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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, November 23, 2007

Fab for the holidays

 •  Santa parades

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Raiatea Helm launches "Christmas in Polynesia," a concert series, at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Advertiser library photo

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Keiko and Kaity Oda will be among the many participants in The Movement Center's annual Christmas Spectacular on Dec. 8.

Fernando Martinez

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

"The Christmas Gift of Aloha" stage production opens today at Ala Moana Center.

Advertiser library photos

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

The Honolulu City Lights happen Downtown Dec. 1.

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Frank DeLima puts on a show at C'est Si Bon in the Pagoda Hotel on Dec. 14.

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

The cast of "Plaid Tidings," from left, Aaron Komo, Sean Jones, Andrew Sakaguchi and Mike Dupre.

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

The Hawaii Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade happens Dec. 15 off Honolulu Harbor.

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Ho, ho, ho — the season of Santas, Nutcrackers, gingerbread houses, craft fairs and holiday concerts beckons.

You know the drill: It's time to think holidays.

Start by prioritizing events and dates on your calendar; get tickets, save the dates, plan ahead — it's better to be early than sorry.

Here are 25 ways to make your Christmas merry and bright:

1 — "Plaid Tidings," the sequel to "Forever Plaid" with holiday tinsel, tonight through Dec. 2 at Manoa Valley Theatre. It's a blend of nostalgia and Christmas. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; 4 p.m. Sundays (no show Nov. 29). $35. 988-6131.

2 — Christmas train, times two:

  • The Candy Cane Train, from 10 a.m. daily through Dec. 28 at Center Court, is an Ala Moana Center tradition. Keiki 12 and younger can catch rides every 20 minutes. $7.

  • The Pearlridge Express, from 10 a.m. daily through Jan. 1 at Uptown Center Court at Pearlridge Center, is Hawai'i's only scale-model, fully-functioning choo-choo, which can transport 15 keiki. $3 per child, with a portion benefiting the nonprofit Hawaiian Railway Society.

    3 — Check out a Christmas parade, as Santa starts his rounds, beginning tonight.

    4 — "The Christmas Gift of Aloha," a holiday show by Lisa Matsumoto with music by Roslyn, is now an Ala Moana Center tradition. It premieres at 6 p.m. today and continues at 6 p.m. daily except Mondays at Centerstage. Merry the Elf and Mele the menehune star; it "snows" at the finale. Free.

    5 — Christmas craft fairs are bountiful. These are worth visiting:

  • Islandwide Christmas Crafts & Food Expo, 5-10 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday,10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and Arena; 623-4050. One of the largest of its kind.

  • Holiday craft fair, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Mission Houses Museum; 531-0481, ext. 714. A place to score Island-made "finds."

  • Season's Best, Kaimuki, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dec. 1, Ali'iolani Elementary School; 683-6064. A popular community endeavor.

  • "Christmas in Honolulu," 5-9 p.m. Dec. 4 (4 p.m. admission with purchase of musubi angel), Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i; 734-3693. A nocturnal destination with locally made gems.

  • Pacific Handcrafters Guild Winter Festival, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 8-9, Kaka'ako Gateway Park. Island artisans display their wares.

  • Winter craft fair, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 8, Moanalua High School; 836-1998. Suburbanites know this one well.

  • Honolulu Gift Fair, 5-9 p.m. Dec. 14, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 16, Blaisdell Exhibition Hall; 623-1165. Another one for townies.

    6 — "Christmas Talk Story," a Honolulu Theatre for Youth compilation of holiday reflections by local writers culls the best of the past eight years, starting at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30, at Tenney Theatre, St. Andrews Cathedral. Repeats at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22. $20 opening night; $16 adults, $8 youths 3-18, seniors 60 and older, students. 839-9885.

    7 — Breakfast or Lunch With Santa:

  • Law Enforcement Explorers will receive proceeds from a luncheon event Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 at the Old Spaghetti Factory, Ward Warehouse. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.; $10. 591-2513.

  • Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii presents one, 8:30-10:30 a.m. and noon-2 p.m. Dec. 8-9 at the Manoa Grand Ballroom, Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i. Keiki get a meal, a holiday show, a photo with Santa, games and a gift. $20; free for children under 2. 951-0200, www.preventchildabusehawaii.org.

    8 — Christmas water parades:

  • The 11th annual Festival of Lights Boat Parade begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Koko Marina marina, assembling lighted and decorated boats. Entertainment starts at 4:30 p.m., including music by Sean Na'auao at 5 p.m., at Hawaii Kai Towne Center.

