From dazzling light displays to festive events, holiday performances, seasonal treats, and more, discover the best things to do for Christmas in Omaha this December. Here’s your ultimate 2025 guide to celebrating the holiday season!
- Christmas Lights & Displays
- Christmas Events for Families
- Christmas Events for Adults
- Christmas Performances
- Christmas Shopping
- Holiday Food & Drinks
Christmas Lights & Displays
Looking at holiday lights is one of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Omaha—whether you prefer to ride along, drive, walk through, or attend a holiday lighting event! Find dates, hours, pricing, and other details about these Christmas events near you in our guide to Where to Look at Lights in Omaha.
Walk-Through Christmas Light Displays
- Bright Nights at Lauritzen Gardens
- Christmas in Olde Towne Holiday Light Show
- Omaha Holiday Lights Festival
- Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing
- Zoolightful at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Drive-Through Christmas Light Displays
Neighborhood Christmas Lights
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
- Christmas at Union Station
- Lights of Aksarben
- Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade at Shadow Lake Towne Center
- Winter Wonderland at Papillion City Hall Plaza
Ride-Along Holiday Light Tours
Christmas Events for Families
Whether you’re looking for a quick Christmas activity near you or an entire day’s worth of fun with the kids, there’s no shortage of family-friendly Christmas activities in Omaha. Here are some of the best places to make memories with your children this holiday season!
Winterland at Heartwood Preserve
- Location: Heartwood Park, 301 S 145th Street, Omaha, NE 68154
- Movie Dates: Nov. 8 (Elf), Nov. 15 (The Grinch), Nov. 22 (The Nightmare Before Christmas), Nov. 29 (A Christmas Story)
- Photos with Santa Dates: Dec. 13–14; Dec. 19–20, 12–4 p.m.
- Chanukah Skate Night Date: Dec. 16, 4–8 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Enjoy free ice skating at Winterland at Heartwood Preserve, along with ugly sweater contests every Friday that give you the chance to win $100 restaurant gift card, Saturday night movies under the stars, photos with Santa in heated tents, and a special Chanukah celebration with free skating, Kosher treats, and a live ice menorah sculpting.
Meet Santa’s Reindeer at Mulhalls
- Location: Mulhalls, 3615 N 120th St, Omaha, NE 68164
- Date: Nov. 18–26; Nov. 28–Dec. 19. Mon–Sat, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Sun, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Need something to scratch off your kids’ holiday bucket list? Get up close with Santa’s reindeer—Dasher and Dancer—and enjoy family photo ops at one the city’s most festive garden centers.
Light the World Giving Machines
- Location: Westroads Mall, 10000 California St Suite 1221, Omaha, NE 68114
- Date: Nov. 25–Dec. 9 | Launch Event Tuesday, Nov. 25, 9–9:30 a.m.
- Cost: Free entry
Give back to the community in a unique and fun way with your family this holiday season. Perform an instant act of kindness by donating items available in the Giving Machines stationed on Level 2 of Westroads Mall. You can even attend the launch event with Nebraska First Lady Suzanne Pillen and representatives from participating local nonprofits.
Santa’s Magic at the Omaha Children’s Museum
- Location: Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S 20th St, Omaha, NE 68102
- Date: Nov. 28–Dec. 23; Weekdays, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Weekends, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Cost: Included with museum admission (Free–$17)
Trying to find somewhere for your little ones to meet Santa in Omaha? At Santa’s Magic, they can snap a picture with Santa, experience indoor snowfall, and meet Santa’s helpers at an interactive show.
Midwest Fest Holiday Market
- Location: The RiverFront, 800 Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68102
- Date: Nov. 29, 1–8 p.m.; Nov. 30, 11–6 p.m.; Dec. 5, 4–8 p.m.; Dec. 6, 1–8 p.m.; Dec. 7, 11–6 p.m.
