Santa Sightings on O‘ahu Before Thanksgiving

Find Santa Claus at four locations between Nov. 16 and Nov. 18.
Cathy Cruz-George,


Photo: Getty Images

We hear Santa is making early appearances in parts of Oʻahu. If your keiki are super excited to meet the big man early, here are four places to catch him between Friday, Nov. 16 and Sunday, Nov. 18. 

This holiday season is jam-packed with family-friendly events! Visit honolulufamily.com on Nov. 19 for our “Holiday Corner,” a roundup of fun places to see and things to do with your kiddos between November and January. We’ll update “Holiday Corner” once a week.

FRIDAY NOV. 16

Santa will greet keiki and take photos from 6 to 8 p.m. this Friday, Nov. 16, at Ka Makana Alʻi. Look for the “Santa Grove” in the center court fronting Macy’s. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. with snowfall from the popular “snowing tree,” a lighting ceremony in the court and dancing by Hālau Hula ʻO Nāpunaheleonāpua. Keiki will receive one free scoop of Magnolia ice cream, and an AT&T mobile truck will provide movie swag for the premiere of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

SATURDAY, NOV. 17 

Santa will be at Windward Mall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 17, in the center court. Arrive early to be one of 200 keiki (ages 3 to 12) to receive a stocking filled with gifts from Koʻolau Pets, Pretzelmaker and RAW Body Essentials. This free event will include arts and crafts stations, cookie decorating and entertainment by children’s music groups. Don’t forget to bring a canned good or cash donation for the Salvation Army.

After Nov. 17, Santa will be in the center court through Monday, Dec. 24. His hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday. He takes daily breaks from 2 to 3 p.m. 

SUNDAY, NOV. 18

Santa will take photos with shoppers from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Sunday, Nov. 18, at Aloha Home Market, an outdoor monthly event in Kailua. All proceeds from photos with Santa will be donated to nonprofit group Hawaiʻi International Child. While there, browse more than 40 local vendors’ products ranging from furniture and pet jewelry to artwork and home décor.

DAILY THROUGH DEC. 24

After making himself at home in the ‘ewa wing of Ala Moana Center for the past few years, Santa has new digs: level two of the mauka wing fronting Target. He’ll be in front of Target daily through Monday, Dec. 24. Nanas and popos can pose with Santa and their grandkids on “Grandparents’ Day,” Thursday, Nov. 29. Dogs and cats have their own “Pet Photo Nights” on Monday evenings through Dec. 17. For a fun family portrait with Santa, have your keiki wear holiday pajamas on Friday, Nov. 30 or Thursday, Dec. 6.

Click here to book a photo session with Santa. Reservations are highly recommended.

The holiday season is jam-packed with family-friendly events! Visit honolulufamily.com on Nov. 19 for our “Holiday Corner,” a roundup of fun places to see and things to do with your kiddos between November and January. 

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