The City and County of Honolulu will present Kalikimaka Ho‘omau (It’s Christmas Every Day), a free two-hour holiday concert that features the Royal Hawaiian Band and guest artists at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall on Friday, Nov. 28.
The line-up of guest artists includes 21-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Henry Kapono; two-time Grammy nominee and multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award recipient Raiatea Helm and the Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus. There will also be special appearances from The ‘Ohana Jazz Trio, Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Kala‘i Stern, Karen Keawehawai‘I, Malia Ka‘ai, Starr Kalāhiki and Kanani Oliveira.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event starts at 7 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. Parking will be busy, so attendees are encouraged to use rideshare apps, carpool or take public transportation.
“Music has a way of bringing people together, and there is something truly special about the way our community celebrates the holidays,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi in a written statement. “This free concert is a gift to our residents and families — an invitation to come together, enjoy world-class local talent, and feel the spirit of the season in our city.”
The City and County of Honolulu, in partnership with the Friends of Honolulu City Lights, will launch the 2025 Honolulu City Lights celebration the following evening on Saturday, Nov. 29, with the traditional tree-lighting ceremony at Honolulu Hale and the Public Workers’ Electric Light Parade down King Street.
While Honolulu City Lights does not officially start until Saturday, Nov. 29, the City and County of Honolulu will illuminate Thomas Square Park at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, to give concert goers a chance to enjoy holiday lights before and after the holiday concert.
For those not able to catch the concert in-person, the production will be livestreamed on HawaiiNewsNow.com and air on KHNL.
For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter.
Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