- Cost: Free entry
Purchase handcrafted holiday gifts from local makers, sip on artisanal hot chocolate, ice skate, meet Santa and his reindeer, enjoy live ice sculpting, and so much more at Midwest Fest’s Holiday Market at Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront in Downtown Omaha near the Old Market.
Zoolightful at Henry Doorly Zoo
- Location: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107
- Date: Select nights, Nov. 19–Jan. 11, 6–9:30 p.m.
- Cost: $16 (children), $26 (adults)
For kids Christmas events, it doesn’t get better than Zoolightful! Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium transforms into a nighttime winter wonderland during the holiday season—with glowing pathways, twinkling displays, animal lanterns, seasonal snacks, and more!
Holiday Shows at Lauritzen Gardens
- Location: Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE 68108
- Poinsettia Show Dates: Nov. 22–Dec. 31, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Bright Nights Dates: Nov. 22–24, 27, 29–30, Dec. 1, 4–8, 11–23, 26–31, 4:30–9 p.m.
- Cost: Free–$18 based on date, show, and age
Looking for indoor Christmas activities near you? During the day, attend Lauritzen Gardens’ Poinsettia Show to marvel at a 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree and other festive garden installations. At night, see the gardens illuminated, roast marshmallows by the fire, write letters to Santa, and enjoy other kid-friendly holiday fun in the Family Chill Zone during Bright Nights.
Christmas at Union Station at The Durham Museum
- Location: The Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68108
- Date: Nov. 28–Jan. 11
- Cost: Free–$15 based on age
A top Christmas attraction in Omaha, Christmas at Union Station brings holiday magic to The Durham Museum! Admire the twinkling 40-foot Christmas tree, explore cultural holiday exhibits, and—if you’re lucky—get a special visit from Santa Claus!
Winter Wonderland in Papillion
- Location: Downtown Papillion
- Date: Nov. 29, 4–8 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Celebrate the season at Winter Wonderland in Papillion with live performances from local musicians, carriage rides, bonfires, storytime with the kids, hot chocolate carts, a reindeer and petting zoo, and other community festivities in Downtown Papillion.
Falconwood Frosty Nights
- Location: Falconwood Park, 905 Allied Rd, Bellevue, NE 68123
- Date: Nov. 22–Jan. 1
- Cost: $10 (kids), $20 (adults)
Spanning 80 acres, the immersive Christmas village at Falconwood Frosty Nights features walk-through lights, live reindeer, Santa meet-and-greets, holiday market cabins, snowless sledding, pop-up performances, festive eats, and more—everything you need for a fun-filled family Christmas activity in Omaha!
Santa’s Forest Festival
- Location: Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd N, Bellevue, NE 68005
- Date: Dec. 6, 1–4 p.m.
- Cost: Free for Members. Non Member Pricing: $15 per adult, $13 per older adult (62+) $9 per child (2-17), and Free for children under age 2.
Stop by the Great Hall at Fontenelle Forest for Santa’s Forest Festival, featuring hot cocoa, coffee, nature crafts, habitat building, caroling around a campfire, raptor encounters, and more to get you in the holiday spirit.
Christmas Events for Adults
For adults that want unique holiday outings, Omaha’s neighborhoods and nightlife spots deliver! Here are some great holiday pop-up bars, adult-only Christmas parties, and other Christmas activities near you for the grownups.
Holiday Stroll in Little Bohemia
- Location: Downtown Omaha, Little Bohemia
- Date: Dec. 4, 11, 18, 4–8:00 p.m.
- Cost: Free entry
Local businesses participating in the Little Bohemia Holiday Stroll offer an evening of holiday shopping, food, and fun in one of Omaha’s most charming historic neighborhoods.
Christmas Festivities at The Trap Room
- Location: The Trap Room, 733 N 14th St, Omaha, NE 68102
- Date: Business hours vary by day
- Cost: Free entry
Looking for holiday bars near you and ways to celebrate Christmas in Downtown Omaha? Step into a retro Christmas wonderland at The Trap Room, where you can enjoy expertly-crafted cocktails amongst twinkling lights and kitschy decor.
