This is a new holiday revue by Lisa Matsumoto, beginning today and continuing at 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays through Dec. 23 at Ala Moana Centerstage. Inspired by a new book by Matsumoto and illustrator Michael Furuya, the stage show features music by Roslyn and follows the adventures of Merry the elf and Mele the menehune. Best of all, it's free.

A Santa parade also unfolds at 7 p.m. daily (except Mondays, through Dec. 23) and a Candy Cane Train ($6 for keiki 12 and younger, tickets required) choo-choos through the mall (through Jan. 1). Further, the oversized (30-foot) Santa, lording over Ala Moana for four decades, now sports a lei.

Lots more seasonal aloha, too, at Ala Moana's Menehune Toy Shop, laden with elves and a real waterfall; a milk-and-cookies-with-Santa event, from noon to 1 p.m. Sundays; and those mood-setting decorations throughout the center.

Variety spices the fair fare, so pick and attend according to taste and time. Among the goodies on tap:

• The big one: 18th annual Islandwide Christmas Crafts & Food Expo, from 5 to 10 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Blaisdell Center. Find something for everyone on your gift list. Admission: $3 general, free for those under 13. 623-4050.
• Most exotic: The World Art Bazaar, Saturday through Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, at The Art Center at Linekona. A veritable emporium of baskets, ceramics, textiles, jewelry and fashion accessories. 532-8703.
• Most Hawaiian: Mission Houses Museum; Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oodles of local handicrafts, ornaments, foodstuff, T-shirts and edibles. 531-0481.
• Culture country: A Winter Craft Fair, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Hawaii Okinawa Center. About 200 crafters, some with Okinawa ties, plus keiki events and entertainment. And andagi. 676-5400.
• Local-style: The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i Craft Fair, Dec. 9, from 5 to 9 p.m., at the center. Explore an array of Island wearables, munchies, accessories and other gifts. 734-3693.
• The artsy tradition: Pacific Handcrafters Guild's Winter Festival of Fine Crafts and Art, Dec. 18-19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thomas Square. Pottery, clothing, jewelry and a variety of art, by guild members. 254-6788.
  
  
  

How sweet it is — four renderings (one with a Hawaiian spin and a tweaked title) of the Tchaikovsky holiday chestnut. See one, see all:

• Local leap: "The Hawaiian Nutcracker Ballet," at 7:30 p.m. today, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Paliku Theatre, Windward Community College. Choreographed and directed by Matthew Wright, with a focus on King Kalakaua and Princess Ka'iulani (and earlier dubbed "King Kalakaua's Nutcracker"). Presented by Honolulu Dance Theatre. $24 general, $20 seniors and military, $16 children. 235-7433.
• Live music: "Nutcracker," at 8 p.m. Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 and 2 p.m. Dec. 19, Blaisdell Concert Hall. A Ballet Hawaii presentation, featuring soloists from the American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet, with live music by the Honolulu Symphony. Costumes by Anne Namba, sets by Peter Dean Beck, orchestra conducted by Stuart Chafetz, staged by Pamela Taylor-Tongg. $25, $40, $55; (877) 750-4400. (A $125 VIP dinner package available, 521-8600). Also at Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Saturday and Sunday; $20, $25, $35. (808) 242-7469.
• Traditional version, I: "The Nutcracker," Dec. 10-12, 17-19 (curtain at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, an extra 6 p.m. show Dec. 12), Mamiya Theatre, Saint Louis School. Presented by Hawaii State Ballet. Directed by John Landovsky. $22, $18, $16 adults, $2 discounts for seniors and children 12 and younger. 947-2755.
• Traditional version, II: "Nutcracker," at 2 p.m. Dec. 11, 4 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 18, Leeward Community College Theatre. Presented by Hawaii Ballet Theatre. Directed by Charlys Ing. 456-8100.
  
  
  

St. Nick doesn't always sleigh his way over here. A couple of unusual arrivals:

• By speedboat, around noon Saturday at Koko Marina Shopping Center.
• By outrigger canoe, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 24 at Gray's Beach, fronting the Halekulani hotel. St. Nick, clad in beach-boy shorts and bare-footed, will offer candy to hotel guest keiki, but the event is open to the public.
• In community parades, sometimes with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, often aboard a float, commonly with marching bands. The festivities start today; see list of parade dates and locations, Page 16-17.
  
