Omaha has a wide array of holiday events and traditions, including light festivals, holiday markets, and everyone’s favorite Christmas ballet — The Nutcracker! Whether you’re new to the area and you’re looking to explore this holiday season or you’ve called Omaha home for many years, these are the best holiday events to partake in to enjoy the festivities.
Season of Lights
Where? 3110 Farnam Street
When? November 17th-February 14th
Midtown Crossing is home to this vibrant holiday tradition in Turner Park. Stroll in the glow of the tens of thousands of white LED lights that are strung throughout the park and along Farnam Street. The beautifully adorned tree in Farnam Court is the perfect Instagram photo opportunity or you can snap a shot inside of Santa’s comfy sleigh. Visitors can enjoy a cozy dinner at one of the eclectic neighborhood restaurants. Choose from wood-fired pizza, pad Thai, vegan mac and cheese, or even wings! A range of palates can be satisfied in one convenient location. The kickoff of the Season of Lights event will be hosted on Sunday, November 17th at dusk. However, it continues through mid-February daily at dusk so you’ll have an abundance of opportunities to enjoy the display.
Meet Santa’s Reindeer
Where? 3615 North 120th Street
When? November 20th-December 16th
Want a chance to meet Santa’s reindeer friends? Check out the very real reindeer at Mulhall’s Nursery. Children and adults alike will love this tradition that brings smiles to visitors of all ages. This year, the nursery is happy to welcome Dasher and Dancer for another visit with their Omaha friends. The antlered guests will be nestled amongst straw in the fresh-cut forest at the north end of the greenhouse. Be sure to have your camera handy! For many local visitors, it’s tradition to snap a selfie with these gentle giants. The reindeer will make their grand arrival on November 20th and nursery visitors can stop by anytime during store hours until they depart in mid-December. After all, they have to make it back to the North Pole in time for Christmas! Nursery hours run from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM most days, with abbreviated hours of 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays. The nursery will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
“A Christmas Carol”
Where? 6915 Cass Street
When? November 22nd-December 22nd
Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without A Christmas Carol! For many, this is a favorite family holiday tradition. Watch as Ebenezer Scrooge takes audiences on a life-changing journey of discovery as he reveals the true meaning of Christmas. This must-see holiday event is complete with stunning Victorian costumes, festive musicals, and magical scenery that’s designed to transport you to another place entirely. On December 8th at 6:00 PM, there will be a special performance of A Christmas Carol featuring multiple ASL interpreters who shadow performers on stage. There will also be an audio-described performance on November 30th at 7:30 PM for the blind and visually impaired. The Omaha Playhouse will host a relaxed performance on December 15th, providing a sensory-friendly environment for those with sensory sensitivities. Accommodations include designated quiet zones, extra space between groups, warnings before loud, bright, or otherwise intense moments, and relaxed theater etiquette.
Zoolightful
Where? 3701 South 10th Street
When? November 22nd-December 30th
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is pumped to welcome the holidays with the return of the wildly popular Zoolightful tradition. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the zoo in a whole new light as it transforms into a world of immersive lands with dazzling light displays and unforgettable fun for the holiday season. Tickets for the event are priced at $16 and $20 for children and adults, respectively. The experience is suitable for a wide range of ages, from the littlest visitors to adults who love a festive showcase. Exhibits and attractions at this holiday event include the Polar Plaza, Holiday Way, Gingerbread Village, and Santa’s North Pole. Zoolightful is an after-hours event, so it’s not included with daytime zoo admission. If you wish to visit the zoo during the day and circle back for the evening event, you’ll need to exit the grounds at 5:00 PM and purchase a separate ticket for 6:00 PM.
Holidays in the Old Market
Where? 11th & Howard
When? November 28th-January 1st
Omaha’s original holiday tradition returns for the 2024 season. Visitors can take in all of the festivities as they traverse the brick streets adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. Situated in the heart of Omaha’s historic district, from 10th to 13th Streets and Harney to Jackson Streets — this wonderful light display creates a unique seasonal ambiance all of its own. There will even be a special holiday display illuminating the famed 11th & Howard intersection from all four corners, so snap a photo to remember the magic! Take a quick break for a hot toddy, a craft beer, or a seasonal cocktail, or indulge at one of the sweet shops selling sugar, spice, and everything nice. If you have some last-minute holiday shopping to complete, check out the array of shops where you can select unique and sometimes handmade items that are sure to delight the recipient this Christmas season. This year, the Old Market display strives to stay alight well past the holiday season. The current goal is to keep the displays aglow until March 13th, aligning with Daylight Savings, to extend the vibrant atmosphere.
