Planning a tour of the best Omaha Christmas lights? From dazzling tree lighting displays to festive neighborhood lights synced to music, here is where to look at the best Christmas lights near you!
- Best Overall Christmas Lights Display: Omaha Holiday Lights Festival
- Best Walk-Through Christmas Lights: Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing
- Best Drive-Through Christmas Lights: Santa’s Rock’n Lights
- Best Neighborhood Christmas Lights: Linden Estates
- Best Indoor Christmas Lights: Bright Nights at Lauritzen Gardens
- Best Christmas Tree Lighting: Christmas at Union Station
- Best Self-Guided Christmas Lights Route: Downtown & Midtown Loop
- Best Free Christmas Lights Display: Downtown Papillion
Our Methodology
To determine our best Christmas lights list, we evaluated each display based on its visual impact, cost, visitor experience, location, timing, and community reputation. We reviewed online ratings, local recommendations, and social media posts to bring you a mix of traditional choices and new favorites.
Know about a holiday lights display near you we missed? Let us know!
Best Walk-Through Christmas Lights
Looking to experience holiday lights near you on foot? With themed decorations, brightly lit pathways, and music, these parks, botanical gardens, zoos, and streets are a few of the best Christmas light trails in Omaha.
Bright Nights at Lauritzen Gardens
- Location: 100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE 68108
- Date: Nov. 22–24, 27, 29–30; Dec. 1, 4–8, 11–23, 26–31; 4:30–7:30 p.m.
- Cost: Free–$18 based on date and age
Get in the holiday spirit at Bright Nights at Lauritzen Gardens, where the conservatory and floral hall glow with festive lights. While enjoying one of the best Christmas light displays in Omaha, you can write letters to Santa, shop for holiday gifts, and more.
Christmas in Olde Town Bellevue
- Location: Washington Park, just East of Franklin Avenue
- Date: Dec. 1–31, 5–10 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Christmas in Olde Towne Holiday Light Show at Washington Park features LED lights synchronized to holiday music that you can walk through or enjoy from your car. And so everyone can experience the festivities, this Bellevue Christmas lights display even has a sensory-friendly show Sundays through Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m, where strobing lights and music are turned off or down.
Downtown Papillion
- Location: Washington St in Downtown Papillion
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025—Jan. 2, 2026, 6-10 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Looking for a Christmas lights display near Omaha? See over 800,000 Papillion Christmas lights across the Downtown area! While you’re there, warm up with a hot chocolate, bring the kids to story time, meet Santa and the Grinch, or take a carriage ride with your loved one during Winter Wonderland.
Omaha Holiday Lights Festival
- Location: Old Market, The Riverfront, North Omaha, South Omaha
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025–Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, dusk to dawn
- Cost: Free
Walk through thousands of christmas lights on the Riverfront, in the Old Market, and North and South Omaha for the Holiday Lights Festival. On Friday and Saturday nights, enjoy a dazzling multimedia show and the 70-foot holiday tree at Gene Leahy Mall and Heartland of America Park.
Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing
- Location: Turner Park, 3110 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025–Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, dusk to dawn
- Cost: Free
No tour of Omaha Christmas lights in 2025 is complete without seeing the tens of thousands of LED lights shining throughout Turner Park and along Farnam Street. While at Midtown Crossing’s Season of Lights, you can gaze at the Farnam Court Christmas tree, take a selfie in the red sleigh, and grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants open for Christmas.
Zoolightful
- Location: Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107
- Date: Select nights, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025–Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, 6–9:30 p.m.
- Cost: $13 (children), $26 (adults)
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium stays bright at night with Zoolightful, featuring glowing pathways, large animal lanterns, and more to make it one of the best walk-through Christmas light experiences in the area, especially for kids and families.
Best Drive-Through Christmas Lights
Want to look at the Christmas lights near you but don’t want to leave the comfort of your car? Here are some of the best drive-through Christmas lights in Omaha that keep you warm and cozy.
Magical Lights at Lake Cunningham
- Location: 8305 Rainwood Road
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 29–Wednesday, Dec. 31; Sundays–Thursdays 5:30–9:30 p.m., Fridays–Saturdays 5:30–10 p.m.
- Cost: $20-$30/vehicle based on date
Load up the family and drive through Magical Lights at Lake Cunningham, featuring more than a million Christmas lights synchronized to music on your car radio.
