Posted on: Friday, December 5, 2008
Lots more to do, see, anticipate
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
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The Honolulu City Lights tree-lighting ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday. Food booths and keiki rides open at 4 p.m.
Advertiser library photo
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What's new at this year's Honolulu City Lights:
Banners: Two festive banners, by Rene Tamanaha, are festooned on 80 streetlight poles along King Street, from 'A'ala Park to City Hall, and along the Bishop Street corridor.
Sweets themes: "Candy Wonderland" is the theme of the Employee Christmas Tree display in the City Hall courtyard; "Sweet Christmas" is the motif for the outdoor displays, with larger-than-life treats and pastries offering a yummy mood (there's a chocolate fountain, too).
Gingerbread village: Gingerbread houses created by city departments, with guidance from Easter Seals Hawai'i, will be part of the courtyard attractions. And the scents are a bonus.
KID-FRIENDLY STUFF
Geico's gecko mascot will be in the opening night parade, passing out treats for keiki.
Kraft Foods Hawai'i will offer free pics with St. Nick at the Ku'u Home Porch, from 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and 20 in the City Hall courtyard. Santa also will take wishes nightly, from Sunday through Dec. 24.
"Lanakila," the 40-foot-long train situated under the city Christmas tree, returns this year. It was specially designed by Owen Ho for the Friends of Honolulu City Lights and built by city parks employee Alex Ching with kokua from the Hawai'i Carpenters Union.
TRAFFIC ADVISORIES
Because of tomorrow's parade, on King Street from 'A'ala Park to Honolulu Hale, vehicular and bus traffic will be affected; consider alternate routes and allow extra time if you're commuting.
If you drive through the city displays, be sure to keep an eye on road conditions and pedestrians.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
