This holiday season on Kauai promises music, celebration, and opportunities for immersion in nature and the local community. If you’re visiting the Garden Island in December, count yourself lucky!
Here are the most exciting events and festivals coming to Kauai in December 2023.
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2023 Events and Festivities
2023 Lights On Rice Parade
Perhaps the most quintessential holiday event on Kauai 2023 marks the return of the famous Lights On Rice Parade. To give you a sense of the scale of this parade relative to the tiny island on which it will happen, according to The Rotary Club of Kauai, which organizes it, this year already has 60 units featuring more than 3,000 performers.
When: Friday, December 1st, 6 PM - 8 PM
Where: Rice St, Lihue
More Info: Lights On Rice
Old Kapaa Town 1st Saturday Art Walk & Ho’olaulea Multi-Cultural Celebration
If you’re looking for a hub where live music, food, local crafts, and more come together, you’ll want to stop by Old Kapaa Town on Saturday, December 2nd. This bustling multicultural event is the perfect way to kick off the month under the glow of the Hawaiian sun.
When: Saturday, December 2nd, 5 PM - 9 PM
Where: Kuhio Hwy, Old Kapaa Town
More Info: KBA Kauai - 1st Saturday Art Walk
Downtown Lihue Night Market
Old Kapaa Town does not have a monopoly on Kauai’s outdoor evenings. Further south, in Lihue, the Downtown Lihue Night Market takes over Kress Street on Saturday, December 9th. This outdoor tradition features food trucks, live music/entertainment, baked goods, locally made arts and crafts, and more. It’s fun for the whole family!
When: Saturday, December 9th, 4 PM - 8 PM
Where: Kress St, Lihue Town
More Info: Downtown Lihue - Upcoming Events
Wailua Bay Creator’s Fair
To connect with the local community on Kauai this holiday season, stop by the Wailua Bay Creator’s Fair at the Hilton Garden Inn. Designed to support local businesses, virtually all of whom suffered during the pandemic, the fair is a beautiful location to explore and find unique local products sourced from the minds of the community and the island you walk on.
When: Sunday, December 24th, 8:30 AM - 1 PM
Where: 3-5920 Kuhio Hwy, Kapa’a (Hilton Garden Inn Wailua Bay)
More Info: Wailua Bay Creator’s Fair
Kauai Local Favorites at Monkeypod Jam
Monkeypod Jam on the sunny South Shore is a place where traditional Hawaiian cuisine is served and prepared by you! This excellent opportunity for educational fun and delicious flavors appears twice on the December calendar. “Local Favorites” focuses explicitly on four historically and culturally significant dishes. After preparing the dishes by hand, you and the rest of the group will dig in together.
When: Friday, December 8th & 15th, 11 AM - 2 PM
Where: Koloa Rd, Lawai (Monkeypod Jam)
More Info: Monkeypod Jam
We hope you find this a helpful guide to planning your December on Kauai. As always, mahalo, and best wishes for your visit!
