Parade lights up holiday season

Honolulu City Lights will kick off the holiday season with a tree-lighting ceremony today at Honolulu Hale and the Public Workers Electric Light Parade that gets rolling at 6 p.m.

About 75,000 people are expected to gather for the opening night of the 23rd Honolulu City Lights celebration, themed "Ku'u Home -- Our Home."

Here is a schedule of activities:

» 4 p.m.: Food booths and keiki rides begin at Skygate.
» 5-5:30 p.m.: Concert at Kawaiaha'o Church
» 6 p.m.: Public Workers Electric Light Parade and Tree-Lighting Ceremony at City Hall
» 6:30-11 p.m.: Christmas Tree Exhibit and Wreath Display
» 7:30 p.m.: Holiday concert at Skygate

Hundreds of thousands of people usually visit Honolulu Hale during the monthlong holiday celebration, which includes strolling musicians, entertainment and visits with Santa, along with elaborate wreath and Christmas tree exhibits.

The Public Workers Electric Light Parade starts at King and River streets in Chinatown at 6 p.m. and heads down King Street to Kawaiahao Street. More than a dozen high school bands are part of the parade, along with city service vehicles such as fire engines and TheBus decked out in holiday lights and decorations.

Parade vehicles will stay parked for public viewing until 8 p.m. on South King Street between Alapai and Kawaiahao streets.

Drivers are advised to arrive well before 5 p.m. and to expect traffic delays. Some road closures will be in effect:

» King Street between Punchbowl and Alapai streets will be closed from 5 to 9 p.m.
» Punchbowl Street will be closed between Beretania and King streets at 4:30 p.m.
» Alakea Street will be closed at Queen Street at 5:30 p.m., with only intermittent mauka-bound flow allowed.
» Traffic will be stopped or detoured on streets intersecting King Street along the route during the parade.
» Eastbound bus routes that pass through downtown Honolulu will be detoured at 4:30 p.m. via Liliha Street to Vineyard Boulevard, right on Nuuanu Avenue and left on Hotel Street. Bishop Street routes will also be detoured after 5 p.m. Call 848-5555 or see www.thebus.org for information.