‘Nutcracker’ ... plus more

Christmas calendar

Meet Santa

» Hawaiian Santa Arrival: 9 a.m. Wednesday. Santa arrives on an outrigger catamaran at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach. Followed by keiki ornament making at 10 a.m. and Hawaiian Christmas storytelling at 11 a.m. Call 923-3111.
» Photo Nights with Santa: 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 20 in the Honolulu Hale Courtyard. Clowns of Aloha entertain children while they wait to visit Santa.

Dine with Santa

» Afternoon Tea with Santa: Seatings at 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 22 at The Veranda, Kahala Hotel Resort. Cost is $32 adults; $24 children. Call 739-8760.
» Breakfast With Santa: Festive breakfast with a singing and dancing extravaganza by the Shooting Stars of Diamond Head Theatre, Saturday, Sunday, Dec. 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.
» "The Santa Cruise": Nightly cruises aboard the Navatek I through Dec. 25. Departs Pier 6 at Aloha Tower Marketplace at 5:15 p.m. and returns at 7:15 p.m. Includes a buffet dinner and a show that features Santa. Upon returning, guests take a detour to view Honolulu City Lights. Cost ranges from $60 to $105; and $40 to $67 for children. Call 973-1311.

Parades

» Santa Parade: 7 p.m. nightly, except Mondays, at Ala Moana Center Mall Level. "Christmas Gift of Aloha" performance followed by parade.
» Kapahulu/Moiliili: 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Starts at Kuhio elementary School, proceeds to King Street, to Beretania Street, to Isenberg Street and ends at Old stadium Park.
» Haleiwa: 6 p.m. Friday. Starts at Weed Circle, proceeds to Kamehameha Highway, through Haleiwa town, ending at Haleiwa Beach Park. Call Anyta at 637-4558.
» Waimanalo: 10 a.m. Saturday. 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.
» Ewa Beach: 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Starts at Ilima Intermediate, 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.

Boat Parades

» 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, Saturday. Entertainment by Ka Hale I o Kahala Hula Halau and Sean Na'auao precedes the event starting at 4:30 p.m.
» Hawaii Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade: 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Aloha Tower Marketplace. This year's theme is "Sleigh Bells Are Ringing." Also, free photos with Santa, from 5 to 9 p.m., live entertainment and more. Call 566-2337.

