Honolulu City Lights, a monthlong public holiday event that dates back to 1985, is returning to a more typical set-up this year after significantly adjusting in 2020 to meet Covid-19 regulations.
The nonprofit event is operated by the City and County of Honolulu and for most of its history involved a bevy of activities including a tree lighting ceremony, entertainment, children games, a wreath contest, photos with Santa, and more. The Honolulu Hale (City Hall) and King Street are adorned with colorful light displays and other festive decorations for nearly the entire month of December.
The event was restricted to drive-through attendance only last year in order to combat the pandemic and, outside of the lights display, nearly every activity was canceled.
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This year, the tree lighting ceremony takes place on Dec. 4, and the light and Christmas tree displays will be publicly accessible nightly from 8 to 11 p.m. through Jan. 2. However, other activities from previous
years are still on hold due to concerns over social distancing. The opening night parade was canceled, and there
will be no children's rides, photos with Santa, holiday concerts or
wreath contest.
Those coming to see the light displays and visit the 50-foot tree will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test taken within 48 hours of entry.