We found five Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Honolulu with 2026 dates: four parades and one tree lighting or lighting night, all free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.
By date
Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.
Parade · Evening28NovSatKapolei Opening Night Block Party and ParadeParade · Block party 5–9pm5DecSatPublic Workers’ Electric Light ParadeParade · Steps off about 6pm5DecSatMayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
Tree lighting · 6pm5DecSatKāneʻohe Christmas ParadeParade · MorningNothing matches that filter yet.
Christmas parades
Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.
Kalākaua Avenue · Waikīkī
Good to know: Held the Friday after Thanksgiving to honor Pearl Harbor survivors and veterans, with local and mainland marching bands and military units down torch-lit Kalākaua Avenue.
Streets around Kapolei Hale · Kapolei
Good to know: Local vendors, a holiday car show and live music, then a parade of floats and decorated vehicles. The parade usually starts at 5:30pm at Kapolei High School with the Royal Hawaiian Band, but the city hasn't confirmed this year's time.
King Street, River St. to Kawaiahao St. · Downtown Honolulu
Kāneʻohe · Windward Oʻahu
Good to know: The 62nd year of this Windward morning parade. The organizers list the route and start time on their spectator page.
Tree lightings
Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.
More to come.Tree lightings are often announced late. We recheck every week through early December.Email me when one’s addedBefore you go
SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.Keep planning
November: things to do in HonoluluEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in HonoluluEvery dated listing for the month, by week
Free things to do in HonoluluFree days, free events and places that never charge
Indoor play in HonoluluIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with prices
Library storytimes in HonoluluBaby, toddler and preschool storytimes by day and branch
Thanksgiving weekend in HonoluluParades, turkey trots and what’s open on Thursday
The Nutcracker in HonoluluBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flagged
Christmas markets in HonoluluChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hours
This week in HonoluluDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every ThursdayGood questions
Waikīkī Holiday Parade: Fri, Nov 27, 2026, Evening; start time not posted yet (Waikīkī). Kapolei Opening Night Block Party and Parade: Sat, Nov 28, 2026, Block party 5–9pm; parade time to be confirmed (Kapolei). Public Workers’ Electric Light Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, Steps off about 6pm (Downtown Honolulu). Kāneʻohe Christmas Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, Morning; check the spectator page (Windward Oʻahu).
Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at Honolulu Hale: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 6pm.
All of the ones we list are free to watch: Waikīkī Holiday Parade, Kapolei Opening Night Block Party and Parade, Public Workers’ Electric Light Parade and Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.
Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: Kāneʻohe Christmas Parade. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 29, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.
One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Honolulu that weekend, parades included.