  • Hawaii Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade, 5-9 p.m. Dec. 15, off Honolulu Harbor, at Pier 9. Entertainment at Aloha Tower Marketplace. Free.

    9 — "Nutcracker" productions? There are three classics and a newbie:

  • "The Knightcracker," a modern twist on the holiday classic, by Castle DanceForce, at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Ronald E. Bright Theatre, Castle High School. Directed by Dora Luna. $5. 233-5626.

  • "The Nutcracker" by Hawaii Ballet Theatre, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15 and 4 p.m. Dec. 9 and 16, Leeward Community College Theatre. Directed by Charlys Ing. $25 adults, $20 children ($12 children for Saturday evening shows). 456-8100.

  • "The Nutcracker," by Hawaii State Ballet, 7 p.m. Dec. 14-15 and Dec. 21-22; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and 23, and 6 p.m. Dec. 16, Mamiya Theatre, Saint Louis School. Directed by John Landovsky. $18-$27 adults, $16-$24 seniors and students. 550-8457, www.honoluluboxoffice.com.

  • "Nutcracker," a Ballet Hawaii production with the Honolulu Symphony, at 8 p.m. Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 and 2 p.m. Dec. 23, Blaisdell Concert Hall. The grand dame of all "Nutcrackers," with New York City Ballet's Joaquin De Luz and Megan Fairchild as principals. Directed by Pamela Taylor-Tongg. $25-$75; 877-750-4400, www.ticketmaster.com. $150 opening night special with buffet dinner and intermission dessert; 521-8600.

    10 — 26th annual World Art Bazaar, opening Saturday through Dec. 9, at the Academy Art Center at Linekona, 1111 Victoria St. Exotic treasures and finds from China, Nepal, Africa, Mexico and India bring the world under one roof. Hours: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays. 532-8704.

    11 — "Meet Me in St. Louis," a musical chestnut with a holiday hit song, opens at 8 p.m. Nov. 30 at Diamond Head Theatre. This is the Broadway jewel based on the movie that was a Judy Garland hit, notable for "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "The Trolley Song." 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays, Saturday matinees at 8 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15; $12-$42. 733-0274, www.diamondheadtheatre.com.

    12 — Honolulu City Lights, opening Dec. 1, Honolulu Hale and grounds. Food booths open at 4 p.m., Skygate area; Kawaiaha'o Church concert, 5 to 5:30 p.m.; Electric Light Parade, from 6 p.m., at A'ala Park area proceeding toward City Hall along King Street, followed by tree lighting by Mayor and Mrs. Mufi Hannemann; decorated tree and wreath displays in Honolulu Hale courtyard open at 6:30 p.m.; concert at 7:30 p.m. at Skygate area. The City Lights display, on view at City Hall, the Board of Water Supply on Beretania Street and in the Downtown corridor on Bishop Street and King Street, will continue through Jan. 1.

    Kapolei City Lights kick off 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 8, with an electric light parade at 6 p.m. and tree lighting at 7:30 p.m.

    13 — Honolulu City Lights Trolley Tours gives you a moving perch to enjoy the lighted splendor. Two to choose from:

  • Ward Centers — Departures start Dec. 2, from 6:30 p.m. (times vary, three or four times a night), through Dec. 23, from Ward Warehouse. Pre-sale tickets available at Ward Warehouse ticket counter next to Chowder House; $4 per person (keiki 3 and younger free, on laps of parents). A benefit for Hawaii Food Bank and Friends of Honolulu City Lights.

  • Aloha Tower Marketplace — Departures from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 8-24, from Aloha Tower Marketplace. Make a purchase of $20 or more at any Marketplace merchant and bring receipts to the Guest Services Kiosk on the Boat Days Promenade near Chai's Island Bistro. 566-2337.

    14 — "Christmas in Polynesia," a four-week yuletide series at the Polynesian Cultural Center in La'ie assembles local bands, hula halau and other attractions for holiday sharing. The series will launch Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. with Raiatea Helm, and other local acts will be showcased at 5 p.m. Fridays, as follows: Dec. 7, Ten Feet; Dec. 14, Koa'uka; Dec. 21,The 'Opihi Pickers; and Dec. 28, Justin Young. Free. Daily Christmas storytelling in the villages; special attractions during nighttime shows. Free. 293-3333.

    15 — A Motown Christmas With The Four Tops and The Spinners, at 8 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8, Blaisdell Arena. Maestro Matt Catingub and the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra accompany the soul sensations, who will surely dust off their hits such as "Baby, I Need Your Loving," "Reach Out I'll Be There," "I Can't Help Myself," "Then Came You" and "I'll Be Around." $14-$79. 792-0000, www.honolulusymphony.com.

