13 Events in Lincoln to Attend During the 2021 Holiday Season
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! You’ve likely already witnessed the holiday lights and displays popping up around Lincoln, and it’s only the beginning. Over the next few weeks, our city will transform into a holiday wonderland, hosting a spectacular lineup of holiday events from Santa visits to holiday plays. We’ve gathered up a list of the best of the best, so get out your calendars—and make sure to check them twice!
Due to COVID-19, event information may change. For the most up-to-date information, please click on links in the post below to confirm event details and to make sure it hasn’t been cancelled before heading out.
When: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays Through December 24, Times Vary
Head to SouthPointe Pavilions this season and enjoy a chat with Santa before dropping your letter to him at Santa’s Workshop. Beautiful photos will be available through Vantage Imaging, but you are welcome to bring your own cameras to snap photos of your little ones (or furry family members!) with Santa as well.
Get in the holiday spirit with Zoo Lights Powered by LES. The Lincoln Children’s Zoo will be transformed into one of the largest lights displays in the Midwest, featuring a 40-foot Christmas tree, over 30 lit animal silhouettes, holiday train rides, a tree canopy light walk, a 60-foot light tunnel and more! While you’re there, don’t forget to stop by one of the s’mores or hot cocoa stations for tasty holiday treats.
Bring your friends and family to Lincoln’s largest, drive-through holiday lights experience! Set up in the heart of downtown this season, this show will feature countless high-quality lights in vibrant colors, holiday props and seasonal characters. All lights and effects are synchronized to music you can enjoy from the comfort of your own car. Click here to get your tickets online.
You know the characters of this Dickens’ Christmas classic, but what if the message of the story wasn’t intended for just Scrooge? And what if if it wasn’t limited to just one holiday? Join the Nebraska Wesleyan University Theatre for a faithful retelling of the story and a glimpse into this iconic story’s lasting impact. Click here for more information on purchasing tickets.
Join Lorie Line during her first solo piano Christmas tour! Make plans to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas in an intimate setting with Lorie and her piano (and her featured vocalist, Maddie Olsem) at the Rococo Theater on December 8th. You can purchase your tickets here.
When: December 9-19, Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
While most holiday plays are geared toward children this time of year, this show from the Tada Theatre is a treat for the adults! When a down-on-his luck wannabe actor arrives in New York City at the end of the year, the only employment he can find is at Macy’s department store—working in Santaland for the holiday season as a reluctant but relentlessly cheerful elf. Newly christened “Crumpet”, this elf shares his comical journey with the audience that is based on the witty essay from David Sedaris. Click here to purchase your tickets!
Stop by the Lincoln Scheels to spread holiday cheer with Mrs. Claus and the Elves when you visit Santa at SouthPointe’s Santa Station. There will be cooking decorating, face painting, a photo booth, letters to Santa and more. And the best part? It’s completely free while supplies last!
Don’t miss this free, drive-through event at Oak Lake! Drive around the lake and stop by a variety of booths to collect take-home activates, participate in raffles, donate non-perishable food and winter clothing, and meet some of your favorite winter characters like Elsa, Anna, Olaf, The Grinch and Santa.
Visit the Cornhusker Council Outdoor Education Center on December 11th for unique, handmade shopping opportunities and interactive activities for youth. Here, you’ll be able to meet Santa, make a craft, eat some cookies and shop from a variety of vendors for holiday gifts! Youth events and Santa visits are free for current Scouts or $5 for the public.
Take a trip to Gateway Mall this holiday season for a musical performances you won’t soon forget. On December 11th, local performers like the Lincoln East Orchestra, the JF International Music Academy and Chase Dance will be putting on holiday-themed displays for you to enjoy.
There’s no place like the ballet—especially during the holidays. Join the Lincoln Midwest Ballet as they present a beloved holiday favorite, the Nutcracker! Over 150 dance students from southeastern Nebraska will star in the performance that will also feature a live orchestra and nationally known guest artists. Go see the Nutcracker brought to life! Click here to purchase your tickets.
Celebrate the holiday magic of Mannheim Steamroller in 2021 as they bring their annual holiday tour to fans throughout the country, reuniting the #1 Christmas music artist in history with its legion of long-time fans! Experience the music that has become the hallmark of the holidays and a tradition for generations of families. You can purchase your tickets here.
Drop your kids, grades K through 4th, off at the Lincoln Children’s Museum on December 23rd for a day of Polar Express themed fun! Member prices are $48 per child while non-members are $63. You can also add a meal from Kazoo’s U-Stop Café for $5. Click here for all the information and to register.
Happy Holidays!
What are some of your favorite seasonal traditions in Lincoln? Let us know in the comments.
There’s never a shortage of festive movies for your family to watch during the holidays. In a crunch, you can always turn on Freeform’s 20th Annual 25 Days...There’s never a shortage of festive movies for your family to watch during...There’s never a shortage of festive movies for your family to watch during the holidays. In a crunch, you...There’s never a shortage of festive movies for your family to watch during the holidays. In a crunch, you can always turn on Freeform’s 20th Annual 25 Days...
It’s that time of year once again when we come together to celebrate the holidays with our loved ones, enjoy sweet treats and, of course, cook a magnificent feast! If...It’s that time of year once again when we come together to celebrate the...It’s that time of year once again when we come together to celebrate the holidays with our loved ones, enjoy sweet...It’s that time of year once again when we come together to celebrate the holidays with our loved ones, enjoy sweet treats and, of course, cook a magnificent feast! If...
Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Normally, that would mean preparing a large feast for your family and friends. But, because of COVID-19, some of the holiday festivities...Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Normally, that would mean preparing a large...Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Normally, that would mean preparing a large feast for your family and friends....Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Normally, that would mean preparing a large feast for your family and friends. But, because of COVID-19, some of the holiday festivities...
Search 
