NOV. 17-DEC. 28

A MAUI KALIKIMAKA

On Maui, artist Al Lagunero had an idea for a little holiday art sale — and it's turned into an extravaganza. 'Tis the Season has taken over a space in the historic Kahului Railroad Building at 101 Ka'ahumanu Highway (across from Maui Mall), and is, Lagunero says, "a complete sense feast long lost in the commercializing (of) Christmas." Featured, along with Lagunero's work, which is rarely offered for sale, are a wide range of pieces, from hand-turned bowls by Todd Campbell to wreaths and tablescapes by Dee Christopherson, kihei pili ("blankies") by Ka'ili Christopherson and pearl jewelry by Valerie Crozier, as well as the Maui Culinary Academy's line of gourmet products, baked goods, tapa, pareu and fine crafts. Open Nov. 17-Dec. 28, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day. Information: www.tistheseasonmaui.com.

AUG. 6

ISLE OF SKYE

The annual Skye Highland Games were officially inaugurated in 1877, but the history of such competitions dates back hundreds of years before that. These summer Games incorporate a piping competition, a sailing race, athletic games and Scottish dancing contests. The games and dancing are held all in one day at The Lump, the rather unpretty English translation of the Gaelic name Sron a'Mill, meaning "the nose," a pretty green headland that reaches out into Loch Portree like a nose on a face and forms a natural amphitheater for the Games. The 2008 event is set for Aug. 6. Skye, off Scotland's west coast, north of Glasglow, is reached by a bridge (Highway A87) as well as a ferry system from the Mainland. Plan in advance for transport and accommodation as the island gets crowded at Games time. http://skye-highland-games.co.uk.

NOV. 9-13

DIWALI

It's Diwali weekend in India, the annual Festival of Lights. In its universality (Sikhs and Jains observe Diwali, too), its gift-giving and decorative traditions and the importance of sweets in the celebration, Diwali can be compared to the Western Christmas season. The holiday is celebrated for five days and features fireworks and the lighting of candles, oil lamps and strings of light bulbs; the light represents the triumph of good over evil. The goddess Lakshmi is honored and invited into people's homes during Diwali; crowds wander the streets to enjoy the twinkling lights. http://festivals.iloveindia.com/diwali/; www.incredibleindia.org.