There is so much to do in the Omaha area during the holidays! Check out our local holiday events calendar below and fill up your schedule with festive fun. If you have family coming into town one weekend or are planning a fun date night, skip ahead to the date you need ideas for on the drop down calendar. Or you might search for a specific subject in the search bar (example: Santa). Whatever you do, get out there and enjoy Omaha during the holiday season!
[tockify calendar=”omahaareaholidayevents”]
Holiday Poinsettia Show
Thousands of brilliant poinsettias surround a 20-foot poinsettia tree displayed at the Holiday Poinsettia Show at Lauritzen Gardens. Twinkling white lights, glittering ornaments and whirring trains make this a holiday experience you won’t forget!
For more information: Website
Admission: $10 adults, $5 children ages 6-12, and free for members and children under 6
Home for Christmas
Tour the Historic Dodge House and examine the gorgeous Victorian architecture and over 20 trees decorated for the holidays. The theme is “Home for Christmas” to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War.
For more information: Website
Admission: $7 adults, $5 seniors age 62 and older, $3 students ages 6 to 16, free for members and children under 6
Holiday Lights Spectacular
Enjoy a 20-minute light and holiday music show every night starting at 7 p.m. at Midtown Crossing’s condominium buildings. Get the best view by standing in the middle of Turner Park facing west, but parts of the light show are visible from the promenade surrounding the park!
For more information: Website
Admission: FREE
Joslyn Art Museum’s Holiday Under Glass
Visit Joslyn Art Museum during their annual holiday luncheon concert series to enjoy performances from college and high school musicians. The museum shop, filled with holiday gift items, is open daily, and Joslyn’s Café Durham is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information: Website
Admission: FREE
Milk and Cookies with Santa
Greet Santa and the Snow Queen at Omaha Children’s Museum for an evening of holiday festivity. Children will be able to decorate cookies, make crafts and play throughout the entire museum. You must register in advance at the OCM event page.
For more information: Website
Admission: $20 per child, $5 per adult
“A Christmas Carol” Play
Watch Charles Dickens’ classic play come to life as Ebenezer Scrooge takes us on a life-changing journey filled with beautiful costumes, exquisite music, perfectly crafted sets and special effects. Bring the whole family and save some money if you attend the play before December 15!
For tickets and more information: Website
Admission: Through Dec. 14 $25 for students and $36 for adults; Dec. 15 to 23 $29 for students and $40 for adults
Mrs. Claus Storytime
Children can enjoy storytime with Mrs. Claus at Learning Express and snack on mini chipper cookies from Paradise Bakery!
For more information: Website
Admission: FREE
Christmas Family Nights
Experience a true Victorian Christmas and take in the magic of trees decorated by local clubs and residents. Hot chocolate and cookies will make the night all the better!
For more information: Website
Admission: $10 per family (includes two adults and children under 18)
Holiday Trolley Tour of Lights
Hear a storyteller read “The Polar Express” as you tour historic Nebraska City’s holiday lights from within an enclosed trolley. Rides depart at 7 p.m. but additional rides may be added as needed. You must reserve your spot(s) by calling 402-873-8733.
For more information: Website
Admission: $10 for ages 5 to 12; $12.50 for adults; reservations required
“Peter and the Starcatcher” Play
We all know the story of Peter Pan. See it completely remastered as “Peter and the Starcatcher” retells the story about the boy who refused to grow up.
For more information: Website
Admission: $25 for the main floor, $20 for the balcony, discounts available for members
Merry Movie with Santa
Watch “The Polar Express” alongside Santa Claus and friends, then take candid photos with Santa and other holiday characters. All proceeds benefit Nebraska Children’s Home.
For more information: Website
Admission: $3 per person
National Poinsettia Day
Today is National Poinsettia Day! The first 100 families in attendance at Lauritzen Gardens will receive a free poinsettia. View the gorgeous display at the gardens and ask any questions you have about the plant.
For more information: Website
Admission: $10 adults, $5 children age 6-12, free for members and children under 6
Family Workshop: Gingerbread House Creations
Learn from a Whole Foods instructor how to create a beautiful gingerbread house to display during the rest of the holiday season. Admission includes enough materials for a group of four to create one gingerbread house. You must register here in advance.
For more information: Website
Admission: $25 per group of four; registration required in advance
“Frozen” Characters Meet-and-Greet
Bring your camera and take a photo with life-size Anna, Elsa and Olaf in Regency Court’s Center Court!
For more information: Website
Admission: FREE
Snowfall at Regency Court
Experience the magic of snowfall on the hour between 12 and 5 p.m. in Regency Court’s Center Court!
Admission: FREE
Visit Santa at Regency Court
The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Santa! See him amidst the holiday happenings at Regency Court any time between 12 and 8 p.m.
For more information: Website
Admission: FREE
Family Christmas Festival
Live reindeer sightings, a visit with Santa, cookie decorating and gift making? There’s not a more festive combination. Enjoy a magical afternoon at the Family Christmas Festival in Boys Town.
For more information and event locations: Website
Admission: FREE
Shadow Lake Carriage Rides
Ride a carriage down Main Street for some old-fashioned holiday fun! Get on board behind the fireplace in the center court of Shadow Lake Towne Center.
For more information: Website
Admission: FREE
Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration
Broadway stars accompany the Omaha Symphony for this magical, entertaining and romantic evening at the Holland Performing Arts Center.
For more information and to purchase tickets: Website
Admission: $19 to $83
Day with the Dodges
Step back in time and tour the Historic Dodge House and encounter costumed characters during your visit! Don’t miss the delicious desserts from the General’s Ladies in the grand ballroom.
For more information: Website
Admission: $7 adults, $5 seniors age 62 and older, $3 students ages 6 to 16, free for members and children under 6
“Of Wonder and Whimsy” with River City Mixed Chorus
Be filled with joy and cheer in the midst of the holiday season with “Of Wonder and Whimsy,” the opening concert of River City Mixed Chorus’ 32nd season. Enjoy everything from show tunes to pop songs to spiritual pieces from various faith traditions.
For more information: Website
Admission: $20 general admission; $15 when purchased in groups of 10+
Holiday Concert Collaboration
The Bluffs Arts Council and Omaha Area Youth Orchestras will collaborate during their annual concert featuring your favorite holiday music!
For more information: Website
Admission: FREE
Papillion Recreation Department’s Breakfast with Santa
Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast alongside Santa complete with storytime and a photoshoot. Hurry — tickets must be purchased by Dec. 11!
For more information: Website
Admission: $8 per plate
Hot Wheels Holiday Drag Races
Grab your favorite Hot Wheels car and test its speed at the Hot Wheels Holiday Drag Races. Don’t have a Hot Wheels car? No worries — a car will be provided if you don’t have one. You may arrive early to test the track if you’d like!
For more information: Website
Admission: FREE
“Mannheim Steamroller” Show
This mesmerizing show from Grammy Award-winner Chip Davis features classic Christmas hits from Mannheim Steamroller, an album that revolutionized the holiday season music category.
For more information and tickets: Website
Admission: $38.25-$78.25