HOLIDAY
’Tis the season
Get in gear for holiday festivities
Meet Santa
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Ala Moana Center: 10 a.m. daily through Dec. 24. Packages start at $15.99, photos available. Call 955-9517.
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Kahala Mall: From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays, through Dec. 9; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 10 to 23; and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 24. Santa takes breaks from 1 to 2 p.m. and from 5 to 6 p.m. Photo package is $15. Call 732-7736.
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Kapolei Shopping Center's "Santa Saturday": From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 8. Free photos with Santa at Bank of Hawaii. Also, free holiday crafts, activities and entertainment along "Candy Cane Lane." Kapolei High School's Leo club will also collect cash donations and canned food for Hawaii Foodbank.
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Pearlridge: Arrival, 9 a.m. Friday at Downtown Center Court. Photos, during center hours, through Dec. 24. Call 488-0981.
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Signing Santa: From 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 13 at Pearlridge Uptown, second level. Call 488-0981.
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Windward Mall: 10 a.m. daily through Dec. 24. Visit www.windwardmall.com for specific end times and Santa's breaks. Call 235-1143.
Dine with Santa
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Afternoon Tea with Santa: Seatings at 2 and 4 p.m. Dec. 8, 15 and 22 at The Veranda, Kahala Hotel Resort. Cost is $32 adults; $24 children. Call 739-8760.
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Breakfast With Santa: 21st annual breakfast and lunch with Santa event sponsored by Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii, Dec. 8 and 9. Breakfast served 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; lunch, noon to 2 p.m. at the Japanese Cultural Center, Manoa Grand Ballroom. Cost is $20, which includes a meal, photos with Santa, clowns, magicians, costume characters, face painting, entertainment and more. Call 951-0200 or visit www.preventchildabuse.org.
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Breakfast With Santa: From 8 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 8 at Dave & Buster's. Cost is $15, which includes a breakfast buffet, an opportunity to take photos with Santa, airbrush face painting and a complimentary power card. Bring a "Toys for Tots" donation and receive a gift from D&B. Call 589-2215.
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Breakfast With Santa: Festive breakfast with a singing and dancing extravaganza by the Shooting Stars of Diamond Head Theatre, Dec. 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 at Mariposa Restaurant, Neiman Marcus. Seating is at 8:30 a.m. on all days. Cost is $40; $35 for children. Call 951-3420.
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"Cookies With Santa" Party: Children ages 3 to 8 create holiday crafts, snack on cookies and enjoy a story time with Santa, Dec. 8 at Chaminade University, Campus Student Center. Seatings are at 10:30 a.m.; 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Cost is $25 per child; $20 for additional siblings. Advance reservations are required. Call 735-8641.
Tree Lighting
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Honolulu Hale: 6 p.m. Dec. 1, tree lighting ceremony precedes the Electric Light Parade. For more information, visit honolulu.gov/csd/citylights/index1.htm.
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Hawaii Kai Towne Center: 5 p.m. Friday. Also, activities until 8 p.m. include free keiki train rides, entertainment by Maunalua, Ka Hale I o Kahala Hula and Christmas carols performed by Holy Trinity School. Call 941-0440.
Parades
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Santa Parade: 7 p.m. nightly, except Mondays, at Ala Moana Center Mall Level. After each performance, Santa rides his illuminated sleigh throughout the center for a parade, joined by characters from the "Christmas Gift of Aloha" show.
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Waikiki: 7 p.m. Friday. Featuring the Royal Hawaiian Band, military bands, drill teams, floats, clowns, trolleys and more. Santa Claus and his elves pass out candy from a vintage fire truck. Parade starts at Fort DeRussy and proceeds down Kalakaua Avenue, finishing at the Honolulu Zoo. Call (763) 238-8631.
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Wahiawa Parade: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 30 parade proceeds up California Avenue, from Ka'ala Elementary School to the shopping center. More than 30 floats and units, including Santa Claus. To join the parade, call Smithe at 621-6531.
