HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – It’s the most wonderful time of the year as the 40th annual Honolulu City Lights celebration takes place Saturday.

The opening ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. Soon afterwards, the electric light parade of public servants begins.

There will be additional events and opportunities throughout the month for the public to enjoy the exhibition. Find out more about her here.

On Friday, the mayor placed the final ornament on the city’s 55-foot Christmas tree.

The tree topper is an annual tradition and puts the finishing touches on the decorations and displays that adorn the grounds of the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center. These include the popular 21-foot-tall Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele displays on the fountain.

“This is the joy of the season. And we would like to invite everyone to come by… Come see the lights of the city of Honolulu. This is the 40th anniversary and I can promise you it will be bigger and better than ever. We have a lot of resources, the terrain looks great, everyone is ready. Let’s just have a wonderful Christmas time. Merry Christmas!” said Blangiardi.

Program for Saturday, December 7th

• 4 p.m. block party with local artists
• 6:00 p.m. The Honolulu City Lights opening ceremony begins with a performance by Raiatea Helm and friends.
• 6:15 p.m.: The Public Workers’ Electric Light Parade begins at Aala Park
• 6:30 p.m. Mayor Blangiardi lights the Christmas tree
• 7:30 p.m. Sky Gate Christmas music

First traffic warning

The city would like to make the public aware of the road closures that day.

Crews will close part of Punchbowl Street from 11:30 a.m., followed by King Street late afternoon into the evening.

Beginning at 5 p.m., eastbound King Street will be closed at Liliha Street and Dillingham Boulevard.

Some of the intersections and streets that cross King Street may also be impassable, the city said.

Click here to view a map of the parade route.

Park

The city encourages families to arrive as early as possible.

There are limited spaces available at the Frank F. Fasi Municipal Parking, but you can also park in the following areas:

• Harbor village
• Hale Pauahi
• Kekaulike court
• Marin Tower
• Smith-Beretania
• Chinatown gate

Learn more about the Honolulu City Lights celebration here.

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