Honolulu City Lights turn on Dec. 1

Every three years, new ornaments are created to dress the grand Holiday tree on the Honolulu Hale lawn. This year’s fanciful ocean-themed decorations were inspired by Shaka Santa’s snorkeling holoholo adventure to Hanauma Bay, featured in the event’s signature ornament.

Don’t miss the unveiling of the new ocean-themed ornaments and the lighting of the 50-foot tree by Mayor Peter Carlisle on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. on the lawn of Honolulu Hale.

Arrive early to get parking in the Civic Center Parking Structure as you don’t want to miss former Miss Hawaii Debbie Nakanelua-Richards who will emcee the ceremony and songstress Melveen Leed who will sing "Honolulu City Lights," a tradition established by promoter/record producer Tom Moffatt.

Island keiki are encouraged to look for other decorations on the grounds and inside Honolulu Hale that carry out the theme "Santa’s Underwater Adventure."

Look closely and you’ll see an 8-foot he'e, or octopus, spouting water in the Honolulu Hale fountain.

Holiday colored 9-foot sea horses greet you at the doors to the courtyard. Huge starfish decorate the building and the Christmas trees in the courtyard, created by city employees, are decorated with ornaments inspired by the underwater adventure theme.

"We wanted to have a whimsical focus this year," said Kaleve Iosefa, the coordinator of Honolulu City Lights for the City. "We hope children will not only enjoy the new exhibits, but will learn more about our island connection to the sea."

Presented free by the City and County of Honolulu and the Friends of Honolulu City Lights, the annual holiday celebration draws thousands to the downtown/civic center on opening night to see the "corridor of lights" followed by the always popular Public Workers Electric Light Parade, sponsored by Hawaiian Electric Company and Macy’s.

The parade will start at 6 p.m. in the Aala Park area and move down King Street. Dozens of decorated City vehicles, high school bands and sponsor floats, including two large Macy’s star balloons, will arrive at King and Punchbowl streets just as the City Christmas tree is illuminated at 6:30 p.m. Brother Wade of Hawaiian 105 KINE and Shannon Scott, Cox Radio on-air personality and promotions director, will announce the parade from a platform in front of Honolulu Hale.

PHOTOS: Honolulu City Lights opening night 2012