KAILUA-KONA, HAWAI’I ISLAND—Sugarplums will dance in your head when the isle’s top chefs, confectioners and beverage purveyors offer tasty holiday fare at Christmas with the Chefs. Presented by the American Culinary Federation Kona Kohala Chefs Association and Sysco, the premier extravaganza returns post pandemic to the seaside grounds of Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2.

Chefs and local culinary students will delight attendees with plates of expertly prepared savory cuisine and delectable holiday treats—all accompanied by local ales, worldly wines, handcrafted cocktails and 100 percent Kona coffee.

Loose Changes jazzes up the evening for dancing under the stars fronting historic Kamakahonu Bay. A silent auction will tempt would-be Santas with an array of holiday gift ideas while supporting local businesses. 

In its 32nd year, the annual fundraiser benefits local culinary students attending Hawai‘i Community College—Palamanui and members of the Kona Kohala Chefs wanting to further their education. The silent auction is a benefit for the Palamanui culinary program through the ACF Kona Kohala Chefs and Jean Hull Endowment fund. Originating as Christmas at Hulihee, and moving to various locations over the years, the event’s scholarship focus has raised over $900,000.

Early bird tickets are sold online and available until Oct. 22 at $135 per person—$150 starting Oct. 23. VIP tables of 10 are $1,750—which includes reserved seating and table service. The host hotel is offering $10 discounted parking for all guests. Buy tickets at ChristmasWithTheChefs.RSVPify.com. The hotel is also offering a limited special room rate with benefits for event guests starting at $189 and available through the above ticket link.

American Culinary Federation Kona Kohala Chefs Association: ACF is the largest, professional, non-profit organization for chefs and cooks in the nation. Founded in 1980, the Kona Kohala chapter is comprised of food service professionals, vendors, growers and culinary enthusiasts. The ACF Kona-Kohala Chefs Association Charitable & Education Fund is a 501c3 non-profit organization. www.konakohalachefs.org.