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Mayor's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade: From 6 to 11 p.m. Dec. 1. Featuring more than 2,000 marchers, 40 vehicles, 15 floats and 15 bands. Starts at Aala Park, to King Street, to end in a closed-off portion of King Street between Punchbowl and South streets. Call Eddie at 523-4128.
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Mililani: 9 a.m. Dec. 1. Starts at Town Center near Taco Bell, proceeds to Lanikuhana Avenue to Meheula Parkway, to Kuahelani Street, to Moenamanu Street, to Kipapa Drive, ending at Mililani Shopping Center. Call Samantha at 722-4247.
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Pearl City: 4 p.m. Dec. 2. Starts at Momilani Elementary School, to Hookiekie Street, to Hoomoana Street and ends at Pearl City Shopping Center. Call Kristin at 593-1533.
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Kaimuki: 6 p.m. Dec. 6. Starts at St. Louis High School, to Waialae Avenue, to Koko Head Avenue, to end at the municipal parking lot. Call John or Jeff at 734-0277.
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Aiea: 9 a.m. Dec. 8. Starts at Aiea High School, to Aiea Heights, to Moanalua Drive, and ends at Pearlridge Community Park. Call Claire at 429-1282.
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Waipio: 10 a.m. Dec. 8. Starts and ends at Gentry Waipio Shopping Center. Proceeds down Waipio Uka Street, to Ukee Street, to Ka Uka Boulevard, to Waipio Uka Street. Call Laurie at 671-2272.
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Manoa: 5 p.m. Dec. 8. Starts at Noelani School, to Woodlawn Drive, to Kolowalu Street, to East Manoa Road, to Lowrey Avenue, to Manoa Road. Ends at Manoa Park. Call Miyuki at 988-3819.
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Kapahulu/Moiliili: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13. Starts at Kuhio elementary School, proceeds to King Street, to Beretania Street, to Isenberg Street and ends at Old stadium Park.
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Haleiwa: 6 p.m. Dec. 14.
Starts at Weed Circle, proceeds to Kamehameha Highway, through Haleiwa town, ending at Haleiwa Beach Park. Call Anyta at 637-4558.
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Waimanalo: 10 a.m. Dec. 15. Starts at Waimanalo District Park, proceeds to Hihimanu Street, to Kumuhau Street, to Humuniki Street, to Kalanianaole Highway, ending at Waimanalo Beach Park. Call Patty at 527-5759.
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Ewa Beach: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Starts at Ilima Intermediate School, proceeds to Fort Weaver Road, to Kuhina Street, to Hanakahi Street, to North Road, and back to Fort Weaver Road ending at Ilima Intermediate School. Call Dolores at 689-1311.
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Festival of Lights Boat Parade: At dusk, more than 30 decorated boats parade by the judge's table in front of the waterfront stage at Hawaii Kai Towne Center, Dec. 15. Entertainment by Ka Hale I o Kahala Hula Halau and Sean Na'auao precedes the event starting at 4:30 p.m.
Special
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Advent Lessons and Carols: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Cathedral Church of St. Andrew. An Anglican Christmas tradition weaves carols and hymns together with readings from Scripture, telling the Christmas story in words and music. Call 524-2822, ext. 217.
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"Candlelight Christmas": The glow of candlelights in Mission Houses Museum historic houses offer visitors an opportunity to look at Christmas from the 1800s, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16. Admission is $10; $7 members; $6 for children 5 to 17. Call 531-0481, ext. 707.
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Candy Cane Train: 10 a.m. daily through Dec. 28 at Ala Moana Center, Mall Level. The 30-foot-long train takes children ages 12 and younger on a fun-filled sing-along journey throughout Ala Moana Center. Child must be able to sit up on their own. Tickets are $7 each, cash only.
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"Christmas Magic": Traveling storytellers read "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "Twas the Night before Christmas" at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Aiea Public Library. The 35-minute program is suitable for ages 5 to adult. Call 483-7333.