Special

» Antique Fire Truck Rides: Tour of Honolulu City Lights, 6 to 9 p.m. nightly from Thursday to Dec. 30. The 15-minute tours depart from Mission Houses Museum on Mission Lane. Twelve riders per tour. Reservations suggested, but not required. Cost is $7; $3 for children 3 and under. Call Kendall Ching at 590-2100 or e-mail firetruckhawaii@yahoo.com.
» "Blue Christmas: A Service of Reflection for the Longest Night": Designed for those having a difficult time during the holiday season, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at St. Andrew's Cathedral. Through music, silent meditation, Scripture and healing prayer, the service presents an opportunity to reflect on losses or personal troubles. Call 524-2822, ext. 217.
» "Celebrate the Holiday Season": 10 a.m. Saturday at the Waialua Public LIbrary. Performances by the Waialua High School Drama Club followed by holiday craft makingand light refreshments. The one hour program is suitable for all ages. Call 637-8286.
» "Holiday Lights" Trolley Ride: Each trolley features Santa's elves and caroling. Departs every 30 minutes, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. nightly through Dec. 24 at Aloha Tower Marketplace. Every $20 in Market-place purchases is good for one free trolley ride; receipts must be dated after Nov. 23. For reservations, call 566-2337.
» "Candlelight Christmas": Mission Houses Museum's historic houses offer visitors an opportunity to look at Christmas from the 1800s, 6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $10; $7 members; $6 for children 5 to 17. Call 531-0481, ext. 707.
» "Christmas Puppet Times with Christy Lipps": 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Kapolei Public Library; 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Kailua Public Library. Presenting Christmas stories using puppets, finger plays and songs. Call 693-7050 for Kapolei and 266-9911 for Kailua.
» "The Grinch Game": 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, undisclosed Honolulu location. Ravenchase Adventures presents a holiday scavenger hunt where participants crack codes and use cool gadgets to solve clues. Cost is $35. To register, visit ravenchase.com, click on public hunts and go to Hawaii. Tacky prizes will be awarded.
» Holiday Season Party: 3 p.m. Saturday at the Hawaii Kai Public Library. Featuring stories, "magical twists" by Balloon Monsoon, craft making and more. The 90-minute program is suitable for ages 3 and up. Call 397-5833.
» Holly Jolly Trolley: 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Saturday at Dream to Dance. Features Christmas lights tour, buffet at Zanzaba and Latin dance party. Call Debby at 372-5574.
» "Keiki Christmas": 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Honolulu Academy of Arts. Featuring a magic elf show, a vist form Santa, demon-strations, art activities and more. Free. Call 532-8700.
» "March of the Toy Soldiers: 6:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday The renowned King's Guard perform their annual holiday show at King's Village in Waikiki. Call 926-7890.
» "Pasko sa Filcom: A Philippine Christmas Celebration: 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Filipino Community (Filcom) Center. Highlights include parol making demonstration, singing of Christmas carol hymns, Panunuluyan (the Nativity street play), Palaro (children's games) and Filipino delicacies. Free admission. Call 595-6316, ext. 242 or e-mail honolulupc@hawaii.rr.com.
» Julefest: 5:30 p.m. Sunday 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.
» Santa's Holiday Workshop: 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 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.
» Salsa After Hours, Holiday Edition: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays through Dec. 27 at Illusions night club.Cover is $8. Call 955-4811 or 285-0072.
» "Seasonal Singing with Do Re Mi Music": 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Liliha Public Library. "Travel around the world in song" in a sing-along led by Art Suankum. Also, stories with Aunty Jan and snowball games. Call 587-7577.
» "Star Wars" Characters Collect Toys: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Imperial Storm-troopers 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

» "Holiday Cards with Jocelyn Lopez": 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. Wednesday at Kahuku Public & School Library. Make special cards using stamps and paper. Supplies will be provided. Suitable for ages 5 to adult. Call 293-8935.

Storytelling

» "Christmas Magic": Traveling storytellers read "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "Twas the Night before Christmas" at Kailua Public Library Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Call 266-9911. And, 10:30 a.m. Dec. 22 at Kapolei Public Library. Call 693-7050.
» "A Winter Holiday Family Storytime": 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Salt Lake Moanalua Public Library. Christmas stories and poems read aloud by the children's librarian. Also balloon sculptures and cookie decorating. Call 831-6831.

Displays

» Aki Ohana Yard Display 6 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 1 at 98-1297 Ho'ohuali Place in Pearl City. Christmas yard display includes The Little Mermaid, Lilo & Stitch, Thomas the Tank Engine and Dora the Explorer.
» Gingerbread House Display: Noon to 5 p.m. Friday to Dec. 24 at Ward Warehouse, second floor (above Chowder House). Free. Call 591-8411.
» Wreath Display: Honolulu City Lights' 22nd annual wreath contest, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Jan. 1, Honolulu Hale. Call 523-4674.

