Your Guide to the Perfect Thanksgiving Weekend in Honolulu: Nov. 24–30, 2022

Photo: Kenna Reed

Keep It Kaimukī Saturday

Saturday, Nov. 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Support businesses in Kaimukī at this family- and pet-friendly shopping spree. Listen to award-winning performers like Kala‘e Camarillo, Rupert Tripp Jr. and Crossing Rain. Send off Christmas cards at a gratitude card and mailbox station, take holiday photos and make use of one-day-only discounts and promotions from more than 40 local businesses in the neighborhood. Free parking and valet parking will be available at 3660 Wai‘alae Ave.; complimentary trolley rides through the neighborhood will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Family-Friendly Event, free admission, Kaimukī, keepitkaimuki.com, @keepitkaimuki

Hulilau Block Party

Saturday, Nov. 25, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Shop wahine-led businesses for art, fashion, food and beauty to support Hawai‘i’s women entrepreneurs. Live music by DJ Lowtide and Rickey Kamai

Family-Friendly Event, free admission, Salt at Our Kaka‘ako, 333 Keawe St., ourkakaako.com, @ourkakaako

Sippin’ Santa Holiday Bar

Friday, Nov. 25, through Saturday, Dec. 31, 4 to 10 p.m.

The Prince Waikīkī hotel is kicking off the holidays with live music every night at its new tiki-themed pop-up bar. Check out magical-sounding craft cocktails like the Kris Kringle Colada (Jamaican rum, cynar, allspice dram, fresh lime and pineapple juice) and Island of Misfit Toys (Jamaican rum, fresh lemon juice, pumpkin puree, chai, cream and cinnamon syrup). With kitschy holiday décor and a deliciously boozy holiday menu, this bar sounds like it has everything you need for a night out with friends. Tip: Follow @sippinsantaprincewaikiki in December for a chance to win free prizes like a Sippin’ Santa and Trolley experience for two, an oceanfront cabana on Prince Waikīkī’s elevated fifth-floor pool deck, a $300 credit to 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar, or a two-night stay with dining credits at Prince Waikīkī.

100 Holomoana St., princewaikiki.com, @sippinsantaprincewaikiki

Santa’s Arrival at Kapolei Marketplace

Saturday, Nov. 26, 10 a.m. to noon

While most mall visits with Santa Claus come with $20-something fees, Kapolei Marketplace is offering a free meet-and-greet with our favorite guy in red. He’ll be giving away candy canes while supplies last to keiki 12 and younger. Spread the holiday cheer at a food drop-off table where you can donate canned goods or cash to help the Hawai‘i Foodbank feed hungry families. You can also donate online via fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/PCF/team/KapoleiMarketplace.

Family-Friendly Event, free, Kapolei Marketplace, 590 Farrington Highway, shopkapolei.com, @kapoleimarketplace

SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Happenings on O‘ahu

Photo: Sela Shiloni

Jimmy O. Yang

Friday, Nov. 25, 7 and 9:30 p.m.

Hong Kong-born comedian and actor Jimmy O. Yang is best known for his roles as Jian-Yang in HBO’s Silicon Valley and Dr. Chan Kaifang in Netflix’s Space Force. Most recently, he was Josh Lin in Netflix’s romantic comedy film Love Hard. He’s known for his self-deprecating humor and blunt honesty on stage. See him perform stand-up this Friday. The early show is almost sold out but there are plenty of tickets left for 9:30.

$35.50 and up, Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave., blaisdellcenter.com

Whose Live Anyway?

Friday, Nov. 25, 8 p.m.

Comedy reaches even more hilarious heights when it’s improv—watch for 90 minutes as cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis and Joel Murray invent witty scenes full of comedy and songs, all based on audience suggestions.

$35–$75, Hawai‘i Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., hawaiitheatre.com

SEE ALSO: The Lineup: Where to Catch Comedy in Honolulu

Nigel Ng

Nov. 27, 7 p.m.

