The Buzz

Ching's halau is 'Immersed'

It's sure to be a bright, Hawaiian Christmas celebration when kumu hula Sonny Ching and Halau Na Mamo O Pu'uanahulu present "Immersed in the Bowl of Light: A Christmas Celebration." The concert features chant, song and dance with the frequent Merrie Monarch performers, along with Miss Aloha Hula 2003, Jennifer Kehaulani Oyama; and Miss Aloha Hula 2004, Natasha Mahealani Akau. Musical guest will be Mahiehie.

• 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday / Hawai'i Theatre / $20, $25 and $30 general, with discounts for Hawai'i Theatre members / 528-0506

Honolulu City Lights shining through

Honolulu City Lights continues through Jan. 2 with displays inside and outside City Hall.

Honolulu City Lights continues to brighten the night with "20 Years of Sparkle." The grand Christmas tree fronting Honolulu Hale is adorned with colorful ornaments, including the number 20 to commemorate the 20th year of this holiday tradition. Santa and Tutu Mele are back for the festivities, along with vibrant displays and oversized Christmas cards on the green. More than two dozen trees are decked out in yuletide splendor for the event, along with more than 75 wreaths in the Lane Gallery. Santa Claus lends his ear from 7 p.m., after the nightly Christmas concerts. Parking is available at the civic center parking lot.

• 8 a.m.-11 p.m. daily through Jan. 2 / Honolulu Hale / Free / 523-2489

Makaha Sons and friends celebrate

Experience the wonder of the yuletide season during "A Magical Christmas with The Makaha Sons and Friends." This merry holiday concert features the harmonies of the beloved trio, along with performances by Natalie Kamau'u, A'i, Raiatea Helm, Robi Kahakalau, Pili'oha and kumu hula Chinky Mahoe with Halau Hula 'O Kawaili'ula. Augie T emcees. Doors open at 5 p.m. for the dinner buffet, with the show at 7:30 p.m.

• 5 p.m. Sunday / Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki, Pacific Ballroom / $55 adults, $27.50 children 5-10 or $100 gold-circle VIP seating with gift basket / 944-6372, 951-6861

The traditional tale of 'Amahl'

Cory Lum

Hawaii Opera Theatre again offers its traditional Christmas family favorite "Amahl and the Night Visitors." This tender story tells the tale of a poor, crippled shepherd boy, Amahl, and his mother, who are visited by three kings one night. When his mother is caught trying to steal some gold from the kings to help Amahl, they learn a valuable lesson about forgiveness, charity and love. Mary Chesnut Hicks plays the mother with Charles Mukaida as Amahl. The three kings will be played by Jim Price as Kasper, Patrick McNichol as Balthazar and Leon Williams as Melchior.

• 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday / First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu, Hale Ohana / $10 general, $5 students / 596-7858

A Beethoven classic

The Honolulu Symphony and the Honolulu Symphony Chorus offer a special holiday concert featuring Beethoven's masterpiece Symphony No. 9. The festive event includes the widely recognized "Ode to Joy" plus "Gloria" by Rutter. Also performing will be soprano Lea Woods Friedman, mezzo-soprano Lorna Mount, tenor Julius Ahn and baritone/bass Leslie "Buzz" Tennent. JoAnn Falletta conducts the symphony; Karen Kennedy directs the chorus.

• 7:30 p.m. Wednesday / Blaisdell Concert Hall / $28, $38, $53, $63, $73 / (877) 750-4400, 792-2000

In the land of gingerbread

It'll be a feast for the eyes (and nose!) at the 5th annual Gingerbread Festival Display. Presented by Easter Seals Hawaii, Victoria Ward Centers will showcase the corporate entries built Dec. 5 at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Delight in the festive and creative structures on display, or buy a gingerbread kit to try your hand at it.

• 3-8 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday / Ward Warehouse, second-floor conference rooms / $1 / 536-1015

'Nutcracker,' Ballet Hawaii style

• 8 p.m. today, 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday / Blaisdell Concert Hall / $25, $40 $55, with discounts for students, seniors and military / (877) 750-4400

Opening night offers a gala pre-production dinner party that includes a pre-show reception and post-show backstage party with the cast as well as VIP seating.

• 6:30 p.m. today / Blaisdell Concert Hall / $125 / 521-8600

Hollertronix is back

Let me hear you holler for hip-hop. Hollertronix returns to the Islands for Hollerlulu: Diplo's "Florida" album release party. DJs Diplodocus and Low Budget promise more music and mayhem as the duo drops some tight mixes and fun, including a diplodocus piöata. Local DJs Eskae and Compose of Nocturnal Sound Krew also add to the holiday cheer.

• 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday / Indigo Eurasian Cuisine / $10 before 11 p.m., for 21 and older / 591-2900