Event History
Christmas on the Avenue was reborn in 2022 as an effort to revitalize large community events and emphasize the importance of unity. Our community has faced numerous challenges that underscored the need to come together—to create a family-focused, safe space where we can celebrate, uplift, and support one another.
In a joint effort, Ahupua‘a O Nānākuli Homestead and the Wai‘anae Economic Development Council (WEDC) collaborated to bring this vision to life. With significant support from the community, the first event was successfully held in December 2022.
Now celebrating its 4th annual event, Ahupua‘a O Nānākuli Homestead is proud to serve as the steward of this incredible community tradition.
A special highlight of the event is Operation Blue Light Christmas, facilitated by Nanaikapono Protestant Church and the Honolulu Police Department CPT 8 team. Together with a dedicated team of volunteers and donors, they have distributed over 4,000 gifts over the past three years. This meaningful partnership between community, state, and county agencies has created a truly exciting and memorable experience—one that families look forward to year after year.
Economic Development
Hosting over 90 vendors each year, Christmas On The Avenue offers a valuable opportunity for many small “Mom & Pop Shops“ within our community to earn income during the holiday rush. Knowing that this single event can help sustain family businesses each holiday season is a great feeling for our planning committee.
Homestead Legacies
In 2023, a group of COTA planners led the charge on a community research project to identify the original families of the Nanakuli Homestead. Celebrating 93 years in 2023, these leaders plan to continue building community connections with the goal of developing a database where the community can trace their lineal connections.
The current list that was compiled is on display at the Nanakuli Public Library, where community members can view it and obtain more information about this community connection. We’ll continue to work on this project in anticipation of the Centennial celebration in 2030.
Community Connections
An integral part of the success of this event has been its partnership with the Nanaikapono Protestant Church, its members, and the Honolulu Police Department's CPT unit. Over the past three years, they have successfully gathered thousands of gifts for kids of all ages to receive at the annual Christmas On The Avenue event.
In 2024, they collected 2,024 gifts to distribute to kids who visited their booth with a parent or guardian. This wonderful work has helped build the community’s trust in the event, its organizers, and the various partners who bring it to life each holiday season.
Additionally, we have collaborated with many schools and other community organizations to ensure safety and provide ample space to accommodate the large crowd this event attracts. These vital partnerships enable us to adequately host this event by offering space, volunteer groups, and graciously allowing us to hold it on the avenue.