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Gingerbread Family Festival: Create festive holiday gingerbread homes, from 9:30 to 11:30, a.m. or from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Cost is $39. "Cottages to Go" kits are also available for $29. Call 948-4000 or download registration forms at www.EasterSealsHawaii.org. Kauai hosts its festival on Dec. 8 at Kukui Shopping Center. Call (808) 245-7141. On Hilo, Dec. 9 at Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin. Call (808) 961-3081. And on Maui, Ala Lani, Lahaina and Piilani Kamaaina preschools offer "to go" packages, from Dec. 5 to 12. Call (888)345-4374.
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Holly Jolly Trolley: From 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Dec. 15 at Dream to Dance. Featuring a Christmas lights tour, buffet at Zanzabar, Latin dance party with DJ Moreno, pizza and more. Call Debby at 372-5574.
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"Hometown Holiday Christmas": From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 8 at Salt Lake Shopping Center, 848 Ala Lilikoi St. Play in the snow, take photos with Santa, ride on a classic Engine 50 fire truck and make crafts. Free.
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International Holiday Bazaar: From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at Hawaii Pacific University, Upper Fort Street Mall. Interactive booths displayed by HPU students exhibit holiday traditions form around the world, such as Christmas, Kwanza, New Year's, Chanukah, Boxing Day and more.
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Pearlridge Express: Ride on Hawaii's scale-model, fully functioning train, 10 a.m. at Pearlridge Uptown Center Court, through Jan. 1 during mall hours. For children 4-feet and under. Cost is $3. Call 488-0981.
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Julefest: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at Hale Koa Hotel. Featuring a Scandinavian dinner with rice pudding and glogg, a traditional Lucia Pageant and more. Tickets are $35; $30 members; and $15 children ages 5 to 12. Call Terrilea at 946-5538 or visit scandinavianclubofhawaii.org.
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Photos with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Paws: Dec. 1 and 2 at the Hawaiian Humane Society. Volunteer professional photographers shoot four pet poses. Cost is $20, which benefits the Hawaiian Humane Society. Each family receives a photo CD.
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Santa's Holiday Workshop: From 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16 at Ward Warehouse, second floor conference rooms. Ticket sales begin at 1:30 p.m. at the door. By purchasing a $10 activity card, children can participate in the following activities: coloring a Christmas plate, decorating a gingerbread cookie, a food coloring craft, Christmas tattoos and a make-and-take Christmas card. Participants also visit with Santa and receive goodie bags. Proceeds benefit the Lokahi Giving Project. Call 591-8411.
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"Santa's Secret Workshop": For ages 5 and under, parent/child workshops featuring arts and crafts, activities and gingerbread cookie decorating from 9 to 10:30 a.m.; from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Dec. 8 at Macy's Ala Moana. Cost is $15, which includes one adult and one child. A drop-off session for children ages 5 to 10 will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8 and features the above activities and dinner, picture taking with Santa and a take-home gift. Cost is $30. Sponsored by Hawaii Children's Discovery Center. Registration deadline is Nov. 30. Call 524-5437.
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Honolulu City Lights Trolley Tours: Departs from Ward Warehouse, Dec. 2 to 30 (except Dec. 24 and 25). Thirty-minute tours of the downtown city lights display. Tickets are $4 per person. Proceeds benefit the Hawaii Foodbank. Ticket station is located next to the holiday gift card kiosk. Call 591-8411.
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Star Wars Characters Collect Toys: From 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 13. Imperial Stormtroopers and other Star Wars characters will collect new and unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots campaign in the Honolulu Hale Courtyard. Photo opportunities will be available. Call 523-4674.
Crafts
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"Holiday Cards with Jocelyn Lopez": From 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Kahuku Public & School Library. Learn how to make special cards using stamps and paper. Supplies will be provided. Suitable for ages 5 to adult. Call 293-8935.
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Holiday Wreath Making: From 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 1 at Halawa Xeriscape Garden, 99-1268 Iwaena St. The classes teaches how xeriscape-type plants can be used to create colorful holiday wreaths. All participants need to bring a wreath backing (preferably straw-type), floral "U" pins, floral wired picks, clippers, containers to hold wreath materials (like a cardboard soda box), any kind of ribbons or holiday decorations. Advance reservations are required. Cost is $5 nonmembers; free for Friends of Xeriscape Garden members. Call 748-5041.