Concerts/PERFORMANCES

» Carol Concert: 5:30 p.m. Sunday at St. Andrew's Cathedral. The Cathedral Choir presents carols, from medieval to modern, choral to instrumental and audience participation. Call 524-2822, ext. 217.
» "A Cazimero Christmas": 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 and 22; and 2 p.m. Dec. 23 at Hawaii Theatre. Tickets $30 to $75. Call 528-0506 or hawaiitheatre.com.
» 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.
» Christmas Concert: 7:30 p.m. Friday at St. Andrew's Cathedral. Featuring the chorus and Hokuoa singers of 'Iolani School. Free.
» "A Christmas Gift -- Na Leo's Holiday Music Spectacular": 7 p.m. Wednesday and Dec. 20 at Hilton Hawaiian Village, Coral Ballroom. Performers include: Kealii Reichel, Willie K. and Kaukahi; plus, Vili The Warrior and The Shooting Stars. Tickets start at $38. Call 262-6300 or purchase tickets at naleo.net or worldsound.com.
» "Christmas Memories": Featuring the Makaha Sons, 11 a.m. Saturday 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.
» Circus Luau Holiday Show: With comedians Joey Gilla, Shawn Filipe, Big Steve plus Chief Suele, plus dancing and buffet dinner; 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. Tickets $40; $20 for show only. Call 674-9283, ext. 111.
» 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. Friday at the C'est Si Bon showroom, Pagoda Hotel. Tickets are $48; $16.95 children under 10. Call 948-8370.
» Gordon Mark and Friends Holiday Concert: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Atherton Performing Arts Studio. Mark performs the first half of the show solo, performing an array of holiday classics. "Friends" performing in the second half include Brian Beneventa, David Lairsey, Alan Okami, Pat Okami, Paul Okami, Dominic Pastor and Ryan Tsukamoto. Tickets are $20; $17.50 for members; and $10 for students. call 955-8821.
» Hilton Hawaiian Village: 5 p.m. holiday concerts in the main lobby. Gleeman Plus Honolulu, Thursday; Na Mele O Suzuki, Monday; The Tap Company, Tuesday; Hawaii Chorale with Aaron Mahi, Wednesday; and Diamond Head Theatre's Shooting Stars, Dec. 20.
» 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.
» Holiday Concert: 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Hawaii State Library. Featuring the Lutheran Church Honolulu Choir performing music from many different countries and centuries. Call 586-3535.
» Holiday Strolling Musicians: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 26 and 28, Pearlridge Uptown and Downtown. Call 488-0981.
» John Cruz Holiday Concert: 2 p.m. Saturday at Kahala Mall, Center Court. Call 732-7736.
» Kalikimaka Mele: Kupuna's Hawaiian Christmas show, 11:30 a.m. Dec. 21 at Shore Bird Restaurant. Call 923-3111.
» Keiki Kalikimaka Hula Show: 1 p.m. Saturday at Shore Bird Restaurant. Call 923-3111.
» Laie Visitor Center Performances: Live concerts are 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 Monday, Wednesday, Fridays, Dec. 21 and Dec. 8. Performances: Marine Forces Pacific Band Brass Quintet Unit, Saturday Taran McQuivey and Friends, Sunday Junior & Moana Fienga, Tuesday Joel Kongaika, Dec. 20; Michael Orgill, Dec. 22; and Laie 4th Ward Choir, Dec. 23. Call 293-9297.
» "My Hawaiian Christmas": 10 p.m. Friday at Hula's Bar & Lei Stand. Derek Daniels Productions presents a Christmas show including a live Tahitian drum dance.
» Christmas Water Shows: 3 p.m. Sunday at Makiki District Park pool; and 7 p.m. Dec. 21 at Salt Lake District Park pool. Mermaids Hawaii's 37th annual show featuring synchronized swimming set to modern and classical music. Free.
» Oahu Civic Orchestra: Holiday concerts featuring selections by Handel, Leroy Anderson, Mozart, Vaughn Williams and Rogers and Hammerstein. At 1 p.m. Sunday at Honolulu Academy of Arts. Call 263-4022 or e-mail OCOrchestra@aol.com.
» Peace on Earth Christmas Concert: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday 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.
» The Performing Artist Academy: From noon to 1 p.m. Saturday at Windward Mall. Thirty-five performers dance and sing holiday songs. Call 235-1143.
» Salieri vs. Mozart": Holiday concert featuring the Honolulu Chorale, 7 p.m. Saturday at the United Church of Christ on Judd Street. The concert culminates with a sing-along performance of Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" and "Ave Verum Corpus" by Mozart. The church bell choir also performs. Free, but donations are accepted. Visit thehonoluluchorale.org.
» "Under A Christmas Moon Concert": 6:30 p.m. Dec. 20, 21 and 22 at The Honolulu Design Center. Featuring Jake Shimabukuro, along with performances by the Ukulele Essence Band and the Four String Beans. Tickets are $35; $15 children 12 and under. Pupus will be served prior to the show and during intermission. Call 737-9431.

