By Britney Aquino – Staff Reporter
(Honolulu)– ‘Mele Kalikimaka!,’ is Hawai’i’s special way of saying, ‘Merry Christmas!’ Every year on December 1st, Honolulu, Hawai’i holds a parade from Aala Park and proceeds down King St. to kick-off the Christmas season. About a thousand of people or more show up to watch the first illumination of a 50-foot Christmas tree, the hour long parade of floats, and to enjoy the large displays of Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, reindeers, menehunes, and more.
This year’s theme of the Honolulu City Lights is Shaka Santa’s Goes Holoholo: Underwater Adventure. The opening ceremony of the city lights was led by Melveen Leed, and he conducted the countdown of illuminating the 50-foot Christmas tree, which features pastel colored fishes and ornaments. Throughout the ceremony, hula dancers performed and sang Christmas songs. By 6:30 pm, the 50-foot tree was illuminated, along with all the displays, buildings, and tree lights from the Civic Center, Downtown, and Chinatown. Shortly after, the hour-long parade started while 1,000+ people watched from the sidewalk.
The Honolulu City Lights Christmas Parade showcased floats and vehicles that were decorated by the Honolulu City and County workers, multiple local high schools, The Honolulu Police Department, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and so forth. Dancers, high school bands, and local workers performed while walking down the street, waving, and handing out candy to the ecstatic viewers. A few well-know people who also walked in the parade were Frank Delima, local radio stations, and Santa Claus himself! Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus sat upon a magical float and waved to the people to conclude the Christmas parade.
The fun doesn’t end there. After the parade, churches, halaus, and local food business, sold food near the Honolulu Hale, while a variety of entertainment continued until 11:00 pm. A few entertainers were Frank Delima, Anuhea, Ballet Hawaii, and PAC Kids. Other than taking pictures of and with the Christmas displays, there were a few carnival rides of the children, such as, a mini Merry-Go-Round, Zipper, Flyer, and Helicopter rides.
Within the Honolulu Hale, Christmas trees and wreathes were displayed for the public to admire. The trees and wreathes were decorated by the Honolulu City and County workers, along with the decorations that were displayed outside. Not only are there trees and wreathes displayed, but Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were inside to take photos with also. They appear every so often throughout the month of December, and it is recommended to check their schedule that is located in the Honolulu Hale.
The Honolulu City Lights will be featured until January 01, 2012 for free, and it is open to the public on a daily basis until then.
