Aloha, island ‘ohana! Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 29, 2025 – the 41st annual Honolulu City Lights Opening Night is back and bigger than ever. This isn’t just a tree lighting; it’s O‘ahu’s official kickoff to the holiday season, transforming downtown Honolulu into a twinkling tropical Christmas village complete with a 50-foot Norfolk pine covered in over 25,000 LED lights, a spectacular Electric Light Parade, gigantic Shaka Santa (21 feet tall!) and Tutu Mele, live hula performances, 30+ food trucks, keiki crafts, and that unmistakable holiday spirit that only Hawai‘i can deliver.
Whether you’re a local family chasing matching family Hawaiian prints under the lights, a couple looking for the most romantic holiday date night on island, or an influencer hunting that perfect Christmas-lights reel, this is your night. We’ve got every detail so you can skip the chaos and soak in every magical minute.
The Full 2025 Honolulu City Lights Experience – What to Expect
Honolulu City Lights is hosted by the City & County of Honolulu and takes over the entire Honolulu Hale (City Hall) grounds and surrounding streets. The theme for 2025 is “Mele Kalikimaka from the Heart of Honolulu,” celebrating local culture with more Hawaiian Christmas touches than ever – think ukulele carolers, hula under the lights, and ornaments designed by Hawai‘i school kids hanging on the famous employee tree inside City Hall.
The entire event is FREE, wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, and pet-friendly on leashes (yes, people bring their dogs in Christmas sweaters!).
Detailed Timeline for Saturday, November 29, 2025
● 2:00 PM – Food trucks start setting up along Alakea Street (get there early for the best garlic shrimp and loco moco spots)
● 3:00 PM – Official block party opens: live music on the main stage (2025 headliners include local favorites like Kapena and Na Leo Pilimehana), keiki zone with free crafts, face painting, and bounce houses
● 4:00 PM – Holiday displays begin turning on one-by-one – the animated toy soldiers, the giant candy canes, the glowing wreath tunnel everyone uses for photos
● 4:30 PM – Shaka Santa & Tutu Mele arrive on a Honolulu Fire Department truck and take their throne for the season
● 5:15 PM – Sky Gate light show test (the giant LED arch over King Street – perfect for TikTok transitions)
● 5:45 PM – Find your tree-lighting spot! The lawn fills fast
● 6:00 PM sharp – Mayor’s welcome, hula performance, countdown, and the BIG tree lighting moment – 25,000+ lights explode on the tree while “Honolulu City Lights” by the Carpenters (Keola & Kapono Beamer version) plays. Goosebumps every single year.
● 6:15–7:15 PM – Electric Light Parade rolls out with 25+ floats, marching bands from Waipahu to Kaimuki, classic cars, and the Honolulu Police Department motorcycle drill team doing their famous spinning routine under lights
● 7:15–10:00 PM – Free roaming time: photos with Shaka Santa, explore the employee ornament tree inside Honolulu Hale, grab hot cocoa, shop the made-in-Hawai‘i holiday market
Electric Light Parade Route + Pro Viewing Spots Locals Swear By
2025 route (same as the last decade):
River Street → left on Beretania → right on Richards → right on King → right on Punchbowl → ends at A‘ala Park
Best spots for photos & less crowding:
● Mauka-‘Ewa corner of King & Richards – parade turns right directly in front of you + city lights reflect off the glass buildings
● Steps of Honolulu Hale – elevated view, perfect for kids on shoulders
● Punchbowl & King – end of route, floats slow down, crowds are 70% thinner
Parking Hacks That Still Work in 2025
● Ali‘i Place Garage (1099 Alakea)
● Mark’s Garage (1159 Nu‘uanu) – artsy vibe, open until 5:30 PM usually
● Pacific Guardian Center – validate at any restaurant for 3 hours free
● Top insider tip: Park at Ward Village, eat dinner, then Uber downtown
Top 10 Christmas Lights Photo Ideas That Go Viral Every Year
- Under the giant tree with bokeh lights (iPhone Night Mode + slight low angle)
- Inside the glowing wreath tunnel – perfect for matching family outfits
- Reflection in the First Hawaiian Center windows
- Keiki sitting on Shaka Santa’s lap (line fastest right after parade)
- Parade float slow-shutter blur with kids waving light wands
- Sky Gate LED arch transition videos
- Couple silhouette against the giant “Honolulu City Lights” sign
- Snow globe photo booth (yes, they have a giant one!)
- Ornament tree inside Honolulu Hale – warm golden lighting
- Classic family shot on the Honolulu Hale front steps with tree behind
Glow Brighter Than Shaka Santa: JAMS World’s Tiare Bright Blue 60th Anniversary Collection
Nothing photographs better under Christmas lights than a bold, tropical color. JAMS World just dropped the Tiare Bright Blue Family Matching Set from their 60th Anniversary Collection – electric turquoise tiare blossoms on deep blue that look like they were designed specifically for Honolulu City Lights.
Here’s a local family absolutely owning the lights in the exact print:
Tag your photos #JamsWorldCityLights @jamsworld_1964 and we repost our favorites all season!
JAMS World Mix-and-Match Guide for the Ultimate City Lights Look
● Mom: Tiare Bright Blue Kimono
● Dad: Tiare Bright Blue Rayon Shirt + white shorts or jeans
● Boy:Boys Rayon Shirt in Tiare Bright Blue
● Girl: Girls Hattie Dress - Tiare Bright Blue
● Accessories: Bucket Hat, Tote Bag, or lightweight kimono jacket for winter when the trade winds kick in
Still deciding? Take our Find Your JAMS World Flow Personal Style Quiz – 60 seconds and we’ll tell you exactly which prints will pop under the lights.
FAQs – Honolulu City Lights Opening Night 2025
1. Is Honolulu City Lights free?
Yes! 100% free entry, parking fees only.
2. Can I bring a stroller or wagon?
Absolutely – sidewalks are wide and stroller-friendly. Wagons are perfect for tired keiki after 8 PM.
3. Are there restrooms?
Portable restrooms along Alakea and inside Honolulu Hale (cleanest ones are upstairs).
4. What if it rains?
The show goes on! Bring light rain jackets – the lights look even dreamier in a soft mist.
5. When do the lights stay on through December?
Every night 6 PM–11 PM from Nov 29 to January 4, 2026 – way less crowded on weekdays!
6. Best night for photos without huge crowds?
Tuesday or Wednesday the first week of December.
Ready to make 2025 your most colorful City Lights yet?
The Tiare Bright Blue collection sells out every December – grab yours now!
Shop Tiare Bright Blue Family Collection
