Festival of Lights Is Back

Elizabeth Freeman, founder and director of the Festival of Lights, inside the Historic County Building in Lihu‘e. Photo courtesy of Festival of Lights/Ron Kosen

The 22^nd Annual Festival of Lights at Kaua‘i’s Historic County Building Opens Saturday, Dec. 1 and Sunday, Dec. 2 from 6-8 p.m.

Then the following Friday, Dec. 7 the festival will feature Caroling with the Kaua‘i Chorale on the front steps of the Historic County Building from 6-6:30 p.m., with the Lighting Countdown led by Santa at exactly 6:30 p.m. Park Lights go on at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Lights on Rice Parade.

Step inside the Historic County Building and let the magic begin! It’s the best place on Kaua‘i for photos with Santa. Free! See the most beautiful display of handmade up-cycled Kaua‘i-style decorations. Holiday fun for everyone!

The crew at the Historic County Building on the last night of the 2017 Festival of Lights. Contributed photo

“Santa’s Gone Kauaian” at the Festival of Lights! In the twinkling interior look for the new “Fire and Rain Tree,” the Hokule‘a Aloha Tree, the dazzling Kaua‘i Mermaid Kingdom, the “If Can, Can Tree,” the Santa Train and everybody’s favorites: the Spam Can Tree! See if you can find Rudolf the Rednosed Rooster pulling Santa’s sleigh. And don’t miss the glorious collection of Christmas Folk Art created by Auntie Josie Chansky.

Beat the Crowds! Delightful Festival of Lights Holiday Postcards free to those who come in Dec. 1 and 2, and 8 and 9!

Throughout December, the Festival of Lights is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 6-8 p.m. through Dec.24. It is open on Christmas Eve. After Christmas, it will be open on Saturday, Dec. 29 from 6-8 p.m.

The beautiful lights in the Historic County Building Park can be seen every evening from Dec. 1 through New Year’s Day.

Questions or to request assistance or auxiliary aid to view the Festival of Lights, contact Festival of Lights Director Elizabeth Freeman at (808) 639-8564 or by email at friends@thefestivaloflights.info

The Festival of Lights is sponsored by the County of Kaua‘i, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, HouseMart Ace and Crafts, KQNG and the Friends of the Festival of Lights.

Lights on at the county building. Photo courtesy of Festival of Lights

The Clauses and the Festival of Lights lady, 2011. L-R: Michael Patton as Santa; Elizabeth Freeman, festival head; and Jewels Tidwell as Mrs. Claus. Cover photo by Danny Hashimoto

The late Aunty Josie Chansky and Elizabeth Freeman, Festival of Lights founder and art-director. Photo by Tim DeLaVega

The new attraction this year, the Undersea Mermaid Sand Castle, a concept developed by artist Rizalyn Llego Ogata. Photo courtesy of Festival of Lights/Ron Kosen

The Historic County Building in Lihu‘e dressed up in lights for the annual Festival of Lights. Contributed photo

Firefighters from the Kaua‘i Fire Department are some of the volunteers who help put the Festival of Lights together year after year. Photo courtesy of Festival of Lights/Ron Kosen