Experience the magic of the holiday season in Lincoln, NE, where festive events light up the city for both locals and visitors. The Lincoln Children's Zoo Holiday Lights offers enchanting illuminated pathways and animal-shaped light sculptures, creating a wonderland for all ages. Historic Haymarket Walking Tours provide a charming journey through beautifully decorated 19th-century architecture, blending history with holiday cheer.
The Star City Holiday Parade transforms Lincoln's streets into a vibrant celebration of Nebraska's cultural heritage. Whether you're strolling through dazzling displays or enjoying hot cocoa during the parade, Lincoln promises a memorable holiday season with activities that captivate and inspire.
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The Top Christmas Events in Lincoln
- Lincoln Children's Zoo Holiday Lights
- Nebraska Christmas Lights Show
- Star City Holiday Parade
- KZUM’s Holiday Market
- Historic Haymarket Walking Tour
- TADA Theatre Christmas Show
- Pinewood Bowl Winterfest
- Great Plains Art Museum Holiday Celebration
- Kloefkorn Elementary Holiday Bazaar
- UNL Campus Choir’s Christmas Concert
Lincoln Holiday Light Displays
Lincoln Children's Zoo Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive animal-themed light displays
Description:
The Lincoln Children's Zoo transforms into a glowing menagerie after dark. Visitors stroll through illuminated pathways adorned with animal-shaped light sculptures. Children can participate in a scavenger hunt to find hidden light-up creatures throughout the zoo. This event began in 2018 as a way to utilize the zoo during winter months. The twinkling displays showcase endangered species, educating guests about wildlife conservation while dazzling their eyes.
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Lincoln Children's Zoo Holiday Lights
Nebraska Christmas Lights Show
What to Expect:
Synchronized light show set to Nebraska-themed music
Description:
Nebraska's heritage shines bright at this unique light extravaganza. Thousands of LED bulbs dance in sync with a custom soundtrack featuring Nebraska musicians and state-inspired tunes. Visitors can tune their car radios to enjoy the music while watching the spectacle. The show pays homage to Nebraska's agricultural roots with cornstalk and tractor light formations. This annual event started as a small neighborhood display and has grown into a beloved state tradition.
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Nebraska Christmas Lights Show
Lincoln Holiday Markets and Shopping
KZUM’s Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Handcrafted items from local artisans and musicians
Description:
KZUM radio station's holiday market buzzes with creativity. Local artisans and musicians offer unique, handcrafted gifts that capture Lincoln's artistic spirit. Shoppers can browse everything from hand-printed t-shirts to locally produced vinyl records. The market showcases Nebraska's thriving maker community, which has roots in the state's pioneering DIY ethos. Live performances by KZUM radio hosts add a festive soundtrack to your shopping experience.
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Kloefkorn Elementary Holiday Bazaar
What to Expect:
Student-run holiday market supporting school programs
Description:
Kloefkorn Elementary's holiday bazaar puts young entrepreneurs in the spotlight. Students create and sell handmade crafts, learning valuable business skills in the process. The bazaar originated as a way to teach students about commerce and community involvement. Visitors can purchase unique gifts while supporting local education initiatives. The event showcases the creativity of Lincoln's youngest residents and fosters a sense of community pride. Student-led tours of the school's holiday decorations offer a glimpse into the next generation's holiday spirit.
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Kloefkorn Elementary Holiday Bazaar
Lincoln Holiday Shows and Entertainment
TADA Theatre Christmas Show
What to Expect:
Original Christmas musical featuring local talent
Description:
TADA Theatre presents an original Christmas musical that celebrates Nebraska's unique holiday traditions. Local playwrights and composers collaborate to create a show that resonates with Lincoln audiences. The production incorporates elements of Nebraska history, such as references to the state's role in the Pony Express. Audience members may find themselves humming along to catchy tunes that capture the spirit of a Midwestern Christmas. This annual show has become a launching pad for local theatrical talent since its inception.
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UNL Campus Choir’s Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Diverse choral performances representing UNL's global student body
Description:
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's campus choirs unite for a concert that spans cultures and musical traditions. Performances range from classical carols to contemporary compositions, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of UNL's student body. Audience members might hear holiday songs in multiple languages, showcasing the university's international reach. This concert has roots in UNL's long-standing choral tradition, which dates back to the late 19th century. The harmonious voices filling the concert hall demonstrate the unifying power of music during the holiday season.
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UNL Campus Choir’s Christmas Concert
Lincoln Other Holiday Activities
Star City Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Parade floats designed by local businesses and organizations
Description:
Lincoln's streets come alive with the Star City Holiday Parade. Local businesses and organizations showcase their creativity with elaborate floats that reflect Nebraska's culture and history. The aroma of hot cocoa wafts through the air as spectators line the route. You might spot a float honoring the state's Sandhill Crane migration or celebrating the invention of Kool-Aid in Hastings, Nebraska. This parade has been a Lincoln tradition since 1984, uniting the community in holiday spirit.
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Historic Haymarket Walking Tour
What to Expect:
Guided tour of Lincoln's historic district with holiday twist
Description:
Step back in time with a holiday-themed tour of Lincoln's Historic Haymarket District. Expert guides lead visitors through cobblestone streets, revealing the area's rich past and current holiday traditions. You'll learn about the district's transformation from a bustling market square to a vibrant cultural hub. The tour highlights how local businesses decorate their historic storefronts, blending 19th-century architecture with modern holiday cheer. This walking tour offers a unique perspective on Lincoln's evolving holiday customs.
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Historic Haymarket Walking Tour
Pinewood Bowl Winterfest
What to Expect:
Outdoor winter activities in a historic amphitheater
Description:
Pinewood Bowl amphitheater transforms into a winter playground for the annual Winter Fest. Visitors can ice skate on a temporary rink set up in the historic venue, normally used for summer concerts. The event pays homage to Nebraska's hardy pioneer spirit with activities like log sawing competitions. You might catch the scent of pine as you explore the grounds, decorated with locally sourced evergreens. This festival brings new life to a beloved Lincoln landmark during the colder months.
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Great Plains Art Museum Holiday Celebration
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed art installations inspired by Great Plains culture
Description:
The Great Plains Art Museum's holiday celebration merges art with regional traditions. Special installations showcase how different cultures across the Great Plains celebrate winter holidays. Visitors can create their own prairie-inspired ornaments in hands-on workshops. The event highlights the museum's mission to preserve and promote Great Plains heritage, which dates back to its founding in 1981. The celebration offers a fresh perspective on holiday customs through the lens of Plains art and history.
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Great Plains Art Museum Holiday Celebration