Storytelling
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Holiday Story Telling with Lina Girl: KCCN FM 100's Lina Girl hosts a storytelling session highlighting popular children's stories, from 11 a.m. to noon Friday at Windward Mall.
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"Preschool Storytime with Santa": 2:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Kaneohe Public Library. Santa and the children's librarian read aloud preschool stories. Photos can be taken with Santa after the program. The 45-minute program is recommended for children ages 2 to 6 and their families.
Displays
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Gingerbread House Display: From noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 14 to 24 at Ward Warehouse, second floor (above Chowder House). Featuring creations from the Annual Easter Seals Gingerbread Festival. Free. Call 591-8411.
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Wreath Display: Honolulu City Lights' 22nd annual wreath contest will be on display at Honolulu Hale, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, Dec. 1 through Jan. 1. This year's theme is a "Royal Holiday" in honor of Hawaiian alii. Call 523-4674.
Concerts/PERFORMANCES
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"A Cazimero Christmas": 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 and 22; and 2 p.m. Dec. 23 at Hawaii Theatre. Tickets are $30 to $75. Call 528-0506 or www.hawaiitheatre.com.
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Brothers Cazimero: Noon Saturday at Kahala Mall. CDs and an autograph session following the performance. Call 732-7766.
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Ahuimanu Chorus: From 4 to 5 p.m. Dec. 2 at Windward Mall. The group of 2- to 6-year-olds present a holiday performance. Call 235-1143.
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Celtic Keiki Christmas Show: 6 p.m. Dec. 22 at Ward Warehouse Amphitheatre. Delia and Caleigh Fabro, joined by Kiana Ahovelo share Hawaiian Christmas carols and hula. Also, a free Ceili lesson and dance following the performance. Call 599-1738 or e-mail CelticKeiki@aol.com.
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Chamber Music Hawaii Concert: The St. Andrews Change Bell Ringers at 7 p.m. Dec. 3, followed by a concert at 7:30 p.m. Featuring the Honolulu Brass Quintet and Honolulu Symphony brass and percussion musicians. Tickets are $25; $20 seniors and military; students are free. Call 489-5038 or visit chambermusichawaii.com.
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"A Christmas Gift -- Na Leo's Holiday Music Spectacular": 7 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20 at Hilton Hawaiian Village, Coral Ballroom. Special guests include: Kealii Reichel, Willie K. and Kaukahi with special performances by Vili The Warrior and The Shooting Stars. Ticket prices start at $38. Call 262-6300 or purchase tickets at www.naleo.net or worldsound.com.
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"Christmas Keiki Hula": From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sundays, Dec. 2 to 23 at Ward Warehouse Amphitheatre. Visit wardcenters.com.
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"Christmas Memories": Featuring the Makaha Sons, 11 a.m. Dec. 15 at Sheraton Waikiki Ballrooms. Special guests include Willie K. and Melveen Leed. Tickets are $60; $100 for VIP seating; both include a brunch buffet. Call 922-4422.
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"Christmas Spectacular": The Movement Center presents "The Nutcracker Act 2," "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and "TMC Gems Holiday Revue" featuring more than 130 keiki and adult performers, 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at Mamiya Theatre. Tickets are $15. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods or new, unwrapped toys that will be delivered to local charities. Call Colleen at 735-8641. Also, two special performances are offered free to senior citizen groups and outreach shelters, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Call Christopher at 735-8641.
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"The Christmas Gift of Aloha": Musical stage performance, 6 p.m. nightly, except Mondays, through Dec. 23 at Ala Moana Center Centerstage. Thirty-minute performance ends with simulated snowfall. Free.
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Elsie's Vocal Group: From 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at Windward Mall. Performing a variety of Christmas songs with accompanying hula performances. Call 235-1143.
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Ewa Elementary School Chorus: From 2 to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at Windward Mall. Holiday performance featuring rock, Latin, Hawaiian and other seasonal songs. Call 235-1143.