The Holiday Hut at Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel
- Location: Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel, 302 S 36th St, Omaha, NE 68131
- Date: Nov. 27–Jan. 1. Thu & Sun, 5–10 p.m. Fri & Sat, 5–11 p.m.
- Cost: Free entry
The Holiday Hut is an immersive Christmas pop-up bar in Omaha that’s complete with themed cocktails and festive decor—perfect for date night or a unique evening with friends.
Holiday Beerfest
- Location: The Crescent Moon, 3578 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131
- Date: Dec. 6, 1–5 p.m.
- Cost: $38
A 21+ holiday event and one of the best annual Christmas parties in Omaha, Holiday Beerfest is the perfect place for beer enthusiasts. Dress in your best ugly holiday sweater and sample seasonal drinks from your favorite breweries.
Christmas Performances
From classic ballets to Christmas programs near you, watching seasonal performing arts shows is one of the best things to do in Omaha during winter. Mark your calendar for these Omaha Christmas shows!
American Midwest Ballet’s The Nutcracker
- Location: Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St, Omaha, NE 68102
- Date: Dec. 4, 5, 6, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 6–7, 2:00 p.m.
- Cost: $35+
Grab tickets for The Nutcracker at the historic Orpheum Theater to lose yourself in the magic of this traditional ballet, with skilled dancers, glittering snow, and enchanting music.
Omaha Symphony’s Christmas Celebration
- Location: Holland Center, 1200 Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68102
- Date: Dec. 11–14, 7:30 p.m. Dec 13–14, 2 p.m.
- Cost: $26+
See the Omaha Symphony’s Christmas Celebration at the Holland Center—a grand concert featuring Broadway performers and holiday classics.
Omaha Community Playhouse’s A Christmas Carol
- Location: Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St, Omaha, NE 68132
- Date: Select dates, Nov. 21–Dec. 21. Times vary by day.
- Cost: $58+
Relive the timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge with your family by securing tickets to A Christmas Carol at the Omaha Community Playhouse.
Christmas Shopping
Shopping in Omaha for festive Christmas decor or one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones? These Christmas stores in Omaha are sure to satisfy your holiday shopping needs!
Omaha Holiday Boutique
- Location: CHI Health Center, 455 N 10th St, Omaha, NE 68102
- Date: Nov. 14, 10 a.m.–9 p.m; Nov. 15, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Nov. 16, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Cost: $8
Dance along to live music while shopping hundreds of vendors offering everything from holiday decor and apparel to toys and artisan treats at the Omaha Holiday Boutique, a massive seasonal event held at CHI Health Center.
Omaha Holiday Flea
- Location: Cafe Postale, 950 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68108
- Date: Nov. 30, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Cost: Free entry
A curated local market, the Omaha Holiday Flea allows shoppers to find creative gifts—like handmade ceramics, jewelry, candles, prints, and more—while supporting Omaha’s best small businesses.
Omaha Holiday Market
- Location: Aksarben Village
- Date: Dec. 6–7, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Cost: Free entry
Hosted by the Omaha Farmers Market, the Omaha Holiday Market is a treasured seasonal event that celebrates local culinary and artistic talent. Explore baked goods, handcrafted art, and other gifts from local vendors. Santa will even make an appearance on Sunday afternoon, giving you the perfect holiday photo opportunity!
Dappen Tree Farm
- Location: 20873 Greenview Road, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
- Date: Nov. 28–30, Dec. 6–7, 13–14, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Cost: Free entry + $12 per ft. on tree
Need a Christmas tree in Omaha? Just outside the city, Dappen Tree Farm offers a variety of tree types and wreaths to choose from. Bring your kids along to start a family tradition! You’ll also get to ride in the tractor and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate.
Omaha Winter Market
Want to support local in Omaha? Stop by the Fowling Warehouse to look through 50+ vendors at the Omaha Winter Market! You’ll be able to shop for fresh produce, food, handmade crafts, and more. Bring the whole family to enjoy live music and special events to get in the holiday spirit.
