Here are 18 Big Island happenings to light up your Saturday (Dec 20)

Ever felt the trade winds cool your shoulders while drums rise with the first stars? Tonight feels like that. The longest night of the year is here, and the island’s lighting it up—from an oceanside dance gathering to aerial sparkle at the Hilo Palace.

If you’ve got one epic story to tell tomorrow, make it the dusk‑till‑dawn Winter Solstice Celebration. It’s alcohol‑free, donation‑based (bring $20), and all about community—firelight, movement, and that collective exhale when the sun returns. You’ll hear laughter carry through the ironwoods and feel the dew on your slippers by morning.

Two more that are pure holiday magic: Tease the Season - An Aerial Burlesque Cabaret at Palace Theater brings high‑flying acrobatics, cheeky sparkle, and live music to Hilo—think velvet curtains, gasps from the crowd, and that old‑Palace glow. And for something soul‑stirring and totally free, the 16th Annual Hilo Community SingAlong Messiah at Church of the Holy Cross turns the audience into the choir—voices rising together like warm breath on a cool December night.

Craving a golden‑hour groove? Slide into the Sagittarius Birthday Bash w/ PunaKat & Kascadence @ The Oasis at The Oasis. The DJs start at 5:00 PM—expect bass you feel in your chest and that barefoot‑on‑grass, pau hana energy. Looking for strings under palm trees? The free Kanikapila Monthly Concert Series at 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr is your sunset soundtrack—slack‑key drifting over the water with plumeria on the breeze.

Vibes today, your way: Night owls will thrive between the solstice gathering and dancefloor heat at The Oasis. Culture lovers can split the evening—choral chills at the Messiah, then swoop to the Palace for aerial sparkle. ʻOhana in tow? The sweetest throwback feels come with A Charlie Brown Christmas (Live on Stage!) at 67-1186 Lindsey Road—Snoopy antics, Linus wisdom, keiki giggles. And if you want a cozy screen‑time hug, Christmas Movies at Aloha Theatre at 79-7384 Mamalahoa Hwy is classic cocoa‑and‑popcorn energy.

Local’s notes:

• ●Bring layers—December nights can get crisp mauka, even makai late.
• ●Pack cash for donations and pop‑up snacks. Carpool if you’re heading Waikōloa side; parking can fill right at sunset.
• ●For kanikapila, a sarong or low chair keeps you comfy on the lawn.
• ●Palace shows do sell—roll in early for that sweet center‑orch view.

Tomorrow’s tease: Sleep in, then cruise the island’s favorite Sunday ritual—Maku'u Market at 'O Maku'u Ke Kahua: poke bowls, hot malasadas, and 170+ vendors. Stretch it out with morning flows—26&2: Level 1 Hot Yoga (Sundays) at Blue Dragon Hot Yoga, Sunday Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Krish at Hawaiian Sanctuary, or yin bliss at Yoga with Jared in SPACE. Aerialists, your playground awaits at Aerial Open Gym | Ages 18+ in SPACE.

Looking for more mele and merriment? Dive into more live music →, browse festive theater shows →, or snag ʻohana‑friendly picks here: family‑friendly →.

FAQ Q: What’s free today? A: The 16th Annual Hilo Community SingAlong Messiah is free, and the Kanikapila Monthly Concert Series at 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr is a no‑cost outdoor hang.

Q: What’s best for keiki? A: A Charlie Brown Christmas (Live on Stage!) is the sweetest family pick, and Christmas Movies at Aloha Theatre keeps the cozy holiday vibe going.

Q: I want to dance—what’s the move? A: Start early at the Sagittarius Birthday Bash w/ PunaKat & Kascadence @ The Oasis. Then ride the night at the Winter Solstice Celebration.

Q: Any wellness or mindful gatherings? A: Yes—Solstice ceremonies at Kalani glow tonight with Winter Solstice: Return to the Light at Kalani, plus Sunday yoga flows across Puna.

I’ll be out there chasing melodies and moonlight—hope to bump into you under the palms. If your plans shift, you can always explore more events →.