16 Christmas Concerts in Honolulu 2018

Enjoy the sounds of the seasons around O‘ahu. Did we mention that a handful of these are free?

By Christi Young

The Honolulu Handbell Ensemble

Saturday, Dec. 8, noon to 1 p.m. Free.

Listen to the festive sounds of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite and other favorites. Handbells will be accompanied by clarinet, flute, piano, trumpet, singers and the Kapiʻolani Community College Synthesizer Ensemble.

Hawai‘i State Public Library, the lobby, 478 S. King St. (808) 586-3500, librarieshawaii.org.

Sunday, Dec. 9, 2–3:30 p.m. Free.

At a concert at the Kaimukī Public Library, audience members can try the hand chimes during three songs.

Kaimukī Public Library, 1041 Koko Head Ave., (808) 733-8422, librarieshawaii.org.

Holiday Favorites Concert

Saturday, Dec. 8, 1–2 p.m. Free.

Favorite holiday songs dress up local style with this performance by the Kapolei Chorale, Pono Wahine Kane ʻUkulele Ensemble and hula dancers. While you are there, explore the state’s newest library, complete with oral recording studio and business center.

Nānākuli Public Library, 89-070 Farrington Highway, Waiʻanae. (808) 668-5844, librarieshawaii.org.

See Also: Check It Out: Hawaiʻi’s Public Library System Offers Way More Than Just Books

A Christmas Concert & Benefit Dinner

Sunday, Dec. 9, 4 p.m. $5–$15.

Karol’s Karolers and the Aloha Youth Choir perform at this fundraiser for the choir. Following the music, ticket holders can enjoy a benefit pasta dinner.

Chapel of Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Pacific, 930 Lunalilo St., eventbrite.com.

“Here We Come A-Karoling Featuring the Karolers”

Monday, Dec. 10, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Free.

The Karolers—a Christmas caroling troupe created by brothers Karol and Michal Nowicki and their hānai brother, David Del Rocco—will sing classic songs as well as some selections from around the world.

ʻEwa Beach Public Library, 91-950 North Road, ʻEwa Beach. (808) 689-1204, librarieshawaii.org.

Holiday Pops—Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra

Wednesday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. $27–$79.

THE HAWAI‘I SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PERFORMED TWO HOLIDAY POPS CONCERTS IN DECEMBER.

PHOTOS: KENT NISHIMURA

Part of the Symphony Orchestra’s musicthatPOPS series, the concert will feature holiday favorites. Kids under 4 years will not be admitted.

Hawai‘i Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., (808) 528-0506, hawaiitheatre.com.

A Frank Sinatra Holiday featuring Mike Lewis & Friends Big Band

Monday, Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m. $25–$45.

Trumpeter and New York-native Mike Lewis plays seasonal tunes that were performed by the classic crooner.

Blue Note Hawai‘i, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., (808) 777-4890, ticketweb.com.

Josh Tatofi’s Christmas Tribute to Luther Vandross

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m. $25–$45.

Local musician and Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner Josh Tatofi plays the music of Luther Vandross to celebrate the holidays.

Blue Note Hawai‘i, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., (808) 777-4890, ticketweb.com.

Voices of Aloha Holiday Concert

Saturday, Dec. 22, 11 a.m.–noon. Free.

The 40-member choir sings classical and holiday songs about peace at this afternoon concert.

Hawaiʻi State Public Library, 478 S. King St. (808) 586-3500, voicesofaloha.com.

A Charlie Brown Christmas with Mike Lewis & Friends

Tuesday, Dec. 25, 6:30 p.m. $25–$45.

New York-native Mike Lewis joins local jazz musicians for an evening highlighting the compositions of legendary composer and pianist Vince Guaraldi. Dinner is also available for a minimum of $10 per person on the table.

Blue Note Hawai‘i, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., (808) 777-4890, ticketweb.com.

Music at the Malls

Live local music is a big part of the holiday festivities in our shopping centers. Here are a few highlights as well as links to the complete schedules. Check back for updates as the malls announce more holiday entertainment.

Photo: COURTESY OF PHILIPPE VILLARUBIA

Ala Moana Center

1450 Ala Moana Blvd. (808) 955-9517, alamoanacenter.com.

Ka Makana Ali‘i

Denny Ono , Saturday, Dec. 8, 4–5 p.m.



Lehua Kalima , Saturday, Dec. 8, 6–7:30 p.m.



Streetlight Cadence, Sunday, Dec. 16, noon to 1 p.m.



91-5431 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei, kamakanaalii.com.

Kāhala Mall

Kupaoa , Saturday, Dec. 8, 2 p.m.



Streetlight Cadence , Saturday, Dec. 15, 2 p.m.



Maunalua , Saturday, Dec. 22, 2 p.m.



Kui Lima, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2 p.m.



4211 Waiʻalae Ave., (808) 732-7736, see the full list of entertainment on kahalamallcenter.com.