Santa’s Rock’n Lights
- Location: Werner Park, 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, NE 68046
- Date: Monday, Nov. 17–Wednesday, Dec. 31; Times vary by day
- Cost: $30–$38/vehicle up to 6 people, +$7/person over 6 people
Take your car through a mile-long route of professional Christmas lights in Omaha synchronized to music at Santa’s Rock’n Lights, including color-changing lights, large light sculptures and tunnels, traditional lights, and more. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Best Neighborhood Christmas Lights
One of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Omaha is to explore local homes with holiday light displays near you! When viewing these Christmas decorated houses, drive slowly through the neighborhoods and don’t block driveways to be respectful of residents.
Asherin Family Christmas Light Show
- Location: N 133rd & Miami St
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 29–Wednesday, Dec. 31; Sundays–Thursdays 5–10 p.m, Fridays–Saturdays 5–11 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Stop by the Asherin Family Show and tune into 97.5 FM to listen to holiday music classics synced to 13,000 Christmas lights!
Jay Family Lights
- Location: N 129th Cir & Corby St
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025–Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026; Mondays–Thursdays 5:30–10 p.m., Fridays–Sundays 5:30–11 p.m.
- Cost: Free
The Christmas holiday light show at Jay Family Lights features 25,000 lights, both static and synchronized, with 128 channels of music-controlled lights, and a 20-foot tree on top of the house.
Lammers Family Christmas
- Location: 7433 N 169th St, Bennington, NE 68007
- Date: Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025–Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
- Cost: Free
Visit the Lammers Family Christmas display and tune into 95.5 FM to enjoy this holiday light show!
Linden Estates
- Location: E side of 144th between Dodge & Blondo
- Date: Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025–Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
- Cost: Free
Linden Estates is a must-see on your Christmas light tour in Omaha! This neighborhood has gained a reputation for having the best holiday lights in Omaha because almost every street and house is decorated.
Vanek Christmas
- Location: 15055 Meredith Ave, Omaha
- Date: Ongoing through the holiday season
- Cost: Free
Visit the Vanek Christmas display for a great Omaha Christmas light show, featuring over 50,000 synchronized lights set to 91.9 FM, with wireframe characters and festive blow molds adding extra holiday charm.
For more recommendations on residential Christmas lights near you, as well as Christmas-themed bars and businesses around town, listen to the Omaha Places podcast episode, or check out our other Christmas blog posts, like Where to See Christmas Lights in Omaha, Christmas Themed Bars, Coffee Shop/Bookstore Combos.
Best Christmas Tree Lighting
There’s more to do than just free Christmas lights near you! Attend a Christmas tree lighting in Omaha to kick off the season. These annual holiday events include dazzling lights, joyful music, and other family-friendly activities this winter.
Christmas at Union Station
- Location: Durham Museum, 801 S 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68108
- Date: Friday, Nov. 28, 2025–Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026
- Cost: Free–$12 based on age
If you’re looking for the largest Christmas tree in Omaha, then you’ll want to grab a ticket to Christmas at Union Station. From the beautifully decorated 40-foot tree to surprise visits from Santa, you’ll feel the Christmas spirit when you view this Downtown Omaha Christmas light and tree display.
Lights of Aksarben Tree Lighting & Whoville Celebration
- Location: 2285 South 67th Street Omaha, NE, 68106
- Date: Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, 6–7 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Watch as Aksarben Village is transformed into a Whoville-inspired winter destination, starting with the illumination of the Stinson Park tower. Looking to meet with Santa in Omaha? Your kids can do that, as well as meet Saint Nick and participate in several other family-friendly activities, like face painting, here.
Shadow Lake Towne Center Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade
- Location: Shadow Lake Towne Center, 7775 Olson Dr, Papillion, NE 68046
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 22, 6–7:30 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Bring a lawn chair and warm clothes to sit back and relax at the 18th annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade at Shadowlake Towne Center. Meet with Santa and his friends, watch a parade, and look up for a spectacular fireworks show.
Winter Wonderland at Papillion City Hall Plaza
- Location: Downtown Papillion
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 29, 4–8 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Gather with the community at Winter Wonderland for carriage rides, live music, Santa visits, and more to get you in the holiday spirit. The lighting ceremony will begin around 6 p.m. on the north lawn of Sump Memorial Library.
Best Self-Guided Christmas Lights Routes
Want to make the most of the holidays without missing any of the best Christmas light displays in Omaha? We’ve created a few self-guided itineraries to help you plan the perfect night of viewing winter lights tonight or any time this season.
