Ready or not, 2023 is almost here! While 2022 held many incredible memories for us all, we’re looking forward to a brand new year, filled with endless possibilities. So it’s time to celebrate!
There are so many fun New Year’s Eve events happening throughout the Omaha area, from kid-friendly “Noon Year” celebrations to all-night dance parties for those 21 and up. Read on and choose where you want to ring in the new year and get ready for an unforgettable night!
FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
December 31, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
The Durham Museum, Omaha
Celebrate “Noon” Year’s Eve at the Durham Museum, where your little ones can enjoy live music from Dino O’Dell and the T-Rex All-Stars, special crafts, and other activities, like the celebratory bubble wrap stomp. Ring in the new year in your homemade party hat and watch the balloon drop at noon in the Suzanne and Walter Scott Great Hall! Tickets for the Noon Year’s Eve Celebration are free for members, $13 for adults, $10 for seniors, $7 for children ages 3-12, and free for children 2 and under. Register here!
December 31, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Omaha
Take a walk on the wild side and party with the animals at Noon Year’s Eve at the Omaha Zoo! From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., enjoy entertainment from Joe Cole’s Magic Show, exciting music, and an early countdown to 2023 with a mini beach ball drop at noon outside on the Desert Dome Plaza. All activities are free for zoo members or with regular paid admission. If you miss all the NYE fun, don’t worry — the zoo will be open on New Year’s Day!
December 31, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Omaha Children’s Museum, Omaha
Get an early start to the celebration at the Omaha Children’s Museum, which is hosting an all-day Bubbly New Year’s Eve Party! Activities include an Amazing Bubble Show, NYE crafts, characters, and bubble drops throughout the day. All activities are included with museum admission — while supplies last!
December 31, 6–7 p.m.
Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek
Unplug and enter the new year by getting a little fresh air and exercise with a rejuvenating New Year’s Eve Hike in Iowa’s beautiful Loess Hills. This guided hike concludes with a view from the top of the Hawkwatch Tower, where you can see the Omaha fireworks display at CHI Health Center. The hike is $5 per person and free for kids under 3!
December 31, 7 p.m.
CHI Health Center, Omaha
The last signature event of the Holiday Lights Festival is the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular! Fireworks will be launched from the CHI Health Event Center’s Parking Lot D and free parking is available at the recommended viewing areas — plus, all downtown Omaha parking meters will be free after 5 p.m., courtesy of Park Omaha. Produced by J&M Displays, the show will feature a musical score developed specifically for this event — so tune into STAR 104.5 in the warmth and safety of your vehicle to hear the soundtrack accompanying the amazing burst of color.
FOR ADULTS
December 31, 5 p.m.–2 a.m.
Barrel & Vine, Omaha
Barrel & Vine is hosting a special New Year’s Eve celebration, featuring live music from Lemon Fresh Day. VIP tickets include a three-course meal, five drink tickets per person, and complimentary champagne. And $25 general admission tickets get you in the door but do not include food, drink tickets or champagne. Click here for tickets and more information, including the full menu!
December 31, 7 p.m.
Throwback Arcade Lounge, Omaha
Throw it back at Throwback Arcade Lounge’s biggest celebration bash yet — their “It Was All a Dream” New Year’s Eve Party! DJ Rebirth will be mixing your favorite hits from the ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s all night long. Plus, there will be a huge confetti pop at midnight along with a complimentary bottle of champagne for each VIP reservation, which can be reserved here. There are $25 presale tickets available but reservations are not required!
December 31, 7 p.m.–2 a.m.
The Granary, Omaha
The Granary is hosting an unforgettable indoor/outdoor New Year’s Eve Bash, featuring heated space outside, party favors, a line dancing competition, DJs both inside and outside, a special event menu, and more. At midnight, there will be a complimentary champagne toast, fireworks, and Nebraska’s only live ball drop on the Granary Green! A $20 ticket gives you access to the indoor and outdoor spaces at Bushwackers and the Granary Green, the champagne toast, and party favors. And a $180 table includes a reserved table for four, plus four entries to the indoor/outdoor party, the champagne toast and party favors. Click here for all the details about NYE at the Granary — and to purchase your tickets! Ralston residents get free access to the outdoor party and ball drop only.
December 31, 8 p.m.
The Capitol District, Omaha
Head to the Capitol District for the ultimate Roaring ‘20s New Year’s Eve Party at not one, not two, but THREE amazing venues. Don your finest 1920s attire for Annie’s Irish Pub or The Exchange, or come as you are (country/casual/classy) at Beer Can Alley. A general admission ticket gets you access to all three venues, where there will be $1,000 worth of cash and prizes in the midnight balloon drop. And if you want to skip the lines, you can purchase a VIP package (tables, booths and lounges), which accommodates groups of 4-20 in all three bars. Click here for all the details and to purchase tickets!
December 31, 8 p.m.–12:30 a.m.
Saro Cider Lounge, Omaha
Ring in 2023 at Saro Lounge’s first annual New Year’s Eve Bash! VIP tickets for this 21+ event are $65 and include reserved seating, charcuterie and heavy hors d’oeuvres, one cider pour of your choice, party favors, live lounge music with Emily Bass, and a complimentary bottle of bubbly for tasting. Bar seats are first come, first served, and open to non-ticket holders at 9 p.m. with a $20 entrance fee. Click here for more details and purchase tickets here!
December 31, 8 p.m.–2 a.m.
The Slowdown, Omaha
Dance into the new year at the Slowdown’s New Year’s Eve Party, which includes DJs, dancing, and a champagne toast at midnight. There are a limited number of VIP tickets available, which include a private bar with 1-cent drinks all night long, balcony access, and an appetizer buffet from 8–10 p.m. Get your tickets here!
December 31, 8:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m.
Ameristar Casino Hotel, Council Bluffs
Ameristar Casino Hotel in Council Bluffs is an exciting place to be on New Year’s Eve! There will be drinks and dancing to music from Taxi Driver in the pavilion, as well as food available in the Sport Book. Admission to this event is free!
December 31, 9 p.m.
The Waiting Room Lounge, Omaha
The Waiting Room Lounge is hosting a Throwback Party on New Year’s Eve — a journey through the sights and sounds that shaped the ‘90s. Tickets are just $10 in advance, $15 at the door, and $40 for a five-pack! Click here for more details.
Happy New Year!
We hope you have a fun and safe New Year’s Eve!