Mayor Frank F. Fasi created a free event that included a lighted tree on the main lawn, a decorated tree display in the courtyard, a holiday concert, and displays of light on the trees and buildings from downtown to the civic center. The first 50-foot Norfolk Pine was decorated with wooden white doves and gold balls and illuminated by flood lights. The official tree lighting ceremony was held on Thursday, December 12, 1985.

Honolulu City Lights returns for its 38th year of holiday cheer, setting downtown Honolulu aglow with dazzling lights and displays to mark the start of the holiday season. The opening night ceremony kicks off a month-long celebration of merriment on the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center Grounds.