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Farrington High School Band: Holiday concert, from 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at Windward Mall. Call 235-1143.
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Frank De Lima Holiday Dinner Show: Dinner served from 6:30 to 8 p.m., followed by show, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at the C'est Si Bon showroom, Pagoda Hotel. Tickets are $48; $16.95 children under 10. Call 948-8370.
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Halau Hulamaika Pu'uwaiaka Mana'o: Holiday dance performance, from 1 to 2 p.m. Dec. 23 at Windward Mall. Call 235-1143.
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Hawaii Youth Chorus: From 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at Windward Mall. More than 80 children from all around the island perform holiday tunes. Call 235-1143.
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Holiday Concert: Featuring John Cruz and Wil Kapili Long, 1 p.m. Dec. 23 at Ward Ware-house Amphitheatre. Call 596-8885 or visit nativebooks.com.
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Holiday Concert: 11:30 a.m. Dec. 15 in the first floor lobby of the Hawaii state Library. Featuring the Lutheran Church Honolulu Choir under the direction of Carl Crosier and Allen Bauchle performing music from many different countries and centuries. Call 586-3535.
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"Holiday Music Concert": From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at Kahuku Public & School Library. Performances by the Brigham Young University-Hawaii Chamber Music Ensemble and the Ko'olauloa Children's Chorus culminates with a sing-along in the "grand finale." Call 293-8935.
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"Holiday Music with English Handbells": 11:30 a.m. Dec. 8 at the Hawaii State Library, first floor lobby. Performed by the Harris United Methodist Church Bell Choir. Free. Call 586-3477.
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Holiday Strolling Musicians: From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, and Dec. 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 and 28 at Pearlridge, Uptown and Downtown. Call 488-0981.
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Holomua Elementary Children's Chorus: From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 Windward Mall. About 100 students sing, dance and play musical instruments to a variety of secular and holiday musical selections. Call 235-1143.
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Honolulu Clarinet Quartet: Performing live Christmas music, from 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at McDonalds, Kamehameha Shopping Center. Also, at Pearlridge Uptown from 7 to 8 p.m. Nov. 24.
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Honolulu Madrigal Quartet: From 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Windward Mall. Call 235-1143.
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Honolulu Youth Symphony Winter Concert Series: 4 p.m. Dec. 2 featuring the concert orchestra and HYS string program; and 4 p.m. Dec. 9 featuring Youth Symphony I under the direction of Henry Miyamura and Youth Symphony II under the direction of Michael Nakasone. Both concerts are at the Pearl City Cultural Center.
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Laie Visitor Center Performances: Live concerts are 40 to 45 minutes. All activities begin at 6:30 p.m. at 55-600 Naniloa Loop in Laie. DVD presentations of Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas will be shown Mondays and Wednesdays, Dec. 3 to 19; and on Fridays, Dec. 14 and 21; and Saturday Dec. 8. Live performances include: Pacific Fleet Band, Woodwind Unit, Dec. 4; Pacific Fleet Band, Brass Unit, Dec. 6; BYUH University Chorale, Dec. 7; pianist Ron Miyashiro, Dec. 9; BYUH String Orchestra, Dec. 11; The Laie Belles Handbell Choir, Dec. 13; Marine Forces Pacific Band Brass Quintet Unit, Dec. 15; Taran McQuivey and Friends, Dec. 16; Junior & Moana Fienga, Dec. 18; Joel Kongaika, Dec. 20; Michael Orgill, Dec. 22; and Laie 4th Ward Choir, Dec. 23. Call 293-9297.
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Matt Catingub of Hawaii Big Band Holiday Concert: 2 p.m. Sunday with special guest Amy Hanaialii Gilliom. Call 732-7736.
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"My Hawaiian Christmas: 10 p.m. Dec. 14 at Hula's Bar & Lei Stand. Derek Daniels Productions presents a Christmas show including songs such as Mele Kalikimaka and White Christmas and a live Tahitian Drum Dance.
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Kamehameha Schools Christmas: 4 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Hawaii Theatre. The concert features a holiday mix of traditional and contemporary music, song and dance by choral students, orchestra, band, drama, guitar, modern dance, Hawaiian chant and dance. Call 842-8495.
