The Spirit of the Season

Top the tree, fill up that glass of ’nog, and cue up the Michael Bublé, because it’s officially the most wonderful time of the year. To make the most of this Christmas season, we’ll be hosting an array of events throughout the duration of the month. Plus, with plenty of free parking, finding a place to park your sled is always a cinch at Ward Village. Now, it’s time to get into the spirit of the season.

Carol with the Best of ’Em

There’s something magical about Christmas caroling. Happy groups of people harmonizing in the nighttime air, gleefully singing the songs of the season. What’s not to love? Historically, Christmas caroling dates back to an early Roman bishop, who in the year 129, decried that a song called ‘Angel’s Hymn’ should be sung at a Christmas service in Rome. However, the act of singing in groups to mark the winter solstice dates back even further, with some historians estimating that wintertime caroling traces its origins back thousands of years to European pagans, who would gather to sing in groups on December 22. Thankfully, you don’t need to travel back in time simply to enjoy the songs of the season. Just head to Ward Village to take part in this age-old holiday tradition.

Caroling in the community will be held every Friday and Saturday night, 6 pm – 8 pm  (with the exception of December 14) through Christmas.

Bottoms Up at The Christmas Bar

What would the holiday season be without enjoying a few well-deserved cocktails? After all, you have been very good this year. For the tastiest of Christmas treats, head to The Christmas Bar and sip on the likes of festive frozen hot chocolate and butterbeer. Plus, you can nosh on holiday-inspired menu items including Kris Kringle kimchee grilled cheese and get cozy with your family while you sink your teeth into mouth-watering turkey pot pies. All the delicious holiday cheer can be had at the Big City Diner location, located on the ground floor of Ward Entertainment Center.

Wrap Battles

While we’ve come to appreciate the detailed approach to gift-wrapping, we’d be remiss if we didn’t say that we can feel just a taaaad overwhelmed when we find ourselves practically swimming in wrapping paper and tape on Christmas Eve. To be sure, frantically attempting to salvage yet another botched-wrap job at 1 am is no way to ring in the season. Yet, every year, without fail, we repeat our folly. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. As a matter of fact, you can have your holiday presents professionally wrapped right here at Ward Village. Trust us, when you’re nestled up on Christmas Eve, and you don’t have to worry about wrapping two dozen presents deep into the night, you’ll thank us.

Get your gifts professionally wrapped at Ward Centre, adjacent to Genki Sushi, on Friday and Saturday, December 13, 14, 20 and 21 from 10 am – 7  pm; Sunday, December 15 and 22, 10 am to 5 pm; Monday and Tuesday, December 23 and 24, 10 am – 5 pm. Prices begin at just $5 per small present. 

Walk the Walk

It’s no secret that Honolulu is as smitten with lights as anyone. Whether it’s perusing City Hall Downtown or meandering past the historic homes of Manoa sparkling gently in the moonlight, there’s no denying that we really love our lights. But did you know that Ward Village is also home to an array of installations this season? If you’re looking to expand upon your annual City Lights Trolley Ride, you can also take a self-guided walking tour of the lights at Ward Village, where an array of installations ranging from Ward Entertainment Centre to South Shore Market will be strewn throughout the community.

Hours:

• Monday through Thursday, 10 am – 8 pm
• Friday and Saturday, 10 am – 9 pm
• Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm

Extended holiday hours:

• Sunday, December 22: 10am – 8pm (extended hours)
• Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24: 10 am – 6 pm
• Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25:  Closed
• New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, December 31: 10 am – 6 pm

Restaurants and individual merchant hours may vary. Ward 16 Theatres open daily including holidays.