  
  

The sad thing about this event — a fixture on the holiday scene for 50 years — is that it will be pau after this year. The Queen's Medical Center Auxiliary finale runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 3-4 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 at Ward Warehouse, second-floor Kaka'ako and Kewalo Rooms. See decorated trees, wreaths and table decorations and ornaments; a silent auction of small trees, decorated by community celebrities, is a highlight (bids close at 2 p.m. Dec. 5). $1; free for keiki. 547-4397.

Marking its 20th season, "Honolulu City Lights" this year is themed "Twenty Years of Sparkle." The opening on Dec. 4 includes the formal lighting, at 6 p.m., of the 50-foot city Christmas tree, on the lawn of Honolulu Hale. The Electric Light parade, beginning at 6 p.m. at 'A'ala Park, should reach City Hall by 6:30 p.m. The City Hall courtyard boasts 75 wreaths; entertainment is scheduled on opening night. The splendor that is "Honolulu City Lights" includes lighted displays and "scenes," extending from City Hall on King Street to Alapa'i Street, continues on Beretania to Bishop Street, and back toward City Hall on King Street; continues nighttime through Jan. 2 (City Hall courtyard closes at 11 p.m. daily). Free. 523-2489.

Simply put, it's not Christmas till this one unfolds; it's our version of the Radio City Music Hall Christmas spectacular. Jim Nabors assembles his holiday troops (Jimmy Borges, Karen Keawehawai'i, Emma Veary, Philip Huber and the Huber Marionettes, the Diamond Head Theatre Shooting Stars, Hula Hui O Kupunahala 'O Nu'uanu YMCA and the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra), at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3-4 and 2 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Hawai'i Theatre. The general in charge — director Tom Hansen — orchestrates entrances and exits with military precision. $45, $55, $75; discounts available. For the first time this year, a preview performance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday is open to military with ID; $10 adults, $5 students. 586-0506.

For the second year in a row, Candy Cane Lane, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 11-12 at Bishop Museum, is a wonderland of sweets, treats and more. Santa appears; there will be make-and-decorate things such as gingerbead cookies, holiday bookmarks and beaded bracelets; a holiday train ride for keiki; and food and entertainment. $3; free for museum members. 847-3511.

Christmas isn't Christmas unless there's music. And there will be traditional carols and contemporary and Hawaiian holiday standards at 8 p.m. Dec. 10-11 and 4 p.m. Dec. 12 at Blaisdell Concert Hall, when The Brothers Cazimero and Na Leo Pilimehana join the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Matt Catingub) and the Honolulu Symphony Chorus (directed by Karen Kennedy). $30, $40, $50, $60, $75; discounts available. (877) 750-4400.

Other worthy Christmas tunefests:

• Kapena celebrates Christmas with a concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Ko'olau Grand Ballroom in Kane'ohe. The DeLima 'Ohana will be featured, with Del Beazley as guest star. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner buffet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. $35 adults, $20 keiki 4-10. 236-4653, ext. 241.
• The Honolulu Boy Choir's mastery of holiday tunes is a Christmas tradition. Two events to seek out: the choir's annual benefit, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at its home base, Central Union Church (free admission, but donations support the year-round program); call 596-7464; and its Waikiki gala, 7:45 p.m. Christmas Day at the Monarch Room of The Royal Hawaiian hotel. ($69.50 general, $45 children for dinner, $39.50 and $26 for cocktails only). 931-8383.
• "A Magical Christmas with The Makaha Sons," 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 (doors open at 5, dinner at 5:30) at the Pacific Ballroom, Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki Hotel. Joining the Sons: Natalie Kamau'u, Raiatea Helm, Robi Kahakalau, Pili'oha and Chinky Mahoe's Halau Hula O Kawaili'ula, with emcee Augie T. Tickets: $55 general, $27.50 children 5-10; $100 Gold Circle tickets also available. 944-6372.
• Jay Larrin does a Christmas Eve concert at Sheraton Waikiki hotel. No-host cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. $55. 371-2910.
• "Amahl and the Night Visitors," the holiday classic by Gian Carlo Menotti, is being revived by the Hawaii Opera Theatre at 2 and 4 p.m. Dec. 18-19 at Hale 'Ohana, First Presbyterian Church, 1822 Ke'eaumoku St. The cast includes Charles Mukaida (Amahl), Jim Price (Kasper), Mary Chesnut Hicks (Amahl's mother), Patrick McNichol (Balthazar), Leon Williams (Melchior), Bobo Miles (the page) and Sherry Chock Wong (the dancer). $10 adults, $5 students. 596-7858.
  
