Royal Hawaiian Band kicks off Christmas Season with free “Kalikimaka Ho‘omau” Holiday Concert at Blaisdell Nov. 28
News Release from City and County of Honolulu, October 29, 2025
HONOLULU — The City and County of Honolulu will present Kalikimaka Ho‘omau (It’s Christmas Every Day), a free, two-hour holiday concert by the Royal Hawaiian Band at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2025.
This year’s concert features a lineup of acclaimed Hawai‘i artists, including Grammy-nominated, 21-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Henry Kapono; two-time Grammy nominee and multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award recipient Raiatea Helm; the Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus; and other special guests:
The ‘Ohana Jazz Trio
Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu
Kala‘i Stern
Karen Keawehawai‘i
Malia Ka‘ai
Starr Kalāhiki
Kanani Oliveira
Presented as a festive preview to the opening weekend of Honolulu City Lights, the City will also illuminate Thomas Square park for concertgoers to enjoy before and after the performance — creating a full evening of holiday cheer in the heart of Honolulu.
“Music has a way of bringing people together, and there is something truly special about the way our community celebrates the holidays,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “This free concert is a gift to our residents and families — an invitation to come together, enjoy world-class local talent, and feel the spirit of the season in our city.”
Royal Hawaiian Band Bandmaster Clarke Bright added, “Kalikimaka Ho‘omau is more than a concert — it is an expression of joy, gratitude, and the resilience of our people. We are honored to once again share the sounds of the season with all of O‘ahu and to perform alongside such extraordinary artists.”
This non-ticketed event is free and open to the public. Doors to the Blaisdell Concert Hall will open at 6 p.m. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Come one, come all — and usher in the season with music, lights, and community.
For more information, please contact the Royal Hawaiian Band office at (808) 768-6677.
The City and County of Honolulu, in partnership with the Friends of Honolulu City Lights, will launch the 2025 Honolulu City Lights celebration the following evening, November 29, with the traditional tree-lighting ceremony at Honolulu Hale, followed by the Public Workers’ Electric Light Parade down King Street. Additional information and a full schedule of events are available at www.honolulucitylights.org.
Video of the Royal Hawaiian Band performing click here.
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Submissions open for annual Holiday Wreath Contest at Honolulu Hale
News Release from City and County of Honolulu, October 27, 2025
HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu invites Oʻahu residents to enter the 2025 Holiday Wreath Contest, a beloved tradition and highlight of the Honolulu City Lights celebration. All submitted wreaths will be on display in the Lane Gallery at Honolulu Hale from November 29 through December 31, 2025. This year’s contest theme is “Navigating by the Stars.”
Contest Divisions
Adult Division – For individuals or groups with participants ages 18 and older
Youth Division – For individuals or groups ages 17 or younger
Theme Division: Open to all ages; entries must reflect the theme “Navigating by the Stars”
Entries will be judged on workmanship, creativity, and use of materials. In the Theme Division, judges will also evaluate how well the theme is incorporated.
Awards
First Place: $150
Second Place: $100
Third Place: $75
Mayor’s Holly Award (Best in Show): $200
Additionally, two Judge’s Choice Awards in each division will be given($25 each)
Each entrant (individual or group) is eligible to receive only one award.
Entry Submission
Date: Monday, November 17
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Lane Gallery, Honolulu Hale, 530 South King Street
A completed entry form must accompany each wreath. Early or late submissions will not be accepted. Winners will be notified by Friday, November 21.
Rules and entry forms are available at all Satellite City Halls or may be downloaded online by clicking here.
For more information, please contact the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts at (808) 768-4105.
—PAU—