Crowds gather for the Honolulu City Lights tree lighting ceremony in 2018. (Photo by Ron Slauson)
City and County of Honolulu
News Release
HONOLULU – Downtown Honolulu is now aglow as the 35th annual Honolulu City Lights went bright on Saturday, Dec. 7.
The eagerly anticipated event, presented each year by the City and County of Honolulu and the Friends of Honolulu City Lights, has become a beloved island tradition for thousands of residents and visitors since 1985.
The opening night festivities kick off a month-long celebration of dazzling lights and displays, family-friendly activities and merry fun on the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center Grounds. Mayor Kirk Caldwell led the official tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Then at 6:30 p.m., he ceremoniously illuminated the city’s 50-foot holiday tree, triggering the lights and displays that adorn the city grounds.
One of the many highlights of the evening was the Public Workers’ Electric Light Parade, which celebrated its 29th year as part of Honolulu City Lights. A dazzling procession of festooned city vehicles and school marching bands traveled from Chinatown through King Street, featuring the crowd-favorite dancing City Lights. Shannon Scott and Mele Apana served as parade hosts. Joining this year’s parade was beloved Sanrio character Hello Kitty, who rode as part of the Macy’s contingent.
The opening night also included a free, star-studded holiday concert near the Sky Gate, featuring multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winners Hōkū Zuttermeister and Sean Na‘auao, singer-songwriter Izik, and Keolalaulani Hālau ‘Ōlapa O Laka under the direction of Kumu Hula Keola Dalire.
Returning to opening night was the Honolulu City Lights block party, featuring more than 15 food booths located along the ‘Ewa-side of Punchbowl Street near the Hawai‘i State Library.
The opening night festivities, including the tree lighting ceremony, parade and concert, will be rebroadcast on ‘Ōlelo Channel 49 on the following dates and times:
* Friday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m.
* Monday, Dec. 23 at 10 a.m.
* Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 2:30 p.m.
* Sunday, Dec. 29 at 10 p.m.
Hawaiian Electric Company and the Friends of Honolulu City Lights will produce a one-hour parade special to air on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 9 p.m. on KHON2. The rebroadcast will be shown on its sister station KHII on Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 6 p.m., and again on Wednesday, Dec. 25, at 9 a.m. on KHON2,and 7 p.m. on KHII.
The celebration continues throughout the month of December featuring several special events to delight island families. Honolulu City Lights wil be open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and will run through Dec. 29, including Christmas.
Key event sponsors include First Hawaiian Bank, Macy’s, Hawaiian Electric, ‘Ōlelo Community Media, Aloha Pacific Federal CreditUnion, Cutter Ford/Chevrolet, Hawaiian Airlines, Leonard’s Bakery, 7-Eleven Hawai‘i and Summit Media Hawai‘i.
For more information, visit www.honolulu.gov.
HONOLULU CITY LIGHTS SPECIAL EVENTS SCHEDULE
Wednesday, Dec. 11 - 7 to 7:30 p.m. Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawai‘i, near front steps of Honolulu Hale
Saturday, Dec. 14 - 7 to 9 p.m. 7-Eleven Hawai‘i Free Family Movie Night featuring “The Grinch” on theCivic Center grounds.
Saturday, Dec. 21 - 6 to 8 p.m. Hawai‘i Foodservice Alliance LLC’s Free Milk and Cookies Night, near frontsteps of Honolulu Hale.