Photo courtesy Windward Mall

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for family fun. Here are a few of our favorites things to do; please click the links for more info. Let the holiday cheer begin!

If you’ve got little kids, hightail it to the Snowing Tree at Windward Mall. At the top of every hour, for 15 minutes, the Christmas tree in the Center Court spews out a “snow flurry” (actually tiny bubbles, but pretty convincing) to the great delight of toddlers and tykes who frolic and squeal underneath. There’s also a letter to Santa station – bring a stamp, write your letter and drop it in the box, and you’ll get a response from the jolly guy himself.

Speaking of snow, there will be 10 tons of it at Snow Day in Kapolei Commons this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with craft booths, free pics with Santa, face painting and more. Forty tons of flurry fun will arrive at Pearl Highlands’ Snow Day on Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Honolulu City Lights are back and the opening ceremony is this Saturday, complete with food booths, keiki rides, concerts, a parade and your opportunity to update the yearly picture in front of Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele. The City Lights trolley tours begin this Sunday, which I’m excited to try out with my kids for the first time. Get your tickets at Ward Center while supplies last. The Kapolei City Lights event begins with a parade, block party and lighting ceremony on Dec. 8.

No December would be complete for train-loving tots without a ride on the Candy Cane Train at Ala Moana Center. The Pearlridge Express begins its inaugural holiday ride this Saturday.

Watch Santa arrive by canoe on Waikiki Beach on Dec. 8 at 9:00 a.m. And, of course, snap photos with him at Ala Moana Center, Pearlridge, Windward Mall and Kahala Mall.

Treat the family to a performance of Christmas Talk Story, the classic holiday show from the Honolulu Theater for Youth.

Do your kids want to make their own gifts? (Tutu will love them!) Design some all-natural holiday crafts at Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden this Saturday. Or, make your own marine-themed gifts at the Living Art Marine Center this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids can make shell ornaments, jewelry and more, with free admission to the marine exhibits as well. At the Hawaii Nature Center on Dec. 9, make holiday ecocrafts from recycled materials.

There are also holiday parades galore. Find one in your neighborhood here.

This just covers the next few weeks … stay tuned for more merry fun!