- Location: 5585 N 90th St, Omaha, NE 68134
- Date: Every Sunday from November through March, 11 a.m. – p.m.
- Cost: Free entry
Holiday Food & Drinks
Looking for local restaurants open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Or simply in the mood for some yummy Christmas cookies and treats in Omaha? Satisfy your cravings at our favorite local restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, ice cream shops, bars, and more.
- British Christmas Lunch on Sundays at Chippy’s (reservation required)
- Hot Chocolate, Peppermint Mocha, and Gingerbread Latte from Hardy Coffee Co.
- Seasonal Sweet Scones and Cinnamon Rolls from Sweet Magnolias
- Peppermint Mocha, Candy Cane, and Gingerbread Cookie ice cream from ECreamery
- Limited-edition seasonal ice cream flavors from Coneflower Creamery
- Holiday-themed drinks at Rudy’s Bar—decorated for Christmas year-round!
- Cocktails from the “Don’t Stop Believing” holiday menu at Mercury
- Red Sled Iced Ale from Nebraska Brewing Company
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas in Omaha
What are the best indoor Christmas events in Omaha?
The best indoor Christmas activities in Omaha are Santa’s Magic at the Omaha Children’s Museum, the Poinsettia Show at Lauritzen Gardens, and Christmas at Union Station at The Durham Museum. Or catch a performance like The Nutcracker at the Orpheum Theater, A Christmas Carol at Omaha Community Playhouse, or the Omaha Symphony.
Where are the best free Christmas activities in Omaha?
Many of the best free Christmas events near you are at Heartwood Preserve or The RiverFront. Participants will find complimentary ice skating, Saturday night holiday movies, photos with Santa and his reindeer, and hot chocolate. Other popular free Christmas activities in OMaha are Mullhalls and Winter Wonderland in Papillion.
What is there to do on Christmas Eve in Omaha?
Christmas Eve in Omaha is perfect for catching one of Omaha’s festive performances or enjoying a special dinner out. Many of the holiday light displays in the Old Market, RiverFront, and neighborhoods are on. And several restaurants in the area serve special Christmas Eve menus, including Sullivan’s Steakhouse, J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood, Texas de Brazil, and Herbe Sainte. Just be sure to make reservations.
What’s open on Christmas Day in Omaha?
Sullivan’s Steakhouse, J.Gilbert’s, Texas de Brazil, and The Jaipur are just a few restaurants open on Christmas Day in Omaha. Dave & Buster’s, The Good Life Sports Bar & Grill, HotPot88, and select restaurants in area casinos are often open as well.
Where can I find adult Christmas parties in Omaha?
The best Omaha Christmas parties for adults are often found at local businesses like The Crescent Moon’s Holiday Beerfest, Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel’s Holiday Hut, and the Trap Room. If you want a multi-night Christmas tour, Jag Tours offers a 4-day excursion with all the best holiday attractions in Omaha. Or if you’re looking to host your own Christmas party near you, look into venues like the Orpheum Theater, Joslyn Castle, The Old Mattress Factory, or The Durham Museum.
What should be on my Omaha Christmas bucket list?
If you can only choose a few events to go to this year, your Omaha Christmas bucket list should include Christmas at Union Station, either Zoolightful or Bright Nights at Lauritzen Gardens, ice skating for Winterland at Heartwood Preserve, Midwest Fest’s Holiday Market, and The Nutcracker at the Orpheum Theater.
What are the best holiday events in Downtown Omaha?
Omaha Holiday Boutique at CHI Health Center and Omaha Holiday Flea are best for curated local gifts, while Christmas at Union Station, The RiverFront’s events, and The Trap Room’s retro Christmas cocktails are among the best things to do for the holidays in Omaha.
For other fun things to do in Omaha, check out Hurrdat ONE! Know of any other Omaha Christmas events we missed? Let us know what we should add!
