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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Top Holiday Events In and Around Omaha
- Omaha Holiday Lights Festival
- A Christmas Carol
- Mannheim Steamroller
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular
- Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration
- Christmas at Union Station
- The Nutcracker
- Physicians Mutual Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration
- KETV Family Festival
- Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular
See these and even more events listed below!
Omaha Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at Union Station
What to Expect:
A 40-foot-tall twinkling tree and holiday celebrations from around the globe.
Description:
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
Omaha Holiday Lights Festival
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light displays spanning multiple parks.
Description:
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
Merry & Bright Poinsettia Show
What to Expect:
Iconic 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree and model garden trains.
Description:
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
Zoolightful at the Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
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
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular
What to Expect:
Choreographed fireworks display synchronized with music.
Description:
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
Bright Nights
What to Expect:
Illuminated indoor gardens with festive installations.
Description:
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
Omaha Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Modern Market
What to Expect:
Meet Santa Claus and enjoy local shopping.
Description:
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
Joslyn Castle Holiday Boutique
What to Expect:
Preferential shopping experience with local vendors, food, drink, silent auction, and live music.
Description:
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
Omaha Farmer’s Market Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with local artisans and farmers.
Description:
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
Omaha Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Mannheim Steamroller
What to Expect:
Blending classical music with new age and rock to create a unique holiday experience.
Description:
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
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Special performances include ASL interpreters and audio-described shows for accessibility.
Description:
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
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
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
Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular
What to Expect:
A perfect fusion of circus artistry and beloved holiday melodies.
Description:
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
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
What to Expect:
Live adaptation of a classic holiday special.
Description:
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
Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration
What to Expect:
Stellar cast of Broadway singers and dancers.
Description:
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
Physicians Mutual Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration
What to Expect:
Live performances by a 68-piece orchestra and Broadway stars.
Description:
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
Omaha Other Holiday Activities
KETV Family Festival
What to Expect:
Free Ollie Trolley service for transportation between venues.
Description:
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
Santa’s Magic
What to Expect:
Hands-on creative projects inspired by Santa Claus.
Description:
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
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Council Bluffs (4 miles)
- Bellevue (9 miles)