One-Hour
- Perfect for: A short evening drive or a weekday night out
- Route: Start at Midtown Crossing to walk through Turner Park and along Farnam Street, then drive 10 minutes to the Holiday Lights Festival displays downtown at Gene Leahy Mall and The Riverfront.
- Estimated Time: 1 hour
- Recommended Start Time: 6 p.m.
- Local Tip: Parking fills up fast downtown. Download the Park Omaha App and plan to arrive early for on-street parking or look up garage options in the area.
All-Evening
- Perfect for: Families or couples wanting to see it all
- Route: Start at the Omaha Zoo for Zoolightful. From there, head to the Old Market to catch the free holiday displays before ending with a scenic drive through Linden Estates.
- Estimated Time: 3–4 hours
- Recommended Start Time: 6 p.m. zoo entry
- Local Tip: Pack snacks and blankets for the ride around the neighborhoods.
Downtown & Midtown Loop
- Perfect for: Visitors staying near the city center or locals wanting a walkable route
- Route: Start with the Downtown Omaha lights, stroll through Gene Leahy Mall and the Riverfront, then head West to Midtown Crossing’s Turner Park. Add on Christmas at Union Station if you have more time.
- Estimated Time: 45 minutes–2 hours
- Recommended Start Time: 5–5:30 p.m.
- Local Tip: This is one of Omaha’s best areas for holiday selfies—plan to go just after sunset for the best photo results.
West Omaha Loop
- Perfect for: Those starting in Elkhorn, Gretna, or Bennington
Route: Start at the Lammers Family Christmas Display in Bennington, then head east to see Vanek Christmas and Asherin Family Lights, wrapping up with Magical Lights at Lake Cunningham or Santa’s Rock’n Lights. - Estimated Time: 2–2.5 hours
- Recommended Start Time: Around 6 p.m.
- Local Tip: Most of these are drive-thru or drive-by displays, so make sure to bring water and snacks.
Family-Friendly
- What Makes It Great: Short drives, easy parking, and plenty of spots for cocoa and Santa sightings
- Route: Christmas in Olde Towne Bellevue for a relaxed start, then head to Zoolightful, and finish at Midtown Crossing’s light display.
- Estimated Time: 2—4 hours
- Recommended Start Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Local Tip: The Bellevue show has sensory-friendly hours, great for those sensitive to sound and light.
Holiday Date Night
- What Makes It Great: Romantic walks, photo-worthy backdrops, and festive bites
- Route: Start at Lauritzen Gardens for Bright Nights, grab dinner in the Old Market, then stroll the light displays along The Riverfront.
- Estimated Time: 3 hours
- Recommended Start Time: 8 p.m.
- Local Tip: End the night with a drink at a nearby holiday pop-up bar.
Budget-Friendly
- What Makes It Great: All displays are free to visit
- Route: Start in Downtown Papillion, then head north to Linden Estates, and finish at the Jay Family Lights in Northwest Omaha.
- Estimated Time: 2.5 hours
- Recommended Start Time: 7 p.m.
- Insider Tip: Most displays have nearby public parking or side streets to safely stop and enjoy.
Sensory-Friendly
- What Makes It Great: Calmer, lower-volume light experiences that are less overwhelming
- Route: Start at Christmas in Olde Towne Bellevue during its sensory-friendly hours, then visit the open-air display in Downtown Papillion to go at your own pace. End the night with a visit to Bright Nights at Lauritzen Gardens, which offers quiet indoor paths and lower lighting.
- Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
- Recommended Start Time: 5 p.m.
- Insider Tip: Avoid peak Friday/Saturday crowds for a more peaceful experience..
Tips for Seeing Christmas Light Displays in Omaha
To make the most out of your time going to see holiday displays, here are some tips for holiday light tours near Omaha.
- Plan Your Visit: Use a holiday light finder beforehand to map out your route. You might need multiple trips across several days to reach all the spots you want to see.
- Fuel Your Car: Make sure to fully charge or fuel up your car to make it through your holiday lights route.
- Visit Early: The weekends leading up to Christmas in Omaha can get busy fast. Try going in late November or early December for shorter lines and better views, or plan your tour for a Monday through Thursday evening.
- What to Wear & Pack: Even if you’re just hopping out for a quick selfie, Omaha winters are cold. Pack blankets, hot chocolate, and gloves.
- Be Safe While Taking Photos: If you’re driving, wait to stop until you can safely pull over or park.
For more fun things to do in Omaha during the winter and holidays, check out Hurrdat ONE!
