I’ve updated this post of holiday events as we come into December! The Thanksgiving posts are no longer current (For this year), but I’ll keep them at the bottom as they may come in handy as you plan next year’s trips!
I’m starting to see holiday events advertised, so I thought I’d start compiling a list. If you hear of something that sounds like fun, send me a message and I’ll add it.
A Christmas Carol
Maui’s own version of the Christmas Carol runs December 9-18 at the ProArts theater in Azeka Mall in central Kihei. Note it is not the play itself, but is Christmas carols followed by the classic ghost story.
Wailea Village Holiday Market
Wailea Village (the new mall just above the Shops at Wailea) is presenting two holiday markets, Thursday December 1st and Thursday December 15th from 4-7pm. They are asking for an upwrapped toy for the IMUA toy drive. There will be holiday gifts, live entertainment, local vendors and of course food. Incidentally, Wailea Village also hosts Tuesday morning markets (8-11am).
Hui Holidays
Through December 24th the Hui No’eau (local artist collective) in Makawao is hosting their Hui Holidays. Check out the gift shop Tuesday-Saturday 9-4pm for a collection of unique locally made gifts by 70+ artists and vendors.
Kula Country Market ~ hosted by Kula Country Farms
This market actually takes place every 3rd Saturday of the month (Saturday, December 17th), so make note of this for next year also. Kula Country Farms has the cutest farm stand. At this market they host various other vendors selling their homemade wares. A great place to get a unique souvenir or do a little Christmas shopping.
Snow Zone!
On Saturday December 17th from 6-8pm there will be a snow machine at Campbell Park next to the Baldwin Home Museum on Front Street in Lahaina! Snow on Maui for children 12 and under to enjoy. While the idea of snow on Maui may be novel for visitors, many local children have never seen snow before! Admission to the Snow Zone is a canned item for the Maui Food Bank.
Kihei Town Party
Kihei’s Fourth Friday Party falls on Friday December 23rd this year. This is a monthly town party event held in Azeka Plaza from 6-9pm. Live entertainment, food trucks and lots of local vendors for some last minute Christmas or souvenir shopping!
Willie Nelson and Family in concert
Ok, this isn’t a holiday event, but it might be a cool pre-Christmas present for someone. Maui’s very own Willie Nelson and his sons Lukas Nelson & POTR (Promise of the Real) and Micah Nelson (Particle Kid) will be performing on Friday December 23rd at 6:15pm at the MACC. Sig and a friend already have their tickets and are excited to go!
Santa’s arrival!
Santa arrives a couple times on Maui on December 24th by outrigger canoe. He makes his first appearance on December 24th at 9am on Wailea Beach in front of the Grand Wailea.
Then from 12-1pm (just a few hours later), he arrives again by outrigger canoe with Mrs Claus and elves in tow at Polo Beach in front of the Fairmont Kea Lani (for all those who couldn’t get up in time for the first time)! Ha!
A few other things to check out:
- Da Playground Maui ~ check out their event calendar for live entertainment.
- ProArts Maui
What holiday events am I missing?
Thanksgiving/Christmas events (for next year’s trip planning)
As a side note ~ are you not wanting to cook on Thanksgiving? Check out my Thanksgiving dinner blog.
Turkey Trot
Ok, I just had to add this one to my list of holiday events ~ at first I thought it was actually a turkey race, but on closer inspection it looks like it’s a race organized by the Valley Isle Road Runners! The Turkey Trot takes place on Thursday November 24 (Thanksgiving morning) from 7:30-11am at Rice Park in Kula. ‘A perfect way to spend your early morning before celebrating Thanksgiving with your family or friends.’ If you go, PLEASE tell me all about it.
Shops at Wailea Santa Parade
On Friday November 25th between 9-10am the Maui Classic Cruisers and Street Bikers United Hawaii will be escorting Santa down South Kihei Road from Kalama Park to the Shops at Wailea. This Santa Parade will be followed with a Holiday Polynesian Show from 11am-noon at the Shops at Wailea (lower performing area). The Shops also offer photos with Santa, free with canned good donations benefitting the Maui Food Bank. See the Shops at Wailea website for Santa photo times and more information.
Lighting of the Fairmont Kea Lani Christmas Tree
The Fairmont Kea Lani is hosting their tree lighting on Saturday December 3rd at 5:30pm together with a traditional ceremony with Hawaiian entertainment. Arrive early as my sources haven’t mentioned where the tree will be situated.
Lighting of the Holiday Lights at the Banyan Tree
On Saturday December 3rd at 5:30pm America’s largest banyan tree will be lit up with holiday lights. Have you checked out the Banyan Tree? It takes up nearly an acre. The Banyan Tree holiday lights will remain on throughout December from 5:45pm through midnight.
Christmas in the Country Holiday Fair
Ulupalakua Ranch is hosting their annual ‘Christmas in the Country Holiday Fair’ on Sunday December 4th from 10-4pm at the ranch. In addition to food and craft vendors, Santa will make an appearance and there will be a classic car show. Admission is free with donation of either unwrapped new toys or five pound bags of rice (donations go to the Friends of Children’s Justice Center and the Maui Food bank)
Holiday Pops by the Maui Pops Orchestra
This year’s Holiday Pops concert takes place Sunday December 4th at 3pm at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. I am excited to go ~ the concert is featuring the 23 time Na Hoku award-winning trio, ‘Na Leo Pilimehana.