Nutcracker

» 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. Call 521-8600. For tickets, call (877) 750-4400 or visit ticketmaster.com.
» Hawaii Ballet Theatre: 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 4 p.m. Sudnay at Leeward Community College Theatre. Cost is $25; $20 children, military and seniors. Group tickets available. After the matinee performance, the audience can meet the cast at a free "Sugarplum Tea with Santa." At evening shows, audience can enjoy free hot chocolate and Starbuck's coffee and have photo opportunities with Clara at intermission. Call 456-8100.
» Hawaii State Ballet: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 21 and 22; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 23; and 6 p.m. Sunday at Mamiya Theatre. Tickets are $18 to $27 adults; and $16 to $24 children. For tickets, call 550-8457 or visit hawaiistateballet.com/tickets.

Charitable Events

» "Hunky Santa": 10 p.m. Dec. 24 at Hula's Bar & Lei Stand. Snapshot on "Hunky Santa's" lap. Benefits the Life Foundation.
» "Ride for Angels": 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Make A Wish Foundation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, New Hope Prison Ministry and others sponsor a "Christmas Light Tour" in Platinum Limousines for at-risk children. Call Kurt at 739-0007 or e-mail reservations@platinumlimousine.org to donate treats for the children.
» Salvation Army Trees: At Pearlridge through Wednesday Uptown and Downtown. Call 488-0981. At Kahala Mall through Saturday. Call 732-7736.
» Senior Giving Tree: Located at Nordstrom Rack; at Ward Centre near Sedona; and at the Ewa end of Ward Warehouse. Benefits Catholic Charities.
» Toys for Tots: Collection boxes for new and unused toys at Honolulu Hale during the Honolulu City Lights display, through Sunday. Call 523-4674 or visit honolulu.gov/moca.

