Spending Christmas on Maui is a truly unique and magical experience that blends traditional holiday cheer with the island's warm aloha spirit. The season is filled with festive events like the tree lighting ceremonies, Santa's arrival by outrigger canoe on Wailea Beach, and celebratory Christmas Day luaus featuring fire dancing and traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Families and visitors enjoy the combination of sun-soaked beaches, ukulele melodies, and community gatherings that emphasize togetherness and local culture. We have put together a snapshot of some of the festive Maui events happening in 2025. We will update the list as more Christmas events are introduced.
December 5th - December 15th: The Reluctant Elf
Attend this fun play that explores the life of Steve the Elf who is learning to love the holiday season. Filled with all the favorite Christmas songs and carols, this performance will remind you of the joys of being a child during the holiday season. Catch the performance in the intimate Pro Arts Theater in Kihei.
December 13th - December 21st: Nutcracker Sweets
Whether you are a fan of ballet or not, everyone enjoys the tradition behind watching a performance of the Nutcracker in late December. Head to Maui’s oldest theater, the historic Iao Theater, to catch their interpretation of this holiday classic!
December 16th: Grand Wailea Holiday Market & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Maui’s largest resort, the Grand Wailea, has been hosting a spectacular public tree lighting event for as far back as we can remember. Join visitors and locals on the front lawn as live entertainment from talented local artists set the stage for grand tree lighting countdown. Walk through the lobby before or after the event to shop through a holiday-themed market featuring local crafters and vendors.
December 19th: Historic Kihei Walking Tour with Christmas Carolers
Maui Walking Tours hosts free historic walking tours of Maui’s favorite towns. In December they will be offering a fun one-time-only sunset tour along the Kihei coastline joined by a local Christmas caroling group. Listen to stories, legends, and history pertaining to this region of Maui with your favorite Christmas carols mixed in along the way as well!
December 20th: Jake Shimabukuro’s Holidays in Hawaii
Arguably the most famous ukulele player in the world, Jake Shimabukuro always knows how to put on a show! He is known for his fast and complex finger work, blending jazz, blues, funk, rock, bluegrass, classical, folk, and flamenco styles. See him live at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center as he mixes in some of his favorite holiday songs into the show.
December 23rd: Free Polynesian Show at Shops at Wailea
Each week the Shops at Wailea puts on a free cultural performance featuring hula and dances from across Polynesia. Catch a December performance where the stage will be decorated with holiday flair and the song list features a popular holiday tune or two!
December 24th: Santa Arrival at Wailea Beach on Outrigger Canoe
Santa’s arrival on Wailea Beach is a sight that blends holiday magic with Hawaiian warmth. Santa trades his sleigh for an outrigger canoe, gliding through turquoise waves to the cheers of locals and visitors alike. Wearing his signature red hat and a floral aloha shirt, he spreads laughter as keiki run to greet him, their eyes wide with wonder. The sound of ukuleles and hula dancers fills the air, turning the beach into a festive celebration of island-style Christmas spirit.
December 25th: Christmas Sunset Dinner Sailing Cruise
Join sailing catamaran the Alii Nui on a special dinner sunset cruise paired with a themed menu, handcrafted cocktails, festive touches, and more. Keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales along the way, as this is the start of whale season on Maui!
December 26th: Kihei 4th Friday Night Market & Festival
The 4th Friday Town Party in Kihei is a lively monthly community event held every fourth Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Azeka Mauka Shopping Center. It features live local music, food trucks, local artisans and crafts vendors, and family-friendly activities including a Keiki Zone with games and crafts. The event provides a festive atmosphere where residents and visitors can enjoy Maui’s culture, shop, eat, and connect in a vibrant outdoor setting with free admission. With this year’s town party happening the day after Christmas, there is bound still be some festive spirit in the air!
December 27th: A Very Kanekoa After Christmas
Kanekoa is a Maui-based band known for their unique blend of “ukulele-powered Hawaiian jam-rock,” which combines elements of traditional Hawaiian music with rock, folk, blues, reggae, R&B, and soul. Think ukulele on steroids! They have arranged some special takes on classic holiday songs you won’t want to miss! Learn more.
December 31st: Wailea Fireworks Display
Did you know Maui recently was voted most romantic place in the world (even above Paris)! That makes the fireworks show on New Year’s Eve in Wailea possibly be the most romantic fireworks show in the world. The display typically take place at midnight, launching from a barge just off Wailea Beach. This spectacular display can be viewed from many of the surrounding Wailea resorts, Wailea Beach Path, and the public beach, making it a popular and festive way to ring in the New Year on Maui.