  
  

If Christmas is a time for kids who adore cartoon characters, then a breakfast with Santa, plus costumed characters galore, should be an affair to remember. It happens twice, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 11-12 at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i's Manoa Grand Ballroom. Wee ones can expect a glimpse at, and perhaps anticipate a hug from, Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Elmo, Barney, Dalmatian, Taz, Bugs Bunny, Tweety and Sylvester. Also on hand: magician Mike Wong, juggler Greg Gabaylo, 'Ike Pono, Na Kama, Tradewinds and Halau Hula O Nalei O Kamakani. Best of all, it's a benefit for Prevent Child Abuse Hawai'i. $17. 440-4613.

Other kid-friendly possibilities:

• "Breakfast With Santa," from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 5, 12 and 19 at Hard Rock Cafe, is an opportunity to tell Santa your Christmas wishes, enjoy a buffet breakfast and hear holiday music amid the rock paraphernalia. $12, includes party bag. 791-0199.
• "Santa's Secret Workshop," from 9 to 11 a.m. (for keiki 2-4, plus one parent) or from 1 to 4 p.m. (for keiki 5-10) Dec. 4-5, Special Events Room, Macy's Ala Moana. This pair of holiday-related hands-on sessions encourages youngsters to indulge in arts and crafts (and gingerbread-decorating in the afternoon event). $15 per child-adult team for the morning, $30 per child for the afternoon; reserve before Monday through the Children's Discovery Center. 524-5437.
• "Lunch With Santa," from noon to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 4-5, 11-12 and 18-19, Old Spaghetti Factory, Ward Warehouse. Magician Carlos da Silva II performs, too. $8.50. 591-2513.
• For the deaf community, a deaf Santa will sign in American Sign Language, from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 9 at Pearlridge Center Uptown. The Santa visits will be on the first level, near Payless ShoeSource; entertainment will be on the second level near Crazy Shirts. 488-0981.
• "Keiki Christmas," from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Honolulu Academy of Arts. Santa meets and greets keiki, provides treats; The Honolulu Brass performs at noon in Central Court; Parasol Puppets take part in a holiday sing-along. It's a Bank of Hawaii Free Sunday event. 532-8700.
  
  
  

If Christmas has its distinctive scent, it's got to be the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread. So the 5th annual Gingerbread Festival, in two making and watching shifts, 10 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 5 at Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall, is one to sniff out.

Alan Wong, the chef for all seasons, is teaming up with Easter Seals Hawai'i to inspire locals (or visitors) to make and create a gingerbread house. Two packages are available (prices depend on work table space), at $29 or $49. There is no admission fee for browsers and watchers during each specified session, but oglers usually wind up making, too (the morning session is sold out, but vacancies are available for the afternoon session). Gingerbread, candy, icing and carry-home container provided, so you don't have to nibble away your work of art. 536-1015. Similar festivals are set for Dec. 11 at the Kukui Grove Center on Kaua'i (808) 245-7141; and at the Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin on the Big Island, (808) 961-3081.

Also worth inspecting: The lavish gingerbread village displays, opening today (and continuing through New Year's Day) in the lobbies of the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani hotel (922-5811) and the Moana Surfrider (931-8383).

With bells on their shoes, participants in The Honolulu Advertiser's Jingle Bell Run (this is the 20th edition and Bash has been added to the title), will walk, run and frolic from 6 p.m. Dec. 11, beginning at the Alapa'i bus depot at Alapa'i and King streets. The route: Alapa'i, Beretania, Bishop, King and back to the Alapa'i finish line.

There are related activities: a canine costume contest and stroller decorating contest, from 5 p.m.; three back-to-back concerts from 6:30 p.m., by Imua, Weldon Kekauoha and Vaihi. It's a benefit for Special Olympics Hawaii, 943-8808, ext. 33.