We devoted this week’s TGIF cover story to holiday shopping, since we’ll probably all be spending considerable time at the malls through Christmas.

Relief from the retail frenzy may be in order, so we’ve rounded up the biggest family-friendly events and activities happening these next few weeks at Ala Moana Center, Kahala Mall, Pearlridge Center, Ward Centers, Windward Mall, Waikele Premium Outlets and Kapolei Shopping Center.
Ala Moana Center
THANKSGETTING DAY, the mall opens at 6 a.m. today, with stores offering special deals all day. Visit alamoanacenter.com to print out coupons for free valet parking along with a “cheat sheet” listing all the store deals. Plus, there will be six “Refresh” stations throughout the mall on Black Friday, offering free bottled water and a chance to win prizes, including a trip for two to Maui. Centerstage entertainment all day. 955-9517.
CANDY CANE TRAIN, although the musical production “The Christmas Gift of Aloha” won’t be performed this year, the popular Candy Cane train will still take keiki on sing-along journeys through the mall today through Dec. 27. Check alamoanacenter.com for times; train depot on Mall Level 2; $7 per ride, ages 12 and under; 955-9517.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA, keiki of all ages can pose with Santa from 10 a.m. daily through Dec. 24. Photo packages start at $17; Street Level 1 across from Centerstage.
MELE TREES OF LIGHT, lighted tree display with five spectacular trees synchronized to holiday tunes, including a 24-foot tree. Runs for 10 minutes every hour, 6 p.m.-closing, through Dec. 24; Center Court.
KAPIçOLANI COMMUNITY COLLEGE CHORUS & HULA ENSEMBLE, a holiday celebration with classical and contemporary music; 6:10-6:55 p.m.; Nov. 30; Centerstage.
Pearlridge Center
BLACK FRIDAY, grab some coffee, because Pearlridge opens with some crazy deals early on Black Friday. With the exception of Toys “R” Us, (opens at midnight) Sears (4 a.m.) and Macy’s (5 a.m.), all shops will open at 6 a.m. today.
PEARLRIDGE EXPRESS, a train ride for keiki under 4 feet; no adults allowed. Daily departures every 10 minutes between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. today through Dec. 23; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 24; closed Christmas Day; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 26-Jan. 3; $3 per child; Uptown Center Court; 488-0981.
SANTA’S ARRIVAL AND PARADE, Santa comes to town in a holiday spectacle; 9 a.m. today; Downtown Center Court.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA, dress in your holiday best and pose with Santa; daily from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.-9 p.m., except Dec. 24, when the mall closes at 6 p.m.; photo packages start at $20; Downtown Center Court; 488-0981.
THE 18TH ANNUAL DEAF SANTA CELEBRATION, Oçahu’s only deaf and signing Santa will be on hand for what has become a special fete for the deaf community; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 10; Uptown.
KEIKI TUESDAY, kid-friendly entertainment on tap every Tuesday in December from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Chris da Clown (Dec. 1); Aloha Clowns (Dec. 8); Oogles N Googles (Dec. 15); Aunty Lisa (Dec. 22); and Paradise Jugglers (Dec. 29). Uptown, second level.
Kahala Mall
“CINDERELLA,” Hawaii Opera Theatre presents scenes from this musical production; noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. today; Center Court; 732-7736.
“HÄ: BREATH OF LIFE,” Polynesian Cultural Center presents part of the theatrical production; noon-1 p.m. Saturday; Center Court.
SEAN NAçAUAO, Mountain Apple Co. presents this concert; 2-3 p.m. Saturday; Center Court.
“HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2,” Army Community Theatre presents scenes from this musical production; 4-5 p.m. Saturday; Center Court.
2010 NARCISSUS PAGEANT CONTESTANTS, Q&A with contestants; 3-4 p.m. Sunday; Center Court.
HONOLULU BOY CHOIR CONCERT, the choir sings holiday classic tunes at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at Center Court.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA, digital photo packages $20; today through Dec. 24.
Ward Centers
LUNCH WITH SANTA, the sell-out event returns with a spaghetti lunch, magic show, balloon animals, Christmas crafts and more at Old Spaghetti Factory at Ward Warehouse; 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20; $13 presale; 591-2513.
PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA, include your furry friends in your holiday photos and pamper them with a doggie spa; 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 5-6; $15 for eight wallet-sized photos, additional $15 for an 8x10, two 5x7s or four 4x5s; The Pet Spot, Ward Warehouse; 591-8411.
HONOLULU CITY LIGHTS TROLLEY TOURS, jump on the trolley at Ward Warehouse and enjoy a nonstop, 30-minute sightseeing tour through the dazzling Christmas lights near Ward Warehouse, Downtown and City Hall; departs nightly from Ward Warehouse from 6:30 p.m. (times may vary); Dec. 6-30, except Dec. 24 and 25; pre-sale tickets (recommended) are available at Ward Warehouse ticket counter near T&C Surf Designs; $4.50 (keiki 3 and younger free); 591-8411.
Windward Mall
BLITZ @ 6: THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING EVENT, get great deals and enter to win prize giveaways. The first 500 people in line at Center Court will get a free coupon bag with dozens of special offers and a chance to win various prizes (must be 18 years or older); Lower Level Food Court entrance opens at 5:45 a.m. today; 235-1143.
HOLIDAY çOHANA CONCERTS, Windward Mall hosts top local entertainers at Center Court to serenade shoppers this weekend. The lineup includes Amy Hänaialiçi Gilliom 6-7 p.m. tonight; Maoli 1-2 p.m. Saturday; Hapa 1-2 p.m. Sunday.
DEAR SANTA LETTER WRITING STATION, youngsters can write a letter to Santa and get a reply (a 44-cent stamp is required to receive a reply); letter writing station open during mall hours at Center Court.
SANTA PHOTOS, bring the keiki to have their picture taken with Santa through Christmas Eve. Photo packages start at $17. Visit www.windwardmall.com for schedule and photo pricing.
ST. NICK’S PET PICS, your pets can pose with Santa; 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Dec 1, 8 and 15; photo packages start at $17; Center Court.
KHON’S LOKAHI DRIVE, drop off gifts to be donated for the needy. Live entertainment by Mailani Makainai and others; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 5; Center Court; 235-1143.
HOLIDAY SIDEWALK SALE, get ready for Christmas Day with a sidewalk sale and great bargains inside and outside of mall stores; Dec. 11-13; mall-wide.
çOHANA CONCERT WITH KIWINI VAITAI, 1-2 p.m. Dec. 12; Center Court.
Waikele Premium Outlets
MIDNIGHT MADNESS KICK-OFF, extended hours and stores opening at midnight (Thanksgiving Day); hours vary by store; 676-5656.
Kapolei Shopping Center
SANTA SATURDAY, free photos with Santa, rides on an antique fire truck, holiday crafts. Those 18 and older can win cash with the Money Grabber game. Also, the first 200 to donate either cash or canned foods to Hawaii Foodbank will receive a free poinsettia plant; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 12; 523-8316.