Your Insider Guide to ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas
Step into a 32,000-square-foot winter wonderland at the Hawai‘i Convention Center this holiday season.
Photo: Courtesy of Aloha Immersive
‘Twas the Light Before Christmas brings a fresh perspective on holiday cheer to Honolulu from Friday, Nov. 22, to Tuesday, Dec. 31. This first-of-its-kind, immersive experience is hosted by the Hawai‘i Convention Center and Paquin Entertainment Group, the same company behind the 2021 and 2022 exhibitions Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience and Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience.
Plan a date night or family outing to stroll through a tunnel of lights, watch an animation show in the kalaidaSCAPE room, listen to holiday music, sip hot cocoa, have a faux snowball fight and meet Santa. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to snap photos in front of magical backdrops that look straight out of classic storybooks.
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SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Happenings on O‘ahu
Photo: Courtesy of Aloha Immersive
How Much It Costs
Tickets start at $26.99 for those 14+ and $14.99 for keiki 3–13. Children under 3 years old are free. Additional discounts are available for students, seniors, military members and groups.
Tickets are for reserved entry every half hour, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
VIP tickets are $74.99 and include a flexible admission time, priority entry, choice of a cocktail or non-alcoholic drink and an exclusive ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas gift.
SEE ALSO: Can’t-Miss Local Holiday Markets and Craft Fairs on O‘ahu
Where to Park
Parking in the Hawai‘i Convention Center garage is $15 per entry. For a less expensive option, park two blocks away at Ala Moana Shopping Center (1450 Ala Moana Blvd.) in the Premium Parking section on the Waikīkī side of Macy’s. Use promo code HCC22 to get a 50% discount.
Photo: Courtesy of Aloha Immersive
What to Do & See
Wander through a whimsical world from one themed room to another. Explore The Fir Forest, encounter a snowball fight, make a special Christmas wish, take photos at the Naughty or Nice Selfie Station and relax with a festive beverage. You’ll be enchanted by 186 snow-covered fir trees, 22 larger-than-life lighting installations, 68 projectors and 33 feet of light tunnels. The experience lasts about one hour, but you are welcome to linger longer.
There will be a few special event days included with regular admission:
Toddler Time
Monday, Dec. 2, and Monday, Dec. 9, 10 to 11 a.m.
Enjoy a cozy, kid-friendly atmosphere filled with holiday fun, perfect for young imaginations.
Pajama Days
Tuesday, Dec. 3, and Tuesday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Come dressed in your comfiest PJs and enjoy a $5 drink coupon.
Slay the Holidays
Thursday, Dec. 5, 7 to 10 p.m.
Feel festive at this 21+ party with a drag show. A percentage of proceeds benefits the Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation.
Photo: Courtesy of Aloha Immersive
Santa Meet & Greets
Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22, 3 to 7 p.m.
Meet the man of the hour, share your wish list and take a photo together.
Ugly Sweater Day
Thursday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Dress in your tackiest holiday attire and receive a free signature cookie.
Photo: Courtesy of Aloha Immersive
What to Eat & Buy
Sip on classic holiday drinks, such as hot cocoa ($6), eggnog ($8/$14) and peppermint coffee ($6), as well as beer, wine and soft drinks. Don’t miss the signature cocktails ($15), including Cranky Saint Nick crafted with whiskey, sweet and sour and cranberry juice or the Frosted Lemonade with gin, peppermint schnapps and lemonade. Seasonal treats will also be available for purchase such as charcuterie & cheese ($8), Christmas cookies ($8), chocolate bonbons ($12) and more.
The ‘Twas the Light gift shop will sell more than a dozen unique signature items, including wearable keepsakes, ceramic hot cocoa mugs, ornaments and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Aloha Immersive
Tips
- Book your tickets early as the organizers expect popular dates to sell out.
- Save a few dollars by booking tickets for a weekday (Monday to Thursday) through Thursday, Dec. 19. Weekends and time slots close to Christmas are more expensive.
- For date night vibes, book a time slot later in the evening after families have gone home for bedtime.
- The experience requires walking from room to room, so bring a stroller or baby carrier for young keiki.
- Pack light because backpacks, duffle bags and outside food and drink will not be allowed inside.
- Enter to win free tickets through a giveaway on Instagram, but hurry before it closes on Friday, Nov. 22, at 8 a.m. HST.
‘Twas the Light Before Christmas, Friday, Nov. 22, through Tuesday, Dec. 31, Hawai‘i Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave., alohaimmersive.com, @twas.honolulu