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"A Motown Christmas": 8 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8 at Blaisdell Arena. Featuring the Four Tops, the Spinners and the Honolulu Symphony conducted by Matt Catingub performing holiday songs and Motown classics. Tickets start at $14; military start at $8.50.
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Oahu Civic Orchestra: Holiday concerts featuring selections by Handel, Leroy Anderson, Mozart, Vaughn Williams and Rogers and Hammerstein. From 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 1 at Foster Botanical Garden; 3:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Windward Mall; 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at Mauka Alii, 1541 Kalakaua Ave., and 1 p.m. Dec. 16 at Honolulu Academy of Arts. Call 263-4022 or e-mail OCOrchestra@aol.com.
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Peace on Earth Christmas Concert: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19 at Kapiolani Park Bandstand. Featuring performances by the Carmen Haugen Quartet, Al Waterson, slack-key guitarist George Kuo, Don Humphrey, Dennis and David Kamakahi, Keiki Palaka Band and more. Free. Call 951-4332 or e-mail hakumele@aol.com.
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The Performing Artist Academy: From noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 15 at Windward Mall. Thirty-five performers dance and sing holiday songs. Call 235-1143.
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"Rudolph Retires": 7:37 p.m. Dec. 8; and 4:07 p.m. Dec. 9 at Paliku Theatre. Sounds of Aloha (Barbershop Harmony Society) present their annual comedy show featuring the Tropical Nights and Diamond Head Shooting Stars. Tickets are $20. Call 262-7664.
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Sean Na'auao Concert: From 5 to 6 p.m. Dec. 8 at Windward Mall. Performing songs from his recent CDs including, "A Kanaka Christmas." Call 235-1143.
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St. Patrick's School Children's Choir: From noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 7 at 737 Bishop St., lobby level courtyard. Performing holiday selections. Call 487-7149 or 486-1656.
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"The Very Best of Christmas Talk Story": Honolulu Theatre for Youth's production opens 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30; continues Saturdays, at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Dec. 1 to 22 at Tenney Theatre. A sign language interpreted program will be held on Dec. 8 at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $16; $8 children, students and seniors over 60. Call 839-9885.
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Windward Adventist School Choir: From 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at Windward Mall. Performing songs and hula to a variety of Christmas and Hawaiian music. Call 235.1143.
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Winter Concert: 7 p.m. Nov. 30 at Central Union Church. Featuring music from around the world, including Brazil, China, Great Britain, Ireland, Mongolia, the Philippines, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Hawaii and the mainland. Performed by the Hawaii Pacific University International Chorale and Vocal Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra. Guests include the Sacred Hearts Academy Choir and the Marine Forces Pacific Band. Call 544-1127.
Nutcracker
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Ballet Hawaii: 8 p.m. Dec. 21; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22; and 2 p.m. Dec. 23 at Blaisdell Concert Hall. Tickets are $25 to $75. A special $150 package is available for opening night. Staged by Pamela Taylor-Tongg and featuring New York City Ballet's Joaquin De Luz and Megan Fairchild with special appearances by local dancers. Call 521-8600 for information. For tickets, call (877) 750-4400 or visit ticketmaster.com.
And, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1; and 2 p.m. Dec. 2 at Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Tickets are $25 to $45. Call (808) 242-7469 or visit MauiArts.org.
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Hawaii State Ballet: 7 p.m. Dec. 14, 15, 21 and 22; and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and 23; and 6 p.m. Dec. 16 at Mamiya Theatre. Tickets are $18 to $27 adults; and $16 to $24 children. For tickets, call 550-8457 or visit hawaiistateballet.com/tickets.
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"The Knightcracker" Dance Concert: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1; and 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at Castle Performing Arts Center, Ronald E. Bright Theatre. Castle DanceForce puts a modern twist on "The Nutcracker." Tickets are $5. Visit showtix4u.com or purchase tickets at the box office on the day of the show. Call 233-5626.
