Omaha, NE, transforms into a magical holiday hotspot, offering an array of festive activities and events that cater to both locals and visitors. From the dazzling display of synchronized lights at the Holiday Lights Festival to the nostalgic charm of Christmas at Union Station's holiday displays, the city embraces the Yuletide spirit in unique and captivating ways.
Music lovers can revel in the sounds of the season at the Omaha Symphony's Christmas Celebration, while families enjoy a wide range of other festive experiences throughout the city. Join in the holiday cheer and explore all that Omaha has to offer this Christmas season!
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The Top Christmas Events in Omaha
- Holiday Lights Festival
- Christmas at Union Station
- Omaha Symphony's Christmas Celebration
- Christmas in the Country
- A Christmas Carol
- Gingerbread Festival
- Holiday Poinsettia Show
- Old Market Holiday Lights
- The Nutcracker
Omaha Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Lights Festival
What to Expect:
Massive synchronized light display across downtown
Description:
Omaha's skyline transforms into a dazzling spectacle during the Holiday Lights Festival. Thousands of synchronized lights illuminate downtown buildings, creating a breathtaking panorama visible for miles. Visitors can ice skate at the outdoor rink while surrounded by the glowing cityscape. This tradition began in 1999 as a millennium celebration and has grown into a beloved annual event. The festival showcases Omaha's innovative spirit, blending cutting-edge lighting technology with classic holiday cheer.
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Old Market Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Historic district decorated with vintage-inspired light displays
Description:
The Old Market Holiday Lights event bathes Omaha's historic warehouse district in a warm, nostalgic glow. Vintage-inspired light displays adorn the century-old brick buildings, creating a charming atmosphere that harkens back to holidays of the early 20th century. Visitors can take horse-drawn carriage rides through the cobblestone streets, passing by shop windows decorated with elaborate period displays. This event celebrates the Old Market's rich history as Omaha's commercial heart, blending modern holiday cheer with a deep appreciation for the district's architectural heritage.
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Omaha Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Omaha Symphony's Christmas Celebration
What to Expect:
Symphony orchestra performs holiday classics with modern twists
Description:
The Omaha Symphony's Christmas Celebration elevates holiday music to new heights. This concert series blends timeless carols with contemporary arrangements, creating a fresh auditory experience. The orchestra's skilled musicians breathe new life into familiar tunes, often incorporating unexpected instruments or genres. Audience members might find themselves tapping their feet to a jazz-infused "Jingle Bells" or moved by a haunting rendition of "Silent Night." The symphony's holiday performances have been a staple of Omaha's cultural scene for over five decades.
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Omaha Symphony's Christmas Celebration
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Interactive theater experience with period costumes and sets
Description:
Omaha's production of A Christmas Carol immerses audiences in Victorian London. This interactive theater experience brings Charles Dickens' classic tale to life with meticulous attention to period details. Actors in authentic 19th-century costumes roam through elaborately designed sets, engaging with the audience before and after the show. You might find yourself conversing with Bob Cratchit or receiving a stern glare from Ebenezer Scrooge. The production draws inspiration from Omaha's own history, incorporating local elements that connect the story to the city's past.
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The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Ballet performance with locally inspired set designs and costumes
Description:
Omaha's production of The Nutcracker infuses the classic ballet with local flavor. The performance features set designs inspired by Omaha landmarks and costumes that incorporate elements of the city's history. Dancers pirouette across a stage transformed to resemble Joslyn Castle, while the Sugar Plum Fairy's tutu sparkles with patterns reminiscent of Native American beadwork. This unique interpretation of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece has become a cherished tradition, blending world-class ballet with a celebration of Omaha's cultural heritage. The production showcases the city's thriving arts scene and its ability to reimagine classic works.
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Omaha Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at Union Station
What to Expect:
Historic train station transformed into holiday wonderland
Description:
Union Station, a grand Art Deco landmark, dons its holiday best for Christmas at Union Station. The former bustling transportation hub now houses elaborate holiday displays that pay homage to its rich history. Towering Christmas trees adorned with vintage ornaments stand where travelers once rushed to catch trains. You can explore model train exhibits that recreate Omaha's railway past. This event bridges the gap between the city's storied past and its festive present, offering a unique glimpse into holiday traditions of yesteryear.
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Christmas in the Country
What to Expect:
Rural farm setting with traditional holiday activities
Description:
Christmas in the Country transports visitors to a simpler time, set against the backdrop of a working farm just outside Omaha. The event celebrates rural holiday traditions, offering hands-on experiences like candle dipping and wreath making. The crisp winter air carries the scent of freshly baked gingerbread as families gather around bonfires to roast chestnuts. This event harkens back to Nebraska's agricultural roots, showcasing how pioneers and early settlers celebrated the season with limited resources but abundant community spirit.
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Gingerbread Festival
What to Expect:
Competitive gingerbread house building with architectural themes
Description:
Omaha's Gingerbread Festival elevates the humble gingerbread house to an art form. Professional bakers and amateur enthusiasts alike compete to create intricate edible structures, often drawing inspiration from Omaha's iconic architecture. Visitors marvel at miniature replicas of local landmarks crafted entirely from gingerbread and candy. The festival includes a hands-on area where you can decorate your own gingerbread creation. This sweet tradition began as a small community event and has grown into a highly anticipated annual competition that showcases both culinary and architectural skills.
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Holiday Poinsettia Show
What to Expect:
Botanical display featuring rare and exotic poinsettia varieties
Description:
The Holiday Poinsettia Show transforms Lauritzen Gardens into a sea of vibrant reds, pinks, and whites. This botanical extravaganza showcases over 5,000 poinsettia plants, including rare and exotic varieties not commonly seen in the Midwest. Visitors can stroll through themed gardens, each highlighting different cultivars and creative planting designs. The show educates attendees about the history of the poinsettia, tracing its journey from ancient Aztec dyes to modern holiday symbol. This living tapestry of colors offers a unique alternative to traditional light-based holiday displays.
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Nearby Events
Christmas at the Castle (Fremont)
What to Expect:
Medieval-themed holiday celebration in a replica castle
Description:
Christmas at the Castle transports visitors to a bygone era of knights and nobility. Set in a meticulously recreated medieval castle, this event brings old-world yuletide traditions to life. Guests can participate in authentic period activities like archery or watching falconry demonstrations. The great hall echoes with the sounds of minstrels playing ancient carols on period instruments. This unique celebration draws inspiration from Omaha's surprising connection to European nobility, showcasing how holiday customs have evolved over centuries.
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Celebration of Lights (Bellevue)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display telling the story of Omaha's history
Description:
The Celebration of Lights illuminates Omaha's past and present through a dazzling drive-through experience. This innovative display uses light installations to narrate key moments in the city's history, from Native American settlements to modern-day achievements. Visitors cruise through a chronological journey, with each section featuring lights and sculptures representing different eras. The event culminates in a futuristic display, imagining Omaha's bright future. This unique approach to holiday lighting began as a community project and has evolved into a beloved tradition that educates as it entertains.