Looking for places for your kids to meet or take pictures with Santa in Omaha? Whether you’re looking for a classic photo session, a sensory-friendly holiday experience, or even pet photos with Santa, Omaha offers dozens of magical opportunities to meet the big man! We’ve gathered all the essential details for you to find where to visit Santa near you for Christmas 2025!
We broke our Omaha Santa experiences into three categories. Here are the Omaha hotspots where you can:
- See Santa at Omaha Malls & Businesses
- Meet Santa at Omaha Museums
- Experience Omaha Christmas Events with Santa
Our Methodology
We aimed to include a variety of experiences with Santa across differing price ranges and areas across town that locals love.
Think we missed one of the best places to visit Santa in Omaha? Let us know so we can add it!
See Santa at Omaha Malls & Businesses
For many families, a popular Christmas tradition is visiting Santa at a major mall or retail center. These locations offer classic photo packages, convenient scheduling, and festive holiday backdrops. Learn where to find Santa at Omaha malls and other local businesses this season!
Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s & Bass Pro Shops
Experience the magic of the North Pole right here in Omaha at Santa’s Wonderland inside Cabela’s! This annual holiday event offers a classic, festive experience with Santa Claus, complete with themed activities and gifts. The experience is free, and full photo packages are available for $20 to $25. Some Cabela’s locations also offer Santa meet and greets for kids with special needs and allow dog photos with Santa, but make sure to confirm ahead of time. You can even book your visit with Santa at Cabela’s up to seven days in advance.
- Best for: Families, Kids, Pets
- Registration Needed: No
- Location: 12703 Westport Parkway, La Vista, NE 68138
- Cost: Free
- Dates & Times: Nov. 1–Dec. 24 | Mon–Sat, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. | Sun, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Christmas Eve, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Gingerbread Cookie Decorating & Pizza with Santa at Shadow Lake Towne Center
Put a spin on a classic Christmas tradition at Shadow Lake Towne Center with the Gingerbread Cookie Decorating and Pizza with Santa event! This highly sought-after event is free, but you must sign up online to attend. Join Santa and Mrs. Claus in Santa’s Workshop, located next to Torrid. Each ticket guarantees a festive afternoon of decorating your own gingerbread cookies while enjoying two complimentary slices of delicious pizza and a beverage, making for memorable family activity for the holidays.
- Best for: Families, Kids
- Registration Needed: Yes
- Location: 7775 Olson Dr, Papillion, NE 68046
- Cost: Free
- Dates & Times: Dec. 22, 4–6 p.m.
Santa Pics at Omaha Dog Bar
Don’t let your pets miss out on the holiday pictures! Tell your pup Santa Paws is coming to the Omaha Dog Bar for dog-friendly photo shoots this year. You’ll get one edited digital photo of your pet with Santa. You can also join in and get a family photo to send out as holiday cards! If your pup isn’t already a member of the Omaha Dog Bar, you’ll need to buy a day pass and register your pet through the online portal before your visit!
- Best for: Pets, Families
- Registration Needed: No
- Location: 1231 S 14th St, Omaha, NE 68108
- Cost: $15
- Dates & Times: Sat, Dec. 20, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Photos with Santa at Regency
Visit Santa at Regency this Christmas for a beautifully decorated holiday spot located in the Center Court outside Borsheims in Regency Shopping Center. Walk-ins are welcome, except on pet nights. Secure your place on the Nice List by making a reservation for pet pictures with Santa any Wednesday from now until Christmas Eve.
- Best for: Families, Kids, Pets
- Registration Needed: No
- Location: 120 Regency Pkwy, Omaha, NE 68114
- Cost: $35+
- Dates & Times: Nov. 28–Dec. 24 | Times vary
Photos with Santa at Westroads
Let your kids take photos with Santa at Westroads in the lower level Von Maur court! Pet photos with Santa at Westroads are also available on select dates. There are several professional photo packages available for purchase, and we highly recommend booking your time slot in advance to beat the holiday rush and secure your child’s or pet’s magical moment with Santa.
- Best for: Kids, Pets
- Registration Needed: No
- Location: 10000 California St, Suite 1221, Omaha, NE 68114
- Cost: $40–$60
- Dates & Times: Families: Nov. 21–Dec. 24, 2–6:45 p.m. | Pets: Nov. 24–Dec. 16, Mon & Tue, 4–7 p.m.
Photos with Santa at Oakview Mall
As part of its Home For the Mallidays event series, you can celebrate Christmas in Omaha by getting a shot of the kiddos with Santa at Oakview Mall. Book your Santa pictures at Oakview Mall for the perfect holiday family photo opportunity.
- Best for: Families, Kids
- Registration Needed: No
- Location: 3001 S 144th St, Omaha, NE 68144
- Cost: Free
- Dates & Times: Select dates between Nov. 29–Dec. 23 | Times vary
Meet Santa at Omaha Museums
For a truly enriching and memorable holiday experience, take your family to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at some of Omaha’s cultural institutions. These museum events offer more than just a quick photo; they often include immersive holiday exhibits, themed activities, and a chance to celebrate the season while exploring local history and art. Below, we detail where you can find the Clauses at Omaha’s museums this year.
Santa’s Cabin Experience at the Durham Museum
For a beloved annual Omaha tradition that blends holiday magic with city history, check out Christmas at Union Station at the Durham Museum. All holiday attractions are included with your general museum admission. After you see the region’s largest indoor Christmas tree and go sock skating, you can take part in Santa’s Cabin Experience. Most visits with Santa take place during daytime hours, but there are also Family Nights with Santa each Tuesday evening in December leading up to Christmas.