Charitable Events
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Helemano Plantation Christmas Party Fundraiser: From 5 to 11 p.m. Dec. 7 at Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom. Featuring dinner, Helemano's Chinese lion dancers, cultural performances and a silent auction. Tickets are $80 and $100. Proceeds benefit programs for the disabled and elderly. Call 622-3929.
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"Hunky Santa": 10 p.m. Dec. 24 at Hula's Bar & lei Stand. Get a picture on "Hunky Santa's" lap. Proceeds benefit the Life Foundation.
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Lokahi Drive: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 1 at Windward Mall. Collection of toys, presents and household items will be distributed to families in need on Oahu. Call 235-1143.
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"Ride for Angels": 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 16, Make A Wish Foundation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, New Hope Prison Ministry and other groups will sponsor a "Christmas Light Tour" in Platinum Limousines for deserving and at-risk children. Those interested in donating goodies for children should call Kurt at 739-0007 or e-mail reservations@platinumlimousine.org.
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Salvation Army Trees: At Pearlridge through Dec. 19, Uptown and Downtown. Choose an angel from a tree and purchase a gift for the specified child or senior. Call 488-0981. At Kahala Mall through Dec. 15. Call 732-7736.
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Senior Giving Tree: Customers at Ward Centers may fulfill a senior's holiday wish through Dec. 19. Trees are located at Nordstrom Rack; at Ward Centre, near Sedona; and at the Ewa end of Ward Warehouse. All proceeds benefit Catholic Charities.
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Street Bikers United -- Toys for Tots Caravan: More than 4,000 motorcycles will ride from Magic Island, to Ala Moana Boulevard, to Kalakaua Avenue, to Monsarrat Avenue, to Diamond Head Road, ending at Kapiolani Community College. Call Ray at 282-6419.
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Toys for Tots: Collection boxes for new and unused toys will be located in Honolulu Hale during the Honolulu City Lights display, from 1 p.m. to 11 a.m. Dec. 1 to 16. For more information, call 523-4674 or visit honolulu.gov/moca.
Brunches/Dinners
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Don Ho's Island Grill: Holiday dinner menu, served from 3 to 9 p.m. Dec. 1 to 30. Dinner includes choice of soup or salad; choice of lamb chops, filet mignon or pan seared opakapaka and dessert. Cost is $30. Call 528-0807.
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Hanohano Room: Four-course dinner includes cauliflower vichyssoise; shaved fennel and cucumber salad with smoked salmon; entree choices include crab crusted sea bass, herb roasted beef tenderloin or pan seared scallops; and gingered creme brlle. Cost is $89. Served from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 24 and 25. Call 921-4600 or e-mail tdrc.waikiki@sheraton.com.
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Hoku's: Brunch buffet, served 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 25. Cost is $66; $50 children ages 5 to 12. Call 739-8780.
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Plumeria Beach House: Brunch buffet, served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 25. Cost is $58; $44 children ages 5 to 12. Call 739-8760.
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The Royal Hawaiian Hotel: Christmas eve buffet features ham hock stew, assorted dim sum, a carving station, steamed pacific snapper, braised short ribs, strawberry crepes and more. First seating at 5:30, 6 and 6:30 p.m.; second seating at 8, 8:30 and 9 p.m. Cost is $55; $27 for children ages 6 to 12. Christmas day brunch and dinner buffet includes a carving station, seafood cocktail bar, spicy thai green curry, steamed clams, glazed ham and more. Cost is $50; $25 children. For complete menus, visit www.royal-hawaiian.com/dining.htm. Call 921-4600 or e-mail tdrc.waikiki@sheraton.com.
Neighbor Island
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"A Holiday Evening Under the Stars": Fourth annual Hospice of Hilo gala benefit dinner, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. Featuring celebrity waiters, champagne, pupus, dinner, a silent auction and more. Tickets are $85. Call (808) 969-1733.
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"Savor the Season": 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1; and 2 p.m. Dec. 2. Featuring the UH Hilo Orchestra and combined choruses under the direction of maestro Ken Stanton. Tickets are $10 to $15. Call (808) 974-7310 or visit http://artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu.