by Nigyl Nissan
CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR!—A Heartwarming Holiday Tradition in Kaimuki
There’s a tiny, magical area of Honolulu where the spirit of Christmas shines a little brighter. It is a place where families can enjoy an original holiday musical, take a photo with Santa, nibble on gingerbread cookies, sip elf-made hot chocolate, write letters to the North Pole, play in a swirling snow blizzard, dance beneath twinkling lights, and end the evening roasting s’mores over crackling fire pits.
All of this holiday joy awaits you at the Christmas Spectacular, nestled cozily in the community of Kaimuki on the campus of Sacred Hearts Academy on Waialae Avenue.
Mo‘olelo Performing Arts Studio proudly presents the 5th Annual Christmas Spectacular! Transforming the campus of Sacred Hearts Academy into a festive haven filled with comfort, cheer, and timeless holiday magic. If you’re looking for something special to do this season, this is the event to circle on your calendar. Running Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays December 4–20, with a special extension on Monday and Tuesday, December 21 and 22, this festive winter celebration offers a delightful array of activities for all ages.
“THE YEAR CHRISTMAS WAS ALMOST CANCELLED”—An Original Holiday Musical!
At the heart of the celebration is a touching new Christmas musical that reminds us of what the season is truly about.
With performances in the newly renovated Sacred Hearts Auditorium, “The Year Christmas Was Almost Cancelled” follows Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their devoted elves as they face the emotional decision of having to cancel Christmas for a year. Through love, laughter, and gentle lessons, the story celebrates togetherness, gratitude, and the joy of giving.
The show features a small, close-knit cast, including Broadway performer Matthew Pedersen as Santa himself and local theatre veteran Jennifer Cleve Sojot as Mrs. Claus. Wayne Harada calls the musical “delightful and charming … brimming with goodwill and tidings of the season.”
Showtimes at the Sacred Hearts Academy auditorium: December 4–20; Fridays & Saturdays at 7:00 PM and Sundays at 6:00 PM with a special holiday extension on December 21 and 22 (Monday and Tuesday) at 7:00 PM.
Free Snow & Light Show!
For five magical minutes each evening, Christmas Spectacular turns its tiny courtyard area into a snowy winter wonderland!
Twice nightly, the courtyard behind Sacred Hearts Academy’s iconic main building features holiday music, dancing lights, and falling snow. For five unforgettable minutes, friends and families are wrapped in the wonder of winter—and it’s absolutely free to experience it!
Radio station 102.7 The Bombcalls the show “Truly amazing!” Honolulu resident Nolan Hong shared his excitement: “Families are going crazy! Both adults and kids!”
Showtimes to experience the Snow & Light Show: Fridays & Saturdays at 8:15 pm & 9:00 pm; Sundays at 7:15 pm & 8:00 pm.
Free Photos With Santa & Letters To The North Pole!
For many families, Christmas isn’t complete without a visit with Santa—and the Christmas Spectacular makes it easy and joyful.
Throughout the night, you can take individual or family portraits with the jolly man himself at the Photos with Santa tent, and again, it is completely FREE. Just BYOC (Bring Your Own Camera) and capture a memory to treasure and a still frame to send to friends, family, and your entire Christmas mailing list.
Right next door to the Photos with Santa area, Letters to Santa invites children to leisurely write heartfelt notes and mail them in a special North Pole mailbox, sending wishes straight to Santa’s workshop! Fun, festive, and charming—and FREE.
Holiday Dining Area & S’mores Pits!
There is a modest but yummy Holiday Dining Area too! Follow the cozy scents of holiday cuisine to where a variety of food awaits, from the best-loved local plate lunch grinds to festive goodies and snacks. Featuring delicious favorites from Barbecue Brisket to Homecooked Chili to Stir-Fried Noodles—the menu slightly changes every night.
Special nightly holiday treats you can count on include:
- Colored Popcorn
- Gingerbread Cookies
- Rice Krispie Snowmen
- Cotton Candy
- Elf-Made Hot Chocolate (with marshmallows, of course!)
Finally, the Christmas Spectacular features the beloved S’mores Pits—eight glowing fire pits ready for roasting marshmallows and melting chocolate into the perfect holiday s’more. You won’t want to leave without experiencing this yuletide delight!
A Cozy Winter Wonderland In Kaimuki
Within the welcoming grounds of Sacred Hearts Academy, the Christmas Spectacular offers a warm, joyful escape into the magic of the season. “It is one of the best holiday-themed setups I’ve ever seen!” says Keola of The Keola Show of 102.7 The Bomb radio program. “The best Christmas-themed event I’ve been to in a very long time!” says Keola’s co-host Jovan “Phat Joe” Ladao.
Whether you’re watching a musical, playing in a snow blizzard, sipping hot chocolate, or sharing a moment with Santa, the spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Kaimuki. Create your own perfect evening of holiday cheer and enjoy a winter wonderland you’ll remember long after December fades.
The Christmas Spectacular runs every weekend in December, with a special extension on Monday and Tuesday, December 21 and 22.
For more information: moolelostudios.com