You might not know Nigel Ng, but chances are you know his character Uncle Roger, a Malaysian food critic who reacts to food videos on the internet. His most popular reaction video is about an egg fried rice recipe by BBC Food. Ng’s YouTube channel, “mrnigelng,” has more than 6 million subscribers.

$35.50 to $111, Hawai‘i Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., hawaiitheatre.com

Nurse Blake

Tuesday, Nov. 29, and Wednesday, Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m.

It’s quite the week for comedy! Nurse Blake is a popular nurse influencer (yes, it’s a thing) on social media and he’s also a registered nurse in real life. People love his comedy—he has more than 3.5 million followers—which features live skits, videos and interactive presentations inspired by his experiences as a nurse and nursing student. The Wednesday show only has a few tickets left—mostly single seats—so Tuesday is a better bet.

$39.50 to $59, Hawai‘i Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., hawaiitheatre.com

Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Foodbank

Turkey Tailgate

Through Nov. 24

Although the Murphy’s Bar & Grill and Hawai‘i Foodbank turkey drive took place this past week, you can still provide meals for local families in need by making an online donation now through Thanksgiving Day. A $10 donation can provide food for more than 20 individual meals and a $25 donation can sponsor a family’s holiday dinner. As an added incentive, Don and Marion Murphy will match the first $1,000 in donations.

fundraise.givesmart.com

Courtesy of Waimānalo Winter Fest

Waimānalo Winter Fest

Saturday, Nov. 26, 4 to 10 p.m.

This winter festival has been on hiatus for nearly three years due to the pandemic and returns with an exciting and robust program. Listen to live music by local artists Peni Dean, the Vitals, Big Every Time and Rizon. Visit vendors and community organizations like Rabbit Island Elites, Nā Pono No Nā ‘Ohana, Hālau Hula O Puka‘ikapuaokalani, HiBred House and Hui Mālama O Ke Kai. Play keiki-friendly games, enjoy crafts, prize giveaways and eat dinner at the aquatic park.

Family-Friendly Event, free for ages 9 and under, $15 for ages 10 to 17, general admission $40, Sea Life Park Hawai‘i, 41-202 Kalaniana‘ole Highway, Waimānalo, sealifeparkhawaii.com, @sealifehawaii

Photo: Courtesy of Habilitat

Habilitat Christmas Tree Project

Opens Saturday, Nov. 27, noon to 9 p.m.

This nonprofit’s annual holiday décor sale begins this Saturday. Shop for gorgeous wreaths; door charms; and noble, grand and Douglas firs for your home. All proceeds go toward Habilitat, an organization that has been helping people overcome substance abuse for more than 50 years. This year’s retail locations are at Stadium Mall, Kāne‘ohe Bay Shopping Center, Koko Marina Center and Central Union Church. You can also purchase items online and pick them up on Dec. 3 between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at Central Union Church and Stadium Mall. More pickup locations in Kailua, Mililani, Hawai‘i Kai and Kapolei will be announced soon online.

Family-Friendly Event, $28–$140, habilitat.com/Christmas-trees-hawaii

Photo: Courtesy of Show Aloha Land

Show Aloha Land

Thursday, Dec. 1, to Sunday, Dec. 4; Thursday, Dec. 8 to Sunday, Dec. 11; Thursday, Dec. 15 to to Saturday, Dec. 31; 4:30 to 11:30 p.m.

What began as a drive-thru holiday lights show now includes the opportunity to visit a mega Christmas tree, listen to music and enjoy a beer garden and food. While the event doesn’t start until next week Thursday, tickets are going fast and are available for sale online now. There’s also a snow room, bounce houses, train rides, a walking and drive-thru light show, bubble room, falling fake snow and professional photos with Santa. Tickets need to be purchased per person this year, not per vehicle, and you’re allowed to drive through the light show as many times as you want. Ages 2 and under are free.

Family-Friendly Event, $39.95, $9 for parking, Aloha Stadium, 99-500 Salt Lake Blvd., showalohachallenge.com, @showalohachallenge

SEE ALSO: Where to Get Black Friday Deals in Honolulu