Photo: Andrea Lee
Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice presented by American Savings Bank is back this year with even more holiday cheer, namely an indoor ice rink. From Thursday, December 4th through Sunday, January 4th, the Hawaii’i Convention Center exhibit hall will be transformed into a multi-sensory experience with holiday music, lighting and themed events.
Plan a date night or family outing to explore the 56,000 square foot wonderland. You’ll walk through dazzling tunnels of light, see a new immersive theater show produced by acclaimed art collective ARTECHOUSE, sip hot cocoa and slide on ice. Of course, there are also plenty of photo opportunities in front of larger-than-life displays and backdrops.
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SEE ALSO: The ultimate guide to holiday events on O’ahu
Photo: Andrea Lee
how much does it cost
Ticket prices range from $31.50 to $52 for adults (13+) and $21.50 to $31.50 for keiki (ages 2-13) with options for ice skating add-ons. Children under two are free. There are senior, military and group discounts.
Tickets are reserved every half hour, every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Opening hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m
- Friday and Saturday: from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m
VIP tickets are $77 and include flexible entry time, ice skating and an exclusive gift.
SEE ALSO: Local holiday markets and craft fairs on O’ahu are not to be missed
Photo: Laura Dornbush
Where to park
Parking in the Hawai’i Convention Center garage is $15 per entry.
What to do and see
Stroll through a whimsical world on snowy and tree-lined paths, take photos and relax with a festive drink. Keiki will enjoy the magic of bounce houses, soft play areas, a holiday movie theater and a Letter to Santa station.
Photo: Andrea Lee
If your ticket includes ice skating, strap on your rental skates (cost included) and glide across the 8,000 square foot surface. From Monday to Thursday, you will have unlimited skating time on the ice. From Friday to Sunday, you will be limited to 90 minutes of skating time. If it’s your first time, take advantage of the skate aids and helmets on site.
Sip on classic holiday drinks as well as beer, wine and sodas. Seasonal treats will also be available for purchase. ‘Twas the Light Gift Shop will sell unique designer items including wearable keepsakes, ceramic hot cocoa mugs, ornaments and more. New this year, shop local at the American Savings Bank Holiday Marketplace, featuring homegrown vendors and makers on Saturdays and Sundays through December.
There will be several days of special events included with regular admission:
Little boy time
Monday December 8 and Monday December 22, at 9 am
Enjoy a cozy, kid-friendly atmosphere full of holiday fun, perfect for young imaginations.
Wine Wednesday Pau Hana Specials
Every Wednesday, from 4 to 8 p.m
Have a glass of wine at a reduced price.
Skate with entertaining storybook characters
Every Friday, from 6 to 7 p.m
Friday, December 13, from 6 to 9 p.m., Swifty Skate Party
Friday, December 19, from 6 to 8 p.m., K-Pop Night
Meet and skate with a variety of characters.
Story time and crafts
Every Sunday, at 10 a.m
Holiday stories come to life in this special moment for little ones.
American Savings Bank Buy local Marketplace
Saturday and Sunday until December 21, all day
Support small businesses and artisans in this pop-up shopping experience.
Photo: Laura Dornbush
Meet and greet Santa
Saturday and Sunday until December 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m
Meet the man of the hour, share your wish list, take a photo together and receive a gift from Honolulu Cookie Company.
Photo: Andrea Lee
What to eat and buy
Sip on classic holiday drinks like hot cocoa ($6), eggnog ($8/$14) and peppermint coffee ($6), as well as beer, wine and sodas. Don’t miss the signature cocktails ($15), including the Cranky Saint Nick made with whiskey, sweet and sour cranberry juice or the Frosted Lemonade with gin, mint schnapps and lemonade. Seasonal treats will also be available for purchase, including charcuterie and cheese ($8), Christmas cookies ($8), chocolates ($12) and more.
The ‘Twas the Light gift shop will sell more than a dozen exclusive items, including wearable souvenirs, ceramic hot cocoa mugs, ornaments and more.
Photo: Andrea Lee
Tips
- Save a few dollars by booking tickets for a weekday (Monday to Thursday) as weekend dates are more expensive.
- For an evening date, reserve a time slot later in the evening after families have gone home to bed.
- The experience requires some walking, so bring a stroller or baby carrier for young keiki.
- Pack light as backpacks, duffel bags and outside food and drink will not be allowed.
- It’s a little chilly in space, so bring a light jacket or sweater if you tend to get cold.
- Wear ice skating socks. If you forget, socks will also be available for purchase on site.
- Rental skates are said to run true to size, but you may want to go down a size for a perfect fit. Some sizes may not be available.
- The ice will re-emerge every odd hour (ie 12:00, 14:00, 16:00), and the process takes up to 30 minutes, so plan accordingly.
- Make a stay! Prince Waikīkī offers one stay package which includes ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice tickets as well as tram tickets to see them Honolulu city lights.
‘Twas the Light Before Christmas, Thursday, December 4th through Sunday, January 4th, Hawai’i Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, alohaimmersive.com, @ TWO. HOW
Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine. @ldornbush
