Though Hawaii isn’t the first place most people think of when it comes to spending Christmas, we LOVE spending Christmas in Hawaii. Instead of snowstorms and cold weather, we have beach days, you’ll still find all of your holiday favorites and, boy, do we know how to throw a holiday celebration. The Honolulu City Lights is not only the largest Christmas light display found across the state but it gets even more magical and enchanting as the years go by. 

The magic of the Honolulu City Lights begins this year on December 7, and we think one of the best ways to experience it is via a trolley tour from Ward Village.

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The celebration kicks off at 4 p.m. on December 7 with food booths, souvenir tents, keiki rides at Sky Gate and food trucks on Punchbowl Street. At 6 p.m., the tree is lit! This 50-foot tall Norfolk Pine tree is decked out in a different theme each year, and we can’t wait to see what 2018’s tree looks like.

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If you can’t make it to the opening night celebration, why not take a continuous trolley tour that picks up from Victoria Ward Park at 6:30 p.m. and takes guests on a holiday adventure through downtown to Honolulu Hale, returning to Ward Village by 9:30 p.m.

Daniel Ramirez/Flickr

Tickets for the trolley tours are just $8 per person, with children under three riding for free.

Daniel Ramirez/Flickr

This iconic event at Honolulu Hale began in 1985 when former Mayor Frank F. Fasi held a free event that featured a magnificent lighted tree, holiday concert on the main lawn, decorated trees in the courtyard, and lights adorning trees and buildings stretching downtown to the civic center.

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Since then, the Honolulu City Lights celebration has only become more enchanting and magical year after year. And if the past is any indication, 2019 is gearing up to be the best year yet.

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While these photographs are certainly gorgeous, there is something to be said for entering a world of glistening lights in person, and you absolutely must check it out, kicking off the official holiday seasons with some enchantment.

Daniel Ramirez/Flickr

So, what are you waiting for? Trolley tickets sell out quickly, but the event is just as magical no matter what your form of transportation! Mele Kalikimaka, everyone!

Daniel Ramirez/Flickr

Trolley tours are offered nightly from December 8 through December 30, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. For more information about the trolley tours from Ward Village, click here, and here to learn more about the Honolulu City Lights in general. Have you ever experienced the beauty of the Honolulu City Lights? If so, you might want to take a trolley tour to see the magic from a whole new perspective!

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