Last updated: November 11, 2024
Embark on an exciting holiday adventure in Council Bluffs! Our guide has all the top festive events and activities. Whether you're a familiar face or a fresh visitor, our guide ensures you experience the holiday charm of Council Bluffs.
One popular highlight is Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops, where families can immerse themselves in a winter wonderland filled with festive displays and holiday cheer. The unique festive atmosphere and photo opportunities with Santa make it a favorite among locals. And don't forget Winterfest at Bayliss Park, which transforms the park into a winter oasis complete with twinkling lights and seasonal activities for everyone to enjoy. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Free festive celebration with Santa and live music.
The Elkhorn Tree Lighting Party is a free community event featuring Santa, live Christmas music, hot dogs, chili, cookies, s'mores, and hot cocoa. The evening culminates with the lighting of the Elkhorn Christmas Tree at 5:00 PM.
Where: Elkhorn | More Info: Elkhorn Tree Lighting Party
Cultural community celebration with diverse holiday activities and shopping.
Christmas in the Village is a cultural community celebration featuring holiday music, a live nativity scene, free carriage rides, and a holiday boutique with over 30 vendors showcasing unique merchandise.
Where: Omaha | More Info: Christmas in the Village
Interactive holiday activities with Santa and festive entertainment.
Family Nights with Santa offer a variety of activities including meeting Santa, watching model trains, hearing seasonal stories, making crafts, and getting face painted.
Where: Omaha | More Info: Family Nights with Santa
Unique blend of holiday activities and snow.
Winterfest in Bayliss Park is a community holiday celebration featuring a holiday lighting ceremony, Santa's Workshop, reindeer, festive photo ops, face painting, free hot cocoa, ice sculpting, outdoor movie, art activities, crafts inside the museum, live music, food trucks, giveaways, horse carriage rides, bike rides, and snow.
Where: Council Bluffs | More Info: Winterfest in Bayliss Park
Free studio-quality photos with Santa.
Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops offers free photos with Santa, holiday giveaways, and a variety of games and activities for families to enjoy.
Where: Council Bluffs | More Info: Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
Interactive holiday letter-writing experience for children.
The Letters to Santa event at the Council Bluffs Farmers Market offers a special opportunity for children to write their holiday wishes to Santa Claus. The event is part of a larger festive celebration that includes various activities and attractions.
Where: Council Bluffs | More Info: Letters to Santa
Interactive Santa and pet event.
Santa Paws is a fun event where attendees can interact with Santa and his furry friends, fostering a sense of community and holiday cheer.
Where: Omaha | More Info: Santa Paws
Hands-on DIY projects for kids with a certificate and apron.
At Home Depot, kids can participate in free DIY workshops every first Saturday of the month. These hands-on activities are designed for children aged 5-12, but all ages are welcome. Each workshop includes a new project, an orange apron, and tools to create a wooden masterpiece. Participants receive a certificate of achievement and a pin for their apron.
Where: Omaha | More Info: DIY Gingerbread House at Home Depot
Family-friendly holiday running event with youth-based pricing.
The Candy Cane Course 5K is a fun, Christmas-themed event designed for the whole family. It features great swag, chip-timing, live results, awards, free photos, and delicious treats at the finish line.
Where: Omaha | More Info: Candy Cane Course 5K
Unique blend of holiday activities and local entertainment.
Winterfest at Bayliss Park is a community holiday event featuring a lighting ceremony, Santa's Workshop, reindeer, festive photo ops, face painting, free hot cocoa, ice sculpting, an outdoor movie, art activities, and live music. The event also includes food trucks and a food court on Pearl Street.
Where: Council Bluffs | More Info: Winterfest at Bayliss Park