Christmas at Union Station
Where? 801 South 10th Street
When? November 29th-January 12th
Unwrap the magic of Christmas this holiday season at Union Station! Kicking off at the end of November, there will be all sorts of festivities to enjoy at the Durham Museum in Omaha. Take a photo of the 40-foot twinkling tree that’s on display and make sure to pay a visit to the big man himself when Santa swings by the museum. Officially, the tree at the museum is the largest indoor Christmas tree in the city. The variety of holiday events occurring throughout November and December include the tree lighting on November 29th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, along with a performance by the Bellevue Little Theatre, cookie decorating, scavenger hunts, and holiday crafts. Advanced registration is encouraged, as there is a limited capacity. December 6th marks the Holiday Cultural Festival from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, where visitors can check out over 40 local cultural organizations that are displaying their crafts and traditional dress. Ethnic foods and gifts will be available to purchase.
Recurring Family Nights with Santa will also take place at the Durham Museum throughout December on the 3rd, 10th, and 17th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Families can enjoy a memorable experience with Santa Claus, where kiddos can share their wish lists and jam out to live performances by local musicians. There will also be talented local entertainers performing at the museum on Saturday afternoons and Tuesday evenings! To cap off the month, spend “Noon Year’s Eve” at the museum from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Children of all ages will love the special crafts and activities, as well as the celebratory bubble wrap stomp and balloon drop in the Suzanne and Walter Scott Great Hall.
Bright Nights
Where? 100 Bancroft Street
When? Select Dates in Nov & Dec
Lauritzen Gardens is excited to make your holiday season even merrier and brighter this year! Check out the floral display hall and the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory, both of which will be adorned with lights as the garden extends its hours into the evening to celebrate the bright beauty of the festive season. Invite your friends and family to explore the illuminated indoor gardens, including the 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree! There will be an array of festive installations that are designed to showcase nature in a new and unique light. These enchanting Bright Nights are a holiday tradition for many area families. Stop by the crackling fire to warm up or write a letter to Santa Claus and shop for holiday gifts for your loved ones. However you decide to enjoy the evening, you’re sure to leave with memories to last a lifetime. Bright Nights are ticketed events and are not included in regular garden admission. Members of the gardens receive a 50% discount on tickets! The event is priced at $15 for ages 13 and up, $9 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for kiddos ages 2 and under. J’s Coffee will be open on select evenings with an offering of seasonal cold and warm beverages.
Santa’s Tinker Workshop
Where? 500 South 20th Street
When? December 13th-15th
The Omaha Children’s Museum is excited to welcome all the little elves to the workshop this holiday season. As Christmas approaches, there are a ton of toys that still need to be crafted! Help out Santa’s gang and explore all the tinkering that’s required to make millions of toys for boys and girls across the world. Naturally, you’ll want to take a cookie-decorating break amidst all your hard work. You can even read a story with Mrs. Claus! Santa himself will be on site to take holiday requests if you’re on the good list. The Tinker Workshop event is held during regular museum hours. Admission is free for members and children under 24 months old. Tickets for non-member adults and children are priced at $16.
The Nutcracker
Where? 409 South 16th Street
When? December 13th-15th
Catch The Nutcracker at Omaha’s Orpheum Theatre on the second weekend of December. The visual splendor of the show, along with the charming storyline and entrancing classical dancing has been a fan favorite for generations. Hailing as the world’s favorite holiday ballet, visitors of all ages are sure to be thoroughly entertained. The performance takes advantage of the versatility of the American Midwest Ballet’s cast of professional artists and the polished ensemble of student dancers. Due to popular demand, there were added performances for the 2024 season. A few things to know before you go include that the Orpheum Theatre accepts mobile-only tickets — so no screenshots or printing. The box office at the theater opens 90 minutes before events and the lobbies will open to guests an hour before the performance. Seating begins 30 minutes before showtime. The theater is a cashless venue. Parking can be reserved in advance at the OPPD Energy Plaza garage or there are street parking options in the vicinity.
Holiday Poinsettia Show
Where? 100 Bancroft Street
When? Through December
Make sure to circle a visit to the Holiday Poinsettia Show at Lauritzen Gardens on your calendar this holiday season. Guests are amazed by the iconic 20-foot tall poinsettia tree and enjoy taking tours through the lush conservatory to see the Holiday Express. There will also be marshmallow roasting on the festival garden patio and gifts galore in the shop. S’mores kits will be available for purchase at the front desk, so let the kids make their sweet treats before they enjoy the outdoor games in the Family Chill Zone. There’s no holiday magic quite like that of Lauritzen Gardens at Christmastime! The onsite cafe will be open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM daily. Standard garden admission rates apply to the merry and bright celebration. Members get in free during the day, so join or renew today! Keep in mind that the garden closes early on ticketed Bright Nights dates.
Happy Holidays, Omaha!
We hope you enjoy the holiday season and all of the festive events happening throughout Omaha. From tree lighting ceremonies, illuminated zoo experiences, and even live reindeer — there’s something for everyone. Happy holidays to you and your family!