Brunches/Dinners

» 21 degrees North, Turtle Bay Resort: Christmas day five course menu includes roasted beets and pupukea organic greens, Maui onion soup, opakapaka, pepper crusted wagyu strip loin nd butter poached Kona lobster and grand marnier souffle. $85; $105, with wine pairings. Call 293-6000.
» 3660 on the Rise: Christmas Eve buffet, served 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 24. Menu includes a poke station, oysters on a half shell. furikake salmon, carved roast beef and leg of lamb, a stir fry station and more. Cost is $45; $17 children. Call 737-1177.
» Ala Moana Hotel: Hookena and Willie K perform at a lunch and dinner buffet on Sunday. Lunch is served at 11 a.m. with show at noon. Cost is $50; $25 for children 12 and under. Dinner buffet and concert at 6 p.m. with show starting at 7 p.m. Cost is $65; $32.50 for kids. Also, Christmas Eve buffet, served 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 24 featuring turkey and all the trimmings, Thai red curry mussels, basil risotto cakes, steamed salmon mignons and more. Cost is $34.50; $16.50 kids. Christmas day brunch 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a Belgian waffle and omelet station, Zinfandel braised short ribs, seafood bouillabaisse, crepes with fresh berries and more. Christmas dinner buffet 5 to 9 p.m. features wasabi-crusted fresh catch, creamy corn and blue crab chowder, seared pork medallions and more. Cost is $34.50; $16.50 kids. Call 955-4811, ext. 4070.
» Bali By the Sea: Dinner 6 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 24 and 25. Featuring ahi tartar, creamy chestnut soup, arugula salad, entree choices of seared hamachi; marinated venison; or black angus filet mignon and mint chocolate peppermint yule log, hazelnut praline mousse and apple and cranberry in phyllo. $87; $45 children under 12. Call 949-4321, ext. 39.
» Brasserie Du Vin: Wine dinner, Dec. 24. Featuring blue crab and sweet corn consomme, duet of New Zealand oysters mignonette and ahi tartare with ravigote, lobster thurmador with gruyere cheese souffle, braised veal cheeks all paired with wines. Cost is $130. Call 545-1115.
» Don Ho's Island Grill: Holiday dinner menu, served 3 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 30. Includes choice of soup or salad; choice of lamb chops, filet mignon or pan seared opakapaka and dessert. Cost is $30. Call 528-0807.
» Golden Dragon: 6 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 24 and 25. Dinner includes crabmeat eggrolls, pork char siu, golden Phoenix shrimp, seafood soup, stir-fried lobster tail, beef tenderloin, Kung Pao ocean scallops, opakapaka, fried rice and chestnut yule log. $62; $33 children under 12. Call 949-4321, ext. 39.
» 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.
» Hoku's: Brunch buffet, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 25. $66; $50 children ages 5 to 12. Call 739-8780.
» Hong Kong Harbor View Seafood Restaurant: Ten-course meal starts with deep-fried scallop ball, crab meat and seafood with ground spinach tofu soup. Entrees include live Maine lobster, Peking duck, Hawaiian prawns, tenderloin steak with curry sauce and more. Through Jan. 6 for lunch and dinner. $268, with a limit of 10 people per table. Call 566-9989.
» Kulima Ballroom, Turtle Bay Resort: Christmas day brunch, two seatings 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Featuring prime rib, pineapple glaze ham, omelets madde to order, turkey and the trimmings, lemon grass crusted chicken, breakfast meats and more. $52.98; $26.49 children ages 4 to 11. Call 293-6000.
» Plumeria Beach House: Brunch buffet, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 25. $58; $44 children ages 5 to 12. Call 739-8760.
» Palm Terrace, Turtle Bay Resort: Christmas Eve buffet, 5 to 10 p.m., features prime rib, pineapple glaze ham, wood stone oven-fired pizza, chicken brerat saltimboca, lamb osso buco, ricotta cheese-filled ravioli, penne and linguine with pesto, marinara and alfredo sauces and more. Cost is $36; $18 children ages 4 to 11. Christmas day buffet, served 4 to 9:30 p.m., includes sashimi and poke, a pizza station, prime rib, leg of lamb, roasted turkey and the trimmings and more. $44; $22 children ages 4 to 11. Call 293-6000.
» Rainbow Lanai Restaurant: Dinner buffet 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 24 Featuring roasted beet salad, smoked fish and salmon, ahi poke, domestic and imported cheeses, New York strip, baked ham, veal scalopinni, steamed green mussels, cracked crab legs, baked risotto cakes and more. On Dec. 25 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. buffet features slow roasted prime rib, braised short ribs, seafod gratin and baked oysters, salmon en croute and more. $56; $29 children under 12. Call 949-4321, ext. 39.
» 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. $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. $50; $25 children. For complete menus, visit www.royal-hawaiian.com/dining.htm. Call 921-4600 or e-mail tdrc.waikiki@sheraton.com.
» Village Steak & Seafood Restaurant: Dinner 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 24 and 25. Four-course dinner with lobster bisque, maple poached pear and Big Island Hirabara salad, candied walnut and gorgonzola, and choice of entrees include black angus prime rib; rosemary garlic marinated roasted tenderloin and shrimp scampi; maple mustard crusted baked chicken; or pan seared smoked island fish and tiger taro shrimp. $64; $38 children under 12. Call 949-4321, ext. 39.