Maui Christmas & Holiday Events Guide — Family Fun Through New Year’s Eve
There’s no better place to celebrate the holidays than Maui, where aloha spirit meets festive fun in a tropical setting! Whether you’re here for Christmas, exploring the island with Kids, or soaking up sunsets with family, Maui hosts a lineup of cheerful, family-friendly events happening now through New Year’s Eve. From festive markets and photos with Santa to live entertainment and local cultural celebrations, this guide will help you plan the perfect holiday adventure during your Maui vacation.
Whalers Village Holiday Fun
🍿 Holiday Movie Nights — Outdoor Films Under the Stars
Watch classic and festive family movies each weekend just after sunset in the ‘Ohana Courtyard at Whalers Village. This free outdoor event is perfect for kids and adults alike — bring the whole ʻohana and enjoy seasonal favorites with a tropical twist! Whalers Village
⛵ Holiday Happenings & Festivities
Throughout the season, Whalers Village celebrates the holidays with festive décor and family-friendly experiences — including seasonal menus at oceanfront restaurants and opportunities to meet Santa as he arrives by catamaran on December 20th. Whalers Village
🌌 Stargazing Nights at Beachwalk Lawn
Enjoy an evening under Maui’s brilliant skies with guided stargazing at Whalers Village’s Beachwalk Lawn. Peer through telescopes and explore planets, constellations, and celestial wonders — a magical way to spend a warm Maui night with the family. Whalers Village
Special Island Holiday Events
🎄 Slappy Cakes Maui — Visits from The Grinch & Santa
Slappy Cakes Maui in Lahaina welcomes the holidays with festive character experiences this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day:
“Catch the Grinch” breakfast with holiday specials and Grinch appearances — fun for kids and pancake lovers!
Santa’s visit on Christmas morning with photos and small surprises for keiki (while supplies last).
Both events are free to attend during regular breakfast hours (no reservation required). Maui Now
🎤 Kīhei Christmas Carol Walking Tour
Stroll through scenic Kīhei at sunset on this joyful guided Christmas Carol Tour hosted by Maui Walking Tours. Local carolers serenade guests along the oceanfront route, blending holiday spirit with beautiful island views — a uniquely Maui way to celebrate the season! Advance reservation recommended. Maui Now
Stage Shows & Live Performances
🩰 Nutcracker Sweets — Holiday Ballet
A Maui holiday tradition returns with Nutcracker Sweets at the Historic ʻĪao Theater in Wailuku — a family-friendly ballet performance featuring Clara’s magical journey through the Land of Sweets. With multiple showings through the third week of December, it’s a lovely way to share holiday tradition with kids of all ages. Maui Now
More Holiday Happenings Across the Island
🎉 Holiday Programming at The Ritz-Carlton Maui
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is hosting family-friendly holiday programming throughout December, including:
Mix & Mingle Holiday Marketplace with local artisans, live music, hula performances, and photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus.
Menorah Lighting Ceremony for a cultural holiday celebration.
Weekly cultural experiences, live music, scenic lawn activities, and more.
These events are free or accessible for guests and are perfect for those seeking festive island traditions during their Maui getaway. Maui Now
🎄 Mele Kalikimaka Magic at Maui Mall Village (Kahului)
Celebrate the season with Mele Kalikimaka Magic, a lively holiday event perfect for families. Enjoy photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live seasonal performances (including holiday hula and Tahitian dance), and festive entertainment — all in a cheerful mall-village setting. Bring a non-perishable food donation to support the Season of Giving food drive for the Maui Food Bank. Maui Family Magazine+1
🗓 Happening Saturdays through December
📸 Includes a Winter Glow Dome photo booth for memorable family photos with Santa. Maui Now
🎨 Sea Glass Christmas Tree Workshop — Paia
Get hands-on at this creative holiday workshop where families can make illuminated sea glass Christmas trees together. Perfect for kids (ages 4+) and adults, this festive craft makes a beautiful keepsake from your Maui vacation. Maui Now
Plan Your Maui Holiday Getaway
Whether you’re visiting for Christmas week or celebrating New Year’s in paradise, Maui’s holiday lineup is full of joy and aloha. From festive outdoor movies and crafts to music, character visits, and cultural performances, there’s something special for every member of the ʻohana.
