Let's go shoot some photos at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19. There are lots of restrictions on camera bags (see below), but could still be very fun. Not sure what the line situation will look like for the boats, but if we go early, maybe we can go sink a drink later.

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Mark Your Calendars! "2009 Holiday Festival of Lights" Free Boat Tours of Pearl Harbor; Dec 18-20 from 6-8:30pm, starting from Arizona Memorial. See all of the ships/subs fully decked out in lights. It's a huge competition for them.

Free holiday Festival of Lights Pearl Harbor evening boat tours will be offered to the public on Dec. 18, 19 and 20. Boats will depart from Merry Point every 15 minutes from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Offered as a community service of the U.S. Navy and National Park Service, the boat tours will depart from the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center each evening at 6:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. An additional 8:15 p.m. boat will be added to the Saturday and Sunday schedule. Boat tours are free, but seats are limited and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis beginning at 6 p.m. the day of the tour.

The 30-minute harbor-side tours will feature Christmas music and harbor-side views of the many Pearl Harbor ships and submarines decked out with holiday decorations and lights. Due to enhanced security measures in effect at the visitor center, no camera bags, purses, handbags and/or other items that offer concealment are allowed in the center or aboard the boats.

Do not leave valuables in your car. Please note that cameras and videos are allowed onboard for photos of the decorated ships; however, photographing security activities such as the patrol boats and shore or water security personnel is prohibited.

Since it can become chilly, a light jacket or sweater is recommended. Be sure to arrive early to allow time for parking and going through the security check. Boarding for the boats begins 15 minutes prior to each stated departure time.

For more information, call the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center at 422-2771, ext. 110.