christmas (Hilo, Dec. 21)

When: 5 to 9 p.m.

Location: UFC Gym BJ Penn, 777 Kino‘ole St.

What: Take a walk through the past, present and future of Yuletide and experience the “Ghosts of Christmas” exhibit during this week’s special Christmas Saturday Night Live Market. Inspired by the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol,” the exhibit adds a haunting merriment to the live entertainment, food and craft vendors, inflatables, keiki market and classic car show planned for the market. Santa and his elves will also be there. So wear your Christmas pajamas or best Christmas outfit and come on down. There will be plenty of Christmas vibes for everyone.

More information: Call 808-825-4878

Only $5 to decorate, sip and celebrate! (Hilo and Kona, Dec. 21)

When: 8 p.m.

Location: Puna Chocolate Co. Hilo and Kona stores

What: Get into the holiday spirit and show off your Christmas cookie decorating skills while you sip on a seasonal cocktail — or two — and create your very own gingerbread house. There are prizes for the nicest and naughtiest creations, each with Puna Chocolate gift cards up for grabs. Bring your creativity, grab your friends and let the holiday fun begin! All supplies will be provided, plus the holiday cocktail menu is full of sweet creations that would put any nice kid on the naught list.

More information: www.punachocolate.com

6 main characters dancing to your delight in “The Nutcracker” (Waimea, Dec. 21)

When: 6 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

What: Don’t miss Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, the Sugar Plum Fairy, Uncle Drosselmeyer, Fritz and the Mouse King, along with their supporting cast light up the holidays. West Hawai‘i Dance Theatre and Academy has brought this timeless tradition to the Big Island stage for more than 30 years, and it has become a highlight of the season. Tickets start at $25.

More information: https://kahilu.org/events/the-nutcracker-ballet-2/

A 7 p.m. Christmas concert featuring a hometown Grammy winner (Hilo, Dec. 20)

When: 7 p.m.; doors, box office and concessions open at 6 p.m.

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

What: “Excited to be heading home for the holidays! Hilo, see you soon, with many special guests!” That’s the excitment expressed by three-time Grammy winner and Pana‘ewa hometown boy Kalani Pe‘a in a Dec. 5 Facebook post speaking about his one-night-only “Home for the Holidays” Christmas concert tonight at the Palace Theater. Pe‘a is featuring his full band and the show will also hightlight special guests kumu hula Polanimakamae and No‘eau Kahakalau-Kalima and Hālau Hula Kauluola. All ticket sales benefit the ongoing maintenance and restoration of the historic Palace Theater. Tickets are $40 general admission, $70 priority orchestra.

More information: https://hilopalace.com/hpt_event/kalani-pea/

8 items on the menu, a cocktail reception, karaoke and Christmas carols, too (Kailua-Kona, Dec. 21)

When: 4 p.m.

Location: Kona Elks Lodge 2616, 75-170 Hualālai Road

What: Join Kona Elks for this “Mingle & Jingle” Holiday Soirée a fundraiser for the Elks National Foundation. Dress code is all white, but you’ll be green like the Grinch if you miss this swanky special holiday event. It kicks off with a free dance lesson to learn the basics of swing, which is followed by a cocktail reception and karaoke. Then, dinner is served, including appetizers, fresh garden salad, dinner roll and butter, prime rib and lobster tail, potatoes, veggie medley and a slice of pecan pie. End the night with the music of Jesse Snyder Trio. Cost is $55. Seating is limited. Cover charge to attend the Jesse Snyder Trio show is $20. Members receive a $ discount.

More information: Call 808-329-2616

9 friends singing to celebrate the season (Hilo, Dec. 20-21)

When: 6 p.m.; doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Location: Crown Room, Grand Naniloa Hotel, 93 Banyan Drive

What: Come enjoy the beautiful voices of Na Leo Pilimehana and friends for “A Christmas Wish” Concert and celebration of their 40th anniversary of music. The group will be joined for their ONLY Christmas show by special guests Anthony Pfluke, Kala‘e Camarillo, The Brown Boys and Kamaka Camarillo. Tickets start at $80. VIP booths and tables are available.

More information: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sbsuppliesllc/1464840

Just $10 to have a “Gremlins” Christmas (Hilo, Dec. 22)

When: 2:30 p.m.; doors, box office and concessions open at 2 p.m.

