DEC. 5

Since forming 30 years ago, English Beat has toured with The Clash, R.E.M., David Bowie andThe Police. Dave Wakeling has been there every step of the way as the band's singer and songwriter.

7 p.m. / Pipeline Café / $34, $65 VIP / 877-714-7668, http://www.groovetickets.com

DEC. 16

Matthew Stephen Ward — better known simply as M. Ward — grew up listening to Johnny Cash, and the influence is obvious. Ward is a soulful, underrated guitarist who also has a bit of a John Mayer sound to him.

7 p.m. / Pipeline Café / $25, $50 VIP / 877-714-7668, http://groovetickets.com

DEC. 31

Young man, there's a place you can go for a crazy New Year's Eve show. The Village People are back with old favorites like "Y.M.C.A.," "In The Navy,""Macho Man" and more.

9 p.m. (doors open 8:30 p.m.) / Sheraton Waikiki Resort / $75, $90, $125, $150 / 877-750-4400, www.ticketmaster.com

JAN. 6

Sir Elton John, the original "Rocket Man,"returns to Honolulu for the first time in nine years and will perform with percussionist Ray Cooper. From "Crocodile Rock" to "Candle in the Wind," he is a true music icon.

8 p.m. / Blaisdell Arena / $67, $97, $157 / 877-750-4400, www.ticketmaster.com

DEC. 23

Ahmed Ahmed has performed his standup on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno"and recently released a documentary — "Just Like Us"— that focuses on Middle East comedy.

8 p.m. (doors open 7 p.m.) / Pipeline Café / $20, $40 VIP / 877-714-7668, www.groovetickets.com

DEC. 5

Part of the city's 25th anniversary Honolulu City Lights celebration is to bring back old displays. If Christmas shopping doesn't get you in the holiday spirit, seeing Santa sitting on his Honolulu Hale perch Saturday as a parade passes by will.

6 p.m. / Honolulu Hale / free / http://www.honolulucitylights.org

DEC. 10

Fran and Anthony Cosmo aren't just another "Rock 'N Roll Band," they are the former lead singer and guitarist for the '70s-'80s power band Boston. They'll play old Boston favorites and also new ones like "So You Ran."

7 p.m. / Pipeline Café / $25, $45 VIP / 877-714-7668, groovetickets.com

DEC. 5

"Maluhia" is Keali'i Reichel's Christmas concert. Reichel, along with his band and dancers — featuring Miss Aloha Hula 2009, Henohea Kane — will be playing your favorite Hawaiian and Christmas songs.

7:30 p.m. / Blaisdell Concert Hall / $30, $40, $50, $68 / 877-750-4400, www.ticketmaster.com

Dec. 4-20 "Irving Berlin's White Christmas," Diamond Head Theatre

Dec. 11-13 A Cazimero Christmas, Hawaii Theatre

Dec. 11-13, 18-20 Hawaii State Ballet's "The Nutcracker," Mamiya Theatre

Dec. 12 Mickey Avalon with Andre Nickatina, Pipeline Café

Dec. 12-13, 19-20 Hawaii Ballet Theater's "The Nutcracker," Leeward Community College Theatre

Dec. 18-20 Ballet Hawaii's "Nutcracker," Blaisdell Concert Hall

Dec. 18-20 Honolulu Gift Fair 2009, Blaisdell Exhibition Hall

Dec. 30 Comedian Michael Winslow, Pipeline Café

Dec. 31 The Misfits, punk rock mixed with horror film themes, Pipeline Café