HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The holiday season in Honolulu has officially begun after a celebration Saturday that drew thousands of people to downtown Honolulu.

The city’s 55-foot-tall Christmas tree is now lit at the Honolulu Hale for the 40th annual Honolulu City Lights.

Hawaiian entertainer Raiatea Helm and Mayor Rick Blangiardi opened the celebration.

Spectators of all ages lined King Street for the Public Workers’ Electric Light Parade and saw bands, floats and brightly colored vehicles.

It’s a tradition that gets many families and couples in the holiday spirit.

The city is celebrating the 40th anniversary of this iconic holiday celebration with a few new additions to this year’s dazzling displays: 250 feet of lighted tunnels, 50 trees decorated with lights throughout the grounds and a train for keiki rides.

Of course, traditional and popular icons remain. Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele are still relaxing on the fountain in front of City Hall.

Honolulu City Lights is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the grounds of the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center and runs through December.

Various family-friendly events are planned with the kind support of the Friends of Honolulu City Lights.

Find out more here.

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