Last updated: November 11, 2024
Your perfect guide to the holidays in Omaha is here! Explore the best festive events and attractions. For those who wake up to Omaha views and those just dreaming of them, our guide brings holiday wishes to life.
Popular events this season include the Omaha Holiday Lights Festival, where twinkling lights and vibrant displays transform the city into a winter wonderland. Another highlight is Mannheim Steamroller, featuring their signature blend of classical and contemporary music that brings holiday classics to life. And the timeless tale brought to the stage in A Christmas Carol is something you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
A 40-foot-tall twinkling tree and holiday celebrations from around the globe.
Christmas at Union Station features a 40-foot-tall twinkling tree, holidays from around the globe, and Santa himself, with admission options for adults, seniors, and children.
Where: Omaha | More Info: Christmas at Union Station
Immersive holiday light displays spanning multiple parks.
The Omaha Holiday Lights Festival is a 25th-season celebration featuring dazzling light displays across 72 acres of parks, including Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park, and Lewis & Clark Landing. The festival includes a lighting ceremony, family-friendly activities, and a New Year's Eve fireworks spectacular.
Where: Omaha | More Info: Omaha Holiday Lights Festival
Iconic 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree and model garden trains.
The Merry & Bright Poinsettia Show at Lauritzen Gardens features a 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree, lush conservatory, holiday express, and family-friendly activities like roasting marshmallows and playing games in the Family Chill Zone.
Where: Omaha | More Info: Merry & Bright Poinsettia Show
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Zoolightful at the Omaha Zoo transforms into immersive lands with dazzling light displays and unique holiday experiences, offering unforgettable fun for all.
Where: Omaha | More Info: Zoolightful at the Zoo
Choreographed fireworks display synchronized with music.
The New Year's Eve Fireworks Spectacular at CHI Health Center Omaha features a dazzling display of fireworks choreographed to music, launched from Parking Lot D. Attendees can enjoy the show from recommended viewing areas, including CHI Health Event Center Lots A, B, and C, and Gallup Parking Lots. The event promises a spectacular send-off to the old year and a grand welcome to the new one.
Where: Omaha | More Info: New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular
Illuminated indoor gardens with festive installations.
Explore illuminated indoor gardens featuring a 20-foot tall poinsettia tree and tropical paradise, with festive installations showcasing nature in a new light. Gather around the crackling fire, write letters to Santa, shop for thoughtful gifts, and enjoy family-friendly activities in the Family Chill Zone.
Where: Omaha | More Info: Bright Nights
Meet Santa Claus and enjoy local shopping.
The Holiday Modern Market at Local Collective features over 30 curated small shops in Nebraska, offering unique, locally-made goods. Enjoy delicious food, snacks, a hot cocoa bar, coffee, and adult beverages. Meet Santa Claus and take professional photos with him both days. A portion of the ticket sales will benefit Angels Among Us, a local charity supporting families with a child battling cancer.
Where: Omaha | More Info: Holiday Modern Market
Preferential shopping experience with local vendors, food, drink, silent auction, and live music.
Shop in the splendor of the historic Joslyn Castle, featuring over 20 local vendors with gifts for every person on your holiday list.
Where: Omaha | More Info: Joslyn Castle Holiday Boutique
Unique shopping experience with local artisans and farmers.
The Omaha Farmer’s Market Holiday Market is a vibrant event featuring local artisans, farmers, and craftspeople selling a variety of goods including fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and specialty items. The market offers a unique shopping experience with a diverse range of vendors and activities.
Where: Omaha | More Info: Omaha Farmer’s Market Holiday Market
Blending classical music with new age and rock to create a unique holiday experience.
Mannheim Steamroller, founded by Omaha native Chip Davis, is the top-selling Christmas artist of all time, blending classical music elements with new age and rock to create a holiday institution.
Where: Omaha | More Info: Mannheim Steamroller
Special performances include ASL interpreters and audio-described shows for accessibility.
A classic adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" featuring stunning Victorian costumes, festive music, and a life-changing journey for Ebenezer Scrooge as he discovers the true meaning of Christmas.
Where: Omaha | More Info: A Christmas Carol
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
The Nutcracker is a holiday classic featuring 130 professional and student dancers, over 250 costumes, and lavish set design, making it a truly unforgettable experience for ballet fans of all ages.
Where: Omaha | More Info: The Nutcracker
A perfect fusion of circus artistry and beloved holiday melodies.
Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular is a spectacular holiday event featuring awe-inspiring acrobatics, gravity-defying aerial feats, and a lively musical mix of everyone's favorite holiday carols. The show blends the spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism of today's greatest circus performers with a heartwarming celebration that delights audiences of all ages.
Where: Omaha | More Info: Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular
Live adaptation of a classic holiday special.
Join Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on his heartwarming journey to self-discovery and acceptance. Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble, and other beloved characters as they sing along to classic holiday songs like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Jingle Jingle Jingle," and "Holly Jolly Christmas." This live musical, based on the beloved 1964 animated special, teaches us that our differences are what make us special.
Where: Omaha | More Info: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Stellar cast of Broadway singers and dancers.
The Omaha Symphony's Christmas Celebration features a stellar cast of Broadway singers and dancers, along with the 68-piece orchestra, performing festive favorites and Christmas classics under the direction of Maestro Ernest Richardson.
Where: Omaha | More Info: Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration
Live performances by a 68-piece orchestra and Broadway stars.
The Physicians Mutual Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration features a stellar cast of Broadway singers and dancers, led by Maestro Ernest Richardson, performing festive favorites and Christmas classics with the Omaha Symphony at the Holland Center.
Where: Omaha | More Info: Physicians Mutual Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration
Free Ollie Trolley service for transportation between venues.
The KETV Family Festival offers a day of free family-friendly holiday activities at Downtown Omaha's favorite attractions. Enjoy meet-and-greets with Santa, storytime, crafts, and book giveaways at the Omaha Children's Museum and Public Library. Other activities include horse demonstrations, face painting, and a scavenger hunt at the RiverFront.
Where: Omaha | More Info: KETV Family Festival
Hands-on creative projects inspired by Santa Claus.
Santa's Tinker Workshop is an interactive event where children can engage in hands-on activities and creative projects inspired by Santa Claus, fostering imagination and creativity.
Where: Omaha | More Info: Santa’s Magic
