Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

OUTDOORS

PICK a Tree

Nov. 20–Dec. 23 / noon—dark Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m.—dark Saturday and Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday

Helemano Farms

Black Friday isn’t just a shopping tradition. It usually marks the first day of Christmas tree hunting at Helemano Farms. The family farm in Central O‘ahu, just a little past Wahiawā on the way to Waialua, opens its fields full of Norfolk pines and various cypress trees so you can deck the halls, local-style. The cypresses are usually the first to go, while Norfolk pines are largely available through late December.

1750 Whitmore Ave., Wahiawā, (808) 622-4287, helemanofarms.com

Photo: Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra

ENTERTAINMENT

CELEBRATE the Season

The shows are blatantly feel-good, which is exactly what we are craving this month, after all. Diamond Head Theatre brings song and dance to the story of Buddy, the accidentally adopted human, in Elf the Musical (Dec. 3– 19) while the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra is planning the always powerful Handel’s “Messiah” (Dec. 11–12). After the decorations come down, live (hopefully) performances will dig into the stories of missionaries and Native Hawaiian monarchs (The Conversion of Ka‘ahumanu, Kumu Kahua Theatre, Jan. 20–Feb. 20, 2022), and a compilation of arias and ensemble numbers (Re-Emerging: HOT Live in Concert, Hawai‘i Opera Theatre, Jan. 28 and 30, 2022).

SEE ALSO: This is How Honolulu’s Resilient Arts Organizations are Performing Through the Pandemic

Photo: Christine Labrador

SHOP

BROWSE Craft Fairs

The original pop-up shops are still planning for a jolly month. Look for local makers selling their creations at the Ali‘iōlani Craft Fair (Dec. 4), in the old Toys R Us at Pearlridge Center (Dec. 17–23), Aloha Home Market in Kailua (Dec. 5, 12 and 19), Ka Makana Ali‘i in Kapolei (Dec. 10 and 11), and the Pusong Filipinx: the Market event at Bishop Museum (Dec. 12). Check each location’s website for updated times. If you’re buying for a bookworm or audiophile, or just need some new reads for the rainy weather, the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i’s store is open in the old Sedona space at Ward Village through June.

We started listening to Christmas music in October! Find our fave holiday tunes at bit.ly/hn-christmas21

HISTORY

80th National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Nov. 29–Dec. 7

On Dec. 7, the nation will pause to remember the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor that changed the world and life in the Islands. Virtual programs will begin Nov. 29 and continue through the anniversary. pearlharborevents.com

SEE ALSO: Remember Pearl Harbor: The Day of Infamy That Changed Honolulu Forever

FOOD

National Pastry Day

Dec. 9

Just in case you needed an excuse to indulge, ink in a baked goods break on this national day. While we wouldn’t begrudge you your blueberry cream cheese scone, Coco Puff or powdered sugar-dusted Snow Puffy, we have 13 reasons to try something new at neighborhood bakeries. bit.ly/hn-bakeries

SEE ALSO: First Look: Beyond Pastry Studio’s Pastries and Modern Take on Filipino Breads

FITNESS

Honolulu Marathon Events

Dec. 11–12 / Times vary

$60–$185 / Waikīkī or virtual

Run in a spread-out crowd or blaze your own path. Runners can choose from an in-person or virtual race this year. If 26 miles isn’t your speed, the Kalākaua Merrie Mile is just 1/26th as long as the big event and ends in a beach party. honolulumarathon.org

CHARITY

Jingle Rock Ride

Dec. 12 / 5:30–9 p.m.

$50 / Around O‘ahu

Gas up your sleigh, pick up a Make- A-Wish map and drive around to see some of the most festive streets on the island. Registration for this socially distant version of the nonprofit’s Jingle Rock Run is by vehicle, which you can decorate with a Make-A-Wish car magnet (included in the registration fee) to show your support year-round. jinglerockride.com

This story originally appeared as “Winter Picks” in the December 2021/January 2022 issue of HONOLULU Magazine. Get your copy at shop.honolulumagazine.com and subscribe to the print and digital editions now.

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