Pageantry fills season

Oahu churches are marking the holiday season with Christmas pageantry and music.

» Today: Kawaiaha'o Church will present a concert of Christmas readings and traditional carols at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary at 957 Punchbowl St. Baritone Leon Williams, who has performed with mainland symphony orchestras, in the White House and on Broadway, will be the guest soloist.

The "A King Is Born" program also features the church's choir, bell choir and hula halau as well as the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus, Kawaiolaonapukanileo Vocal Ensemble and Keali'ika'apunihonua Ke'ena A'o Hula. Soprano Malia Kaai, tenor Aaron Sala and dancer Ardis Gomes will take soloist roles.

» Today: The drive-through drama of scenes telling the story of the first Christmas will be presented outside Central Union Church, 1660 S. Beretania St., from 6 to 9 p.m. Motorists should enter the "Gift of Bethlehem" from South Beretania Street. Viewers may also park and take a walking tour.

» Tuesday through Friday: The Salvation Army will present its Live Nativity re-enactment nightly from 7 to 10 p.m. at Waioli Gardens, 2950 Manoa Road. The show is 20 minutes long and repeated every half-hour. Taped narration and Christmas music accompany the dramatization, presented by a cast of about 100 people. Waioli Tea Room will be open during the performances.