Your Insider Guide to ’Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice
Skate on an 8,000-square-foot ice rink and explore an immersive winter wonderland at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
Photo: Andrea Lee
’Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice presented by American Savings Bank is back this year with even more holiday cheer, namely an indoor ice rink. From Thursday, Dec. 4, to Sunday, Jan. 4, Hawai‘i Convention Center’s exhibit hall will be transformed into a multi-sensory experience with holiday music, lighting and themed events.
Plan a date night or family outing to explore the 56,000-square-foot fantasy land. You’ll stroll through dazzling light tunnels, watch a brand-new animation show in the immersive room produced by ARTECHOUSE, an acclaimed art collective, sip hot cocoa and glide across the ice. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to snap photos in front of larger-than-life twinkling displays and backdrops too.
Click to the info you want to explore:
SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Happenings on O‘ahu
Photo: Andrea Lee
How Much It Costs
Tickets prices range from $31.50 to $52 for adults (13+) and $21.50 to $31.50 for keiki (ages 2–13) with options for ice skating add-ons. Children under two years old are free. Discounts are available for seniors, military and groups. There is also a Family Four-Pack that includes ice skating for $122.
Tickets are for reserved entry every half hour, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Open hours:
- Sunday through Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
VIP tickets are $77 and include flexible admission time, ice skating and an exclusive gift.
SEE ALSO: Can’t-Miss Local Holiday Markets and Craft Fairs on O‘ahu
Photo: Laura Dornbush
Where to Park
Parking in the Hawai‘i Convention Center garage is $15 per entry.
What to Do & See
Wander through a whimsical world via snowy, tree-lined paths, take photos and relax with a festive beverage. Keiki will enjoy the magic of bounce houses, soft play areas, a holiday movie theater and a Letters to Santa station.
Photo: Andrea Lee
If your ticket includes ice skating, lace up your rental skates (cost included) and glide across the 8,000-square-foot surface. From Monday through Thursday, you’ll have unlimited skate time on the ice. From Friday through Sunday, you’ll be limited to 90 minutes of skating time. If it’s your first time, take advantage of the skate aids and helmets onsite.
There will be a few special event days included with regular admission:
Toddler Time
Monday, Dec. 8, and Monday, Dec. 22, 9 a.m.
Enjoy a cozy, kid-friendly atmosphere filled with holiday fun, perfect for young imaginations.
Wine Wednesday Pau Hana Specials
Every Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sip on a glass of wine at a discounted price.
Skate with Storybook Entertainment Characters
Every Friday, 6 to 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 13, 6 to 9 p.m., Swifty Skate Party
Friday, Dec. 19, 6 to 8 p.m., K-Pop Night
Meet and skate with a variety of characters.
Story & Craft Time
Every Sunday, 10 a.m.
Holiday stories come alive at this special time for small tots.
American Savings Bank Buy Local Marketplace
Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 21, all day
Support small businesses and artisans at this pop-up shopping experience.
Photo: Laura Dornbush
Santa Meet & Greets
Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meet the man of the hour, share your wish list, take a photo together and receive a treat from Honolulu Cookie Company.
Photo: Andrea Lee
What to Eat & Buy
Sip on classic holiday drinks, like eggnog ($6) and hot chocolate ($6) as well as beer, wine and soft drinks. Don’t miss the daily signature cocktails ($16), including a Merry Margarita, North Star Spritz and Sugar Plum Sparkler with edible glitter. Monday through Friday from noon to 2 p.m., order the Mimosa Madness Flight ($45) with enough bubbly for six people.
Seasonal treats and savory snacks will also be available for purchase, ranging from a breakfast sandwich ($10) to a mini charcuterie platter ($15) and chicken wings ($12) to flatbreads ($8–$9). Treat yourself to sweets like a gingerbread man cookie ($8), snack cake ($8) and snowball cookies ($6) too.
’Twas the Light Gift Shop will sell unique signature items, including wearable keepsakes, ceramic hot cocoa mugs, ornaments and more. New this year, shop local at the American Savings Bank Holiday Marketplace featuring homegrown vendors and makers on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21.
Photo: Andrea Lee
Tips
- Save a few dollars by booking tickets for a weekday (Monday to Thursday) since weekend dates are more expensive.
- For date night vibes, book a time slot later in the evening after families have gone home for bedtime.
- The experience requires some walking, so bring a stroller or baby carrier for young keiki.
- Pack light because backpacks, duffle bags and outside food and drink will not be allowed inside.
- It’s a bit chilly in the space, so bring a light jacket or sweater if you tend to get cold.
- Bring socks for ice skating. If you forget, socks will also be available for purchase onsite.
- The rental skates are said to be true to size, but you may want to go down one size for a snug fit. Some half sizes may not be available.
- The ice will be resurfaced every even-numbered hour (i.e. 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m.), and the process takes up to 30 minutes, so plan accordingly.
- Make a staycation out of it! Prince Waikīkī is offering a staycation package that includes ’Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice tickets as well as trolley tickets to see Honolulu City Lights.
’Twas the Light Before Christmas, Thursday, Dec. 4, through Sunday, Jan. 4, Hawai‘i Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, alohaimmersive.com, @twas.honolulu
Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine. @ldornbush
