With Christmas just around the corner, O‘ahu hotels, communities, churches, clubs and other groups are putting on various events for all to enjoy.
Here at WCC, our own Hōkūlani Imaginarium is having a Christmas-themed show called Season of Light on Friday, Dec. 22 at 7 p.m.
The show explains the seasonal changes that bring cold weather and snow, as well as the origins behind enduring traditions of Christmas, Hanukkah and other religions.
“The show was really fascinating and beautiful,” said WCC student Hana Barnes who saw a previous showing. “It was cool to learn about how some of the things that we are so used to, like Christmas trees, came to be symbols of Christmas.”
WCC will also host a holiday craft fair on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The craft fair will feature handmade items such as jewelry, kahili, kukui nut lei, woodcarvings, poi and kulolo, as well as other items.
Another Christmas tradition on O‘ahu that many people look forward to is the Honolulu City Lights.
Some of the decorations are already up, and the 50-foot pine tree in front of Honolulu Hale was lit on Dec. 2. The lights and decorations will be up through Jan. 1.
The Honolulu City Lights is a tradition with a long history on O‘ahu. It first started in 1987 and has only grown since then.
The event is organized by a non-profit organization (now known as the Friends of Honolulu City Lights) and is intended to be a fun, free activity for all.
Another entertaining holiday tradition that will return this year is The Nutcracker by Ballet Hawai‘i.
Every year, talented local and international dancers put on a beautiful rendition of the ballet, which features the music of Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
“It just doesn’t feel like Christmas until I have seen the show,” said Eleanor Clarence, a Kāne‘ohe resident. “I have gone to see it every year since I was 5 years old. I always go with my grandma. It’s our own tradition.”
The show will be held at the Blaisdell Concert Hall on Friday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available by phone at 800-745-3000, at the Blaisdell Box Office (open Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or online at ticketmaster.com.
by Susannah Shores, Ka ‘Ohana Staff Reporter
