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!
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Omaha Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at Union Station
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.
Omaha Holiday Lights Festival
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.
Merry & Bright Poinsettia Show
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.
Zoolightful at the Zoo
Zoolightful at the Omaha Zoo transforms into immersive lands with dazzling light displays and unique holiday experiences, offering unforgettable fun for all.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular
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.
Bright Nights
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.
Omaha Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Modern Market
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.
Joslyn Castle Holiday Boutique
Shop in the splendor of the historic Joslyn Castle, featuring over 20 local vendors with gifts for every person on your holiday list.
Omaha Farmer’s Market Holiday Market
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.
Omaha Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Mannheim Steamroller
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.
A Christmas Carol
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.
The Nutcracker
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.
Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular
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.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
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.
Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration
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.
Physicians Mutual Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration
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.
Omaha Other Holiday Activities
KETV Family Festival
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.
Santa’s Magic
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.
