Your Weekend: The Best Family Events-Nov. 28, 2018

Our picks for the weekend's best family events.

November 28, 2018

Honolulu Family Team,

Kapolei_snow_day

Photo: Courtesy of Kapolei Shopping Center

Honolulu City Lights Opening Night

The iconic Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele are ready for Saturday’s block party on the corner of King and Punchbowl streets. Arrive around 4 p.m. for a good parking spot and the best selections of poi mochi, bao, shave ice, Thai noodles and other treats from 14 food vendors on Punchbowl Street. The Norfolk tree will light up at 6 p.m., followed by the electric light parade that will pass in front of Honolulu Hale at 6:30 p.m. And for the children: Kiddie rides (mini carousel and ferris wheel, swinging pirate ship and helicopter) will start moving at 4 p.m., and Santa will be in the Mission Memorial Auditorium to take photos at 7:30 p.m. Free parking is available in the Fasi Municipal Building—the underground garage at the corner of Beretania and Alapa’i Streets.

Want to know more about the tree in front of Honolulu Hale? Read “The Story Behind Honolulu City Lights’ Giant Christmas Tree.”

All ages
Free
Saturday, Dec. 1. 4 to 11 p.m.
Honolulu Hale, 530 S. King St.
honolulucitylights.org

Santa Saturday at Kapolei Shopping Center

Nearly 12 tons of snow will fall this Saturday in the parking lot of Kapolei Shopping Center, where keiki can make mini snowmen and leave their marks with snow angels. This free event will have holiday-themed crafts for kids, carnival games and prizes, and a booth to register little ones for Keiki ID cards. And don’t forget to take free photos with Santa and his famous reindeer, Rudolph.

All
Free
Saturday, Dec. 1. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Kapolei Shopping Center. 590 Farrington Highway, Kapolei
(808) 628-6407
kapoleishopping.com

We’re Dreaming of a White Christmas at Mililani Shopping Center

Snow also is in the forecast for Mililani on Saturday morning. Donate an unwrapped new toy or book to the Toys for Tots program and get a wristband to enter the “snow play zone.” There will be holiday crafts to make and take home, keiki games and prizes, and Santa photos for a fee. Please be aware that the Mililani Holiday Parade is from 9 to 10:30 a.m., so use alternate routes and expect traffic delays.

All ages
Free (bring a new toy or book donation)
Saturday, Dec. 1. 9 a.m. to noon
Mililani Shopping Center. 95-221 Kipapa Drive and 95-390 Kuahelani Ave.
(808) 521-2611
mililanishoppingcenter.com

Is this your family’s first time playing in “island snow?” For tips on how to avoid frozen fingers and more, read “Our Guide: Snow Day Play in Hawai’i.”

Pictures With Santa Paws

This weekend is your pet’s last opportunity to take photos with you and Santa Claus to benefit the Hawaiian Humane Society. In addition to a professional photo session with the big man himself, your pet can pick out presents at the Hawaiian Humane Society Whiskers and Wags pop-up shop. If your kids have been asking for a new dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig or turtle to join your family, the society will waive adoption fees just for this event.

All ages
$25 sitting fee; $30 event day tickets
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1 and 2. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Lau Hala Shops. 573 Kailua Road, Kailua
(808) 356-2247
hawaiianhumane.org

Keiki Yoga on the Lawn

Burn off holiday-related stress this Thursday at an outdoor yoga session tailored to kids of all ages. Grownups are welcome, too. A yoga instructor will guide everyone through basic poses, breathing techniques and mindfulness exercises using stories and kid-friendly props. Mats will be provided. Children must be supervised by their adults at all times. This free event happens every Thursday.