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

What: After a gadget salesman gives a “mogwai” to his son as a Christmas gift, the small town of Kingston Falls soon goes from celebrating a normal, mild-mannered most wonderful time of year to a holiday filled with mayhem and destruction. Gremlins, hideous loonies, are unleashed on the unsuspecting community, causing hilariously malevolent michief. General admission to catch this Christmas classic movie is $10; seniors, students and veterans are $9.

More information: https://hilopalace.com/hpt_event/gremlins/

The 11 o’clock shift on the ranch for Christmas (Mountain View, Dec. 21)

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Ola Nani Ranch, 17 N. Kulani Road

What: Get ready for a day filled with fun activities, delicious food and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus himself! Join Ola Nani Ranch for its first Christmas at the Ranch, featuring cookie decorating, horses and mini horses, alpacas, pony rides for the keiki and more. Toasty Dogs will be serving up some ono grinds, too. Bring your family and friends for a day you won’t forget. Cost is $25 for all ages. Limited tickets available.

More information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-at-the-ranch-tickets-1110574812159

12 years of age for Christmas fun (Ocean View, Dec. 21)

When: 3 to 5 p.m.

Location: Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Circle

What: Looking for something to do with the kids this weekend in Ka’u? Then come down to Ocean View for the Keiki Christmas Party. Kids 12 and younger will be treated to gifts from Santa himself and his helpers plus ornament painting, face painting, games and prizes. There will also be popcorn and hot chocolate. Anyone who would like to donate new toys or gifts to be given to keiki during the event can still drop them off from 9 a.m. to noon today and Saturday.

More information: Call 808-939-7033.

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Here’s a quick look at several other events happening this weekend and beyond around the Big Island for Christmas.

Friday

• A Paniolo Christmas: 3 to 7 p.m., Parker Ranch Center, Parker Ranch Center, 67-1185 Māmalahoa Highway, Waimea.
• “A Christmas Carol: The Musical”: 7:30 p.m., Downtown Hilo AOF Building, 280 Keawe St., Hilo.

Saturday

• The Naughty List Pickleball Tournament: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Holua Racquet and Paddle Center, 78-7190 Kaleiopapa St., Keauhou.
• Lil’ Paniolos Keiki Club Christmas Keiki Crafts: 10 a.m. to noon, Parker Ranch Center, 67-1185 Māmalahoa Highway, Waimea.
• Cocoa with Santa: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Corvino’s Coffee Bar, 15-2874 Pāhoa Village Road, Pāhoa.
• Toyota Honda Kona Winter Craft Fair: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Toyota Honda Kona, 75-5608 Kuakini Highway, Kailua-Kona.
• Black Sands Keiki Christmas Party and Potluck: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Iolani St. Park, Black Sands Subdivision, Puna.
• “A Christmas Carol: The Musical”: 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., Downtown Hilo AOF Building, 280 Keawe St., Hilo.
• Christmas at Keauhou Shopping Center: 6 to 8 p.m., Keauhou Shopping Center Courtyard, 78-6831 Ali‘i Drive, Kailua-Kona.
• Body N Soul – A Holiday Dance Celebration: 6 to 9 p.m., Lava Lounge, Kilauea Military Camp, 99-252 Crater Rim Drive, Volcano.
• Tease the Season – A Holiday Aerial Burlesque Cabaret: 7 p.m., Palace Theater, 38 Haili St., Hilo.
• It’s a Soul Thing Xmas: 9 p.m., Hilo Town Tavern, 168 Keawe St., Hilo.

Sunday

• The Naughty List Pickleball Tournament: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Holua Racquet and Paddle Center, 78-7190 Kaleiopapa St., Keauhou.
• “A Christmas Carol: The Musical”: 2:30 p.m., Downtown Hilo AOF Building, 280 Keawe St., Hilo.
• “Messiah & More” concert: 4 to 5:30 p.m., OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, Kaleiopapa Convention Center, 78-128 Ehukai St., Keauhou.
• 2024 Gingerbread Dungeon Crawl: 6 p.m., Slow Your Roll, 190 Keawe St., Suite 21, Hilo.

Monday

• Help set up lights for 8th annual Garden Enchantment: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Queen Lili’uokalani Gardens, 49 Banyan Drive, Hilo.

Christmas Day, Dec. 25

• Christmas Brunch: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hilton Waikōloa Village, Water’s Edge, 69-425 Waikōloa Beach Drive, Waikōloa.
• Christmas Lūʻau: 5:30 to 8:15 p.m., Hilton Waikōloa Village, Kamehameha Court, 69-425 Waikōloa Beach Drive, Waikōloa.

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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/