- Best for: Families, Kids
- Registration Needed: No
- Location: 801 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68108
- Cost: Adults: $15 | Seniors (62+) & Military: $12 | Kids (3-12): $8 | Members & Children (0-2): Free
- Dates & Times: Nov. 29–Dec. 23 | Times vary
Santa’s Magic at the Omaha Children’s Museum
Give your kids a dazzling holiday adventure with the immersive Santa’s Magic show, led by Santa’s helpers, at the Omaha Children’s Museum! Rather than just a photo op, Santa’s Magic is an interactive Christmas experience that’s included with general museum admission. After the show, you’ll have the opportunity to snap photos of your kids with Santa. It’s the perfect place for little ones to enjoy festive, hands-on fun and share their wish list in a playful environment.
- Best for: Families, Kids
- Registration Needed: No
- Location: 500 S 20th St, Omaha, NE 68102
- Cost: Adults & Children: $17 | Seniors: $16 | Members & Children (0-2): Free
- Dates & Times: Nov. 28–Dec. 23 | Tue–Fri, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Sat & Sun, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Experience Omaha Christmas Events with Santa
Omaha transforms into a winter wonderland for the holidays, filled with spectacular, one-of-a-kind events designed to elevate your holiday experience! From elaborate botanical garden light displays to unique farm excursions and specialized Santa encounters, find the most memorable Christmas events where you can create lasting family memories and meet Santa near you.
Zoolightful at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo
Lions, tigers, and reindeer, oh my! Santa joins the crowd at Zoolightful at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo to bring festive cheer. Wander through dazzling animal light displays, explore Santa’s North Pole, and capture a complimentary photo with the jolly man in red. Meeting Santa at the zoo is the perfect way to blend the magic of Christmas with the wonder of animals.
- Best for: Families
- Registration Needed: No
- Location: 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107
- Cost: Ages 3-11: $16 | 12+: $26 | Private Igloo: $325
- Dates & Times: Nov. 19–Jan. 11 | Wed–Sun: 6–9:30 p.m. | Special openings: Dec. 22, 23, 29, & 30 | Closed: Dec. 24, 25, & 31
Bright Nights at Lauritzen Gardens
Enter a whimsical wonderland at Bright Nights at Lauritzen Gardens! Explore the two-acre display that features a majestic 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree and a glowing forest crafted from reclaimed pallets, all set against a backdrop of dazzling lights and enchanting evergreens. Then warm up at the Family Chill Zone with fire pits and s’mores. With 31 nights to see the garden glow—including 22 visits from Santa, 10 family nights, and 5 appearances by a certain mean, green holiday character—Bright Nights offers festive fun for everyone!
- Best for: Families
- Registration Needed: Yes
- Location: 100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE 68108
- Cost: Ages 13+: $20 | Ages 3-12: $9 | Ages 2 and under: Free
- Dates & Times: Nov. 28–30 | Dec. 3–7, 10–23, 26–31 | Jan. 2–4 | 4–9 p.m.
Falconwood Frosty Nights
Looking for a unique holiday activity new to Omaha? Frosty Nights transforms Falconwood Park into a magical outdoor winter destination for Christmas. Families will love the massive light display, multiple movie zones, photo opportunities with characters like Anna and Elsa from Frozen, and, of course, a chance to meet Santa Claus. With bonfires, delicious food trucks, and a dedicated holiday bar for adults, this event offers a full evening of fresh air, festive activities, and joyous holiday spirit.
- Best for: Families
- Registration Needed: No
- Location: 905 Allied Rd, Bellevue, NE 68123
- Cost: Adults: $10 | Children: $5
- Dates & Times: Nov. 21–Jan. 1 | 4–10 p.m. in Nov. | 5–10 p.m. in Dec. & Jan.
Holiday Nights Under the Lights at Kipp
Experience the playground like never before with Holiday Nights Under the Lights at Kipp Omaha! Every evening in December, the main lights dim after 3 p.m. as thousands of twinkling holiday lights transform the entire play facility into a glowing, magical nighttime escape. Included with regular play admission, this event provides a unique and memorable place for children to run, climb, play, make reindeer food, and send letters through Santa’s mailbox during the most wonderful time of the year. Catch Saint Nick during his special appearances on December 19th and 20th, and leave with a Santa-provided goodie bag.
- Best for: Families
- Registration Needed: No
- Location: 14445 W Center Rd Ste 101, Omaha, NE 68144
- Cost: Prices vary by length of booking and number of children | Members: Free
- Dates & Times: Holiday Nights Under the Lights: Dec. 1–31, 3–8 p.m. | Santa Visit: Dec. 19–20, 5:30–8:00 p.m.
Photos with Santa at Heartwood Park
Capture the magic of Christmas in Omaha without breaking the bank at a Santa photo opportunity in Heartwood Park! Take free photos with Santa in a cozy heated tent using your own camera or phone. The best part? You and your family can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and donuts.
- Best for: Families, Kids
- Registration Needed: No
- Location: 301 S 145th St, Omaha, NE 68154
- Cost: Free
- Date & Time: Sun, Dec. 21, 12–4 p.m.
Want more ways to celebrate Christmas in Omaha? Find winter activities, holiday lights displays, Christmas tree farms, ice skating, restaurants open on Christmas, and so much more with Hurrdat ONE. And no matter the season, we’re here to help you stay up to date on things to do in the city through upcoming events and attractions, food reviews, community stories, and podcasts from local experts.
