Honolulu City Hall

"Tonight, December 10th, 2023, I decided once again to carefully observe the extent to which the City and County embraced the real historical roots of Christmas through the ages. Christian music, the cresh, Saint Nicolas, and Christmas trees ALL have absolutely, iconic historic traditions. There was no discernable music tonight. The enduring, significant language of Christmas music was absent. Recognition of the deep Christian symbols such as the cresh was absent in the main hall. Then, almost by accident set way back from the road on the Mauka / Diamond Head side of the Honolulu City Hall back lawn shown out the blue words "Believe." I was stunned and overjoyed. I totally missed this set of Christian displays placed away back in the distance away from public view. I had missed these wonderful exhibits during the day. Now, that it was night their colorful Christian themes shone out. Personally, I was overjoyed. Yes. Thank YOU for allowing these meaningful displays. And, yet at the same time, I was deeply saddened. Here the main, central historical reason for why we celebrate symbolically and literally celebrate Christmas was pushed aside, commercialized, and literally took a secondary back seat. Therefore, my very disappointed, two star evaluation. Please don't get me wrong. The colorful "Christmas" displays and flowers in the main hallway were stunning. But, the displays in this large open room lacked historical meaning. So, I sat down on a bench, closed my eyes, in order to imagine cresh, high and lifted up above the adornments below. The large center stage imaginary cresh was of elegant Koa Wood. And, this still fresh with the Christ child morphed into one of Saint Francis of Assisi live animal replacement. And, both crashes were surrended with angelic and human voices singing "Silent Night, Holy Night," "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear," and other favorite Christmas hymns. I had to imagine it. But, for me, it took center stage and made all the difference in the world. Tonight, in my mind, I carefully, reverently turned a commercial, secular, glitzy presetation, into a truly classical Christan celebration. By deliberately fine-tune my mind, heart and soul, (and this special Christmas message to you, my reader), I enjoyed a truly wonderful, joy-filled gathering to honor the Christ child tonight. The reason(s) for my "two star rating" follows. Perhaps, in the future, Honolulu City Hall will simililarly reverently honor, but clearly identifying, and faithfully showcase the true, historical central tenants of this all-important highly extolled Christian event."

"Nice holiday decorations!"

"Mele Kalikimaka!!! Feel the Christmas spirit at Honolulu Hale. Free Family fun and photo ops everywhere. Don't forget to check out the wreath room as I did oops!!! If you have the chance to catch the trolley ride, highly recommended!!!"

"Came for the Christmas lights. Parking is horrible. Nice lights for the family to enjoy and take pictures. They also had a couple carnival rides. Horse wagon. And witness a marriage proposal"

"Nice place for a holiday show and walk with the family. Lots of lights and some opportunities to purchase food and beverages. The crowds were not too busy for Saturday 2018 before Christmas."