Last night we headed down to the Honolulu City Hall area to take in the Christmas lights.  The first stop was at the Iolani Palace next door. (I can’t believe I forgot my tripod!)  It is so beautiful every day, but especially so at Christmas time when the Palace and grounds are strung up with paper lantern lights. I love it so much!

this was just around sunset.  then as it got darker, they turn lights on the building:

We walked out the side gate, where they were offering horse carriage rides for $60 for a few blocks.  (We did not ride) I caught this shot through the gate  of the lights with my super high tech bokeh shaper, heeee.

Every year, Santa and Mrs. Claus are sitting in front of Honolulu Hale (City Hall) and Santa offers up a friendly smile and a shaka.

The tree in front of the building

We walked around inside the building where they have themed trees decorated by different city departments.  My two favorites were the Super Mario Tree, which included all our friends: Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Bowser Jr., Yoshi, Bullet Bill, a piranha plant, mushrooms and Donkey Kong.  The other favorite was a made in the eighties tree which had 45s and record cover replicas all over the tree.  Some of the ones that made me laugh: George Michael, Samantha Fox, The New Kids on the Block…   We made our way to the back hall where every year wreath decorating contest entries are posted.  Here were a few of the ones that caught my eye.

We then went outside to the area where the trees were lit up so beautifully and got a few (not so great, but I still love ‘em shots) of the family.

and here are some random hearty shots of the trees. sigh, all those hearts make me happy :)

I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the season with those you love and those who love you!

Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah! :)

Love lOve and Blog You later,

Joscie, rhymes with bossy!