KAANAPALI – The joy of Christmas in Hawaii thrives in that glorious moment where classic Yuletide tradition meets island-style delight. The perfect example? Santa Claus visits Whalers Village in Kaanapali.

From 3 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 5-6 and 12-13, Santa will greet keiki and pose beachside for free photos – his fur-trimmed red suit accentuated by an idyllic backdrop of sunlit sea and nearby Lanai.

It’s just a taste of the holiday fun at Whalers Village Fine Shops & Restaurants throughout December.

Strolling carolers will serenade shoppers from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. from Dec. 14 through 19, and every Saturday evening will feature a Mele Kalikimaka Show at Center Stage.

Live music will fill the air several nights a week, featuring performances by some of Maui’s most popular musicians. Highlights include Benoit Jazzworks on Dec. 4, 11 and 18; Barefoot Minded on Dec. 5, 19 and 26; the Maui Brass Ensemble playing holiday favorites on Dec. 9; Island Sounds with Mike Finkiewicz on Dec. 14; the Lahaina rock and roll band Fred’s Garage on Dec. 28; Holiday Cantata on Dec. 23; and Holiday Jazz on Dec. 7 and 24.

During the day, center stage will sparkle with only-in-Hawaii activities for all ages: hands-on coconut husking demonstrations; arts and crafts featuring Hawaiian artifacts; lei making lessons; cultural hula lessons; and hula lessons teaching the ancient dance itself. In the evening, the stage comes alive with a Polynesian Hula Show from 7 to 8 p.m. every Monday in December and a hula show from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17. All activities and shows are free.

Located on the center’s upper level, the whaling museum explores Maui’s seafaring roots and the heyday of whaling (1825-60) through whalers’ eyes. Visitors can learn more by checking out 45-Ton Whale Talks every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to noon, and by embarking on a free Marine Mammal Walking Tour (find all ten exhibits throughout Whalers Village and get free entrance into the museum).

For a complete schedule, visit www.whalersvillage.com.