Halloween may have just ended, but Santa Claus has already made his way to town.
More specifically, Ala Moana’s Big Santa — yes, that’s what they call him — is now towering tall above Ala Moana Boulevard, standing 50 feet high above the center’s makai parking deck.
Big Santa has welcomed residents and visitors for more than 60 years, the center said in an announcement Tuesday. He’s crafted from 2,500 square feet of fiber glass and nearly 2,000 pounds of resin.
Check out a timelapse video of the Big Santa’s installation process, courtesy of Ala Moana Center:
Big Santa’s arrival heralds the start of Ala Moana’s holiday season, and there’s plenty to do in the coming weeks:
— Shoppers who spend $500 or more will receive a limited-edition Ala Moana Center tote bag with a Big Santa plush keychain while supplies last. Receipts must be dated between Nov. 3 and Dec. 24 and redeemed at Guest Services during these dates. More info can be found here.
— Find the Big Santa Mailbox on Level 3 in the mauka wing, near the children’s play area, and send your letters to the North Pole now through Dec. 24. Complimentary stationery and envelopes will be provided.
— Santa’s Surf Shack, located on Level 4 at the Ho‘okipa Terrace, will be open from Nov. 21 through Dec. 24. Get photos with Santa surrounded by surf boards and island-themed décor. Bring your cats and dogs for a holiday portrait on Pet Photo Nights, which will return on select evenings. Reservations are recommended for photos, and a variety of photo packages are available. Find more information here.
— Beginning Friday, Nov. 28, the center’s daily 5 p.m. hula show at Centerstage will take on a festive theme. Meanwhile, performers in the keiki hula show, which takes place at 1 p.m. on Sundays, will showcase a rotating mix of contemporary and holiday-themed dances.
— Catch live performances by Hawai‘i singers and songwriters as part of the Pau Hana Music Series at 5:30 p.m. daily on the ‘Ewa Wing Stage.
— Choirs, halau, school groups and other community organizations will perform throughout November and December at Centerstage and ‘Ewa Wing.
— Pop into the Winter Wonderland pop-up bar, where you'll find festive décor, twinkle lights and seasonal cocktails daily from 5 p.m. to midnight Nov. 28 to Dec. 24.
— Beginning Nov. 22, fresh Christmas trees can be purchased from Richard Tajiri’s Christmas Hawai‘i. Located at the Atkinson Trolley Depot, you’ll find a variety of firs, along with wreaths, stands and tree care essentials.
— Ala Moana Center will open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28 for Black Friday shopping. Some retailers will open early and offer deals and exclusive promotions. A full list of participating stores and promotions will be available on the Ala Moana Center website.
— Feeling charitable? The Salvation Army Angel Tree and Red Kettle can be found near Macy’s on Mall Level 2 in the Diamond Head Wing from Nov. 17 through Dec. 23. Select a tag from the Angel Tree to provide gifts for keiki and kūpuna or donate through the Red Kettle. Meanwhile, the Giving Machine, an interactive “vending machine” for charitable giving, launches Nov. 22j. Find it on Street Level 1 in Center Court. You can buy donations that will benefit local and global charities.
— Guest Services will wrap up to three gifts per person with same-day proof of purchase from the mall’s retailers.
Ala Moana Center opened in 1959 and is the world's largest open-air shopping center with more than 2.4 million square feet of retail space. It has more than 350 stores and 160 dining options.
Check out what’s new and what’s coming to Ala Moana here.
The shopping center is normally open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. but hours will be extended to 9 p.m. Dec. 5-23 and 26-30, although it’ll close at 8 p.m. on Sundays. Individual store and restaurant hours may vary.
The center will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas days, and close at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter.
Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