    16 — Christmas Spectacular by The Movement Company, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 8 and 7 p.m. Dec. 8, at Mamiya Theatre, Saint Louis School. More than 130 keiki and adults will participate; the pair of daytime shows are free for senior groups and outreach shelters; evening show, $15. 735-8641. Also, "Cookies With Santa," an activity for keiki 3 to 8, with crafts, cookies and storytime with Santa, is set for 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Loo Student Center, Chaminade University. Part of The Movement Center's holiday events. $25 per child, $20 for siblings. RSVP by Monday at 735-8641.

    17 — "Rudolph Retires," a Sounds of Aloha (barbershop harmony) concert, at 7:37 p.m. Dec. 8 and 4:07 p.m. Dec. 9, Paliku Theatre, Windward Community College. Numerous choruses and quartets perform; the Diamond Head Shooting Stars guest. $20. 262-7664.

    18 — 8th annual Gingerbread Family Festival, 4-7 p.m. Dec. 9, Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Families or groups (up to four) or individuals will create gingerbread houses from kits. Cost to participate: $39 for groups to make, then take home; or $29 for kit to go. Kama'aina Kids (226-4538) or Easter Seals Hawai'i (948-4000). Reservation deadline is past, but if kits remain, you can buy one. Watching is free. 536-1015. Also: Decorated houses will be on view noon-5 p.m. Dec. 14-24 at Ward Warehouse, second floor, above Chowder House. Free.

    19 — 16th annual Deaf Santa celebration, 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 13 at Uptown, Pearlridge Center. The state's lone deaf and signing Santa welcomes the deaf to express their wishes — something the hearing community takes for granted.

    20 — Frank DeLima Christmas concert, 8 p.m. Dec. 14, C'est Si Bon, Pagoda Hotel. Expect the funny man in his Christmas tree get-up, reviving his "Filipino Christmas." With buffet dinner; $48 adults, $16.95 children 3-10; doors open at 6 p.m. 948-8370. (No walk-ins).

    21— "Christmas Memories," with The Makaha Sons, at 10:30 a.m. (show at 11 a.m.) Dec. 15, Hawaii Ballroom, Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, Jerome Koko and John Koko welcome Hoku Zuttermeister, Leilani Bond, Willie K, Melveen Leed and Kealo Koko and Tunui's Royal Polynesians. $60; $100 VIP package; 922-4422, www.makahasons.com.

    22 — Ho'okena Christmas concert, from 11 a.m. (buffet at 11 a.m., show at noon) Dec. 16 and from 5:30 p.m. (buffet at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m.) Dec. 16, at the Hibiscus Ballroom, Ala Moana Hotel. Chris Kamaka, Glen Smith, Horace Dudoit and Manu Boyd render holiday faves; Willie K is guest star. Luncheon buffet, $50 adults, $25 children 4 through 11; dinner, $65 and $32.50. 944-4811.

    23 — "A Christmas Gift" with Na Leo, at 8 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20, Coral Ballroom, Hilton Hawaiian Village. Nalani Choy, Lehua Kalima Heine and Angela Morales host Keali'i Reichel, Willie K and Kaukahi for an all-star package. $38. www.naleo.net.

    24 — 2nd annual Peace on Earth concert, 6 p.m., Dec. 19, Kapi'olani Park Bandstand. Keith and Carmen Haugen assemble a host of guests for a holiday freebie: Stanton Haugen and The Thursday Night Band, Jamie Uchima, Noelani Mahoe, Al Waterson, Dennis and David Kamakahi, Mel Murata and the Keiki Palaka Band, George Kuo, Bryan Tolentino, Don "Geezer" Humphrey, Albert Kaai, Art Kalahiki, the Carmen Haugen Quartet and Ron Miyashiro.

    25 — A Cazimero Christmas, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21-22 and 2 p.m. Dec. 23, Hawai'i Theatre. Robert and Roland Cazimero — joined by Leina'ala Heine Kalama, Halau Na Kamalei, the Royal Dance Company, Miss Keiki Hula 2007 (Marissa Medrano) and Master Keiki Hula 2007 (T.J. Idemoto) — become the resident holiday honchos at the downtown facility, now that Jim Nabors has retired his Christmas endeavor after a 10-year run. $30, $40, $50 and $75. 528-0506, www.hawaiitheatre.com.

    Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.