With the holiday season upon us, crews have been busy installing festive light displays in the heart of downtown and the island's tourism district. Here's all you need to know to enjoy the magical and uniquely Guam decorations. 

‘Tis the season, from Tumon to Hagatna. We may not have snow to ring in the holidays here in Guam, but we're celebrating with our own island spark. Crews with Hana, LLC have been hard at work testing the Guam Visitors Bureau's holiday illumination displays at Skinner Plaza on Thursday. 

GVB public information officer Lisa Bordallo says more of the Chamoru culture is being incorporated into this year’s decorations. "The vision this year is to make it more cultural. As you can see from our decorations this year, there are a lot more cultural symbol elements like the carabao and the proa. It’s a lot more whimsical too for the children down at Skinner’s Plaza," she said.

The festive decorations have started going up in Hagatna and in Tumon in front of GVB since earlier this week. Bordallo added that crews will continue to install displays all along Pale San Vitores Road. 

"Please do be careful," she warned. "There are decorations in the median and we don’t want people in the middle of the median taking pictures. But yes, please come down and enjoy it, especially on the 17th, when the governor will light up Skinner’s Plaza and enjoy. Bring your kids, it will be fun for the whole family."

The Governor’s Office will host the lighting ceremony next Wednesday from 7 to 9pm at Skinner’s Plaza, as part of the 4th Annual Governor’s Holiday Light Festival.   With the theme “Hafa Adai Holidays– Christmas in Paradise,” there will be festive floats, marchers, pop up vendors and much more promising a magical evening. 

"And when she does light them up on December 17, the Pale San Vitores decorations will be lit, as well," said Bordallo.

As for how much it cost? GVB board of directors approved just under some $450,000 for the decorations in Hagatna and Tumon.  Bordallo says it’s also “instant marketing” when visitors take and post photos, sharing that “Guam is brightly lit” around the world. 

"It helps to beautify the island especially during this season. Of course that elevates the visitor experience," she said. "They really love the Christmas season coming away from the cold from their destinations to a warm destination here. And seeing all the lights and decorations really brings about the festive season and the tourists really enjoy that."

For the time being, the light displays will be up in Hagatna and in Tumon until early January, giving families plenty of time to enjoy them this holiday season.