Here are 9 Big Island theater moments to love this week (Dec 20–27)

Theater This Week: 9 island shows for Dec 20–27

Feel that cool December breeze rolling mauka to makai? Holiday lights glow, the air smells like plumeria and hot cocoa, and the stages are calling. If you’ve never watched aerial silks sweep across the historic proscenium at the Hilo Palace while the band hits a sultry swing, this is the week.

Saturday brings the shimmer: Tease the Season - An Aerial Burlesque Cabaret takes over the grand Palace Theater with high‑flying acrobatics and cheeky holiday cabaret. It’s playful, a little naughty, and absolutely electric under those vintage chandeliers. Prefer cocoa over cabaret? The same weekend, A Charlie Brown Christmas (Live on Stage!) at 67-1186 Lindsey Road brings Snoopy, Linus, and the sweetest Christmas tree to life—pure ʻohana feels, with live music and that gentle Peanuts humor.

Must‑see holiday magic continues Sunday as Jake Shimabukuro's Holidays In Hawaii lights up 38 Haili St. Jake’s ukulele sparkles like tinsel—joined by Jackson Waldhoff and Justin Kawika Young—to close out the Palace’s Centennial Year in style. If you crave even more after‑dark sparkle, the Hilo crowd also gets Tease at hilo palace theater—same aerial wow, fresh tease.

Quick picks by vibe

• ●ʻOhana & holiday heart: Cozy up with A Charlie Brown Christmas (Live on Stage!) and let the keiki giggle at Snoopy’s antics. Then share a memory‑making night with Jake Shimabukuro's Holidays In Hawaii at 38 Haili St—festive, joyful, and big‑smile beautiful.
• ●Culture under the palms (free): Monday brings two gorgeous hula shows. Catch Weekly Hula at Coronation Pavilion for kahiko and ʻauana storytelling, or sway with another Weekly Hula at 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr—both free, both full of aloha.
• ●Try something new: Loosen up and laugh at Improv Comedy Class at 15-1601 4th Street. It’s an easy Monday night reset—$20, adults, and a great way to shake off holiday stress.
• ●Feast & flow under the stars: Friday caps the week with two glow‑up gatherings. Paniolo BBQ Under the Stars at 69-275 Waikoloa Beach Dr brings live tunes, keiki fun, and that breezy Waikoloa night sky—free to wander and feel the vibes. Nearby, Hale Ho’aloha Lū’au at Mauna Lani at 68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive celebrates the stories of Kalāhuipuaʻa with music, dance, and ʻono flavors.

Insider notes

• ●December trades can be chilly after sunset—bring a light layer, even in Hilo.
• ●Palace nights: Street parking is usually easiest along Haili and Kīlauea. Give yourself 10–15 minutes to stroll in.
• ●Waikōloa evenings are breezy. A light wrap and comfy shoes make the lawn shows happier.
• ●Hula shows are respectful spaces—arrive a little early, silence phones, and enjoy the mele.

FAQ

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  Are any of these free? Yes—Weekly Hula at Coronation Pavilion, Weekly Hula at 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr, and Paniolo BBQ Under the Stars are all free.

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  What’s best for keiki? A Charlie Brown Christmas (Live on Stage!) is a slam dunk. The Monday hula shows and the paniolo evening are also great for ʻohana time.

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  Do I need tickets or reservations? Some events may require tickets or seating reservations. Check each event page for the latest details before you go.

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  What should I wear? Island casual works everywhere. Add a light jacket for night shows and comfy shoes for outdoor venues.

Ready for more? Come wander the full lineup and explore more theater events →. If you’re mixing moods this week, you can always browse more events →. See you under the palms, e hoa.