January in Omaha: New Year, Fresh Starts & Winter Fun!

January in Omaha is all about fresh starts and settling into winter routines — a little slower, a little cozier, and full of simple ways to enjoy the season. From New Year hikes and family-friendly events to live music, markets, and indoor experiences that warm you up, January is the perfect time to explore the metro at a more relaxed pace. Whether you’re easing into 2026 or looking for something fun to break up the winter days, there’s no shortage of reasons to get out and make the most of the new year.


Benson First Friday🎨
Jan 2, 2026 | Benson | Starts at 5 PM | Free
Galleries, artists, live music, and creative energy fill the Benson neighborhood.

First Friday Downtown Omaha Art Walk🖼️
Jan 2, 2026 | Old Market | 5 PM–9 PM | Free
Meet artists, explore galleries, and experience Omaha’s vibrant art scene.

12th Night at the Castle – A Madrigal Dinner🏰
Jan 2–3, 2026 | Joslyn Castle | Evening | $125–$155
Step into a magical evening of historic charm, festive décor, live performances, and a full holiday dinner.

Farnam Winter Pop-Up🛍️
Jan 2–4, 2026 | Midtown Crossing | Daytime | Free
Shop handmade goods, boutique finds, cookies, candles, and curated gifts from local makers.

Forever Young Film Series: Frozen II Sing-Along❄️🎬
Jan 3, 2026 | Film Streams Dundee Theater | 10 AM | $5
Sing along as lyrics appear on screen during this family-friendly Frozen II screening.

Winter Break Fun: Family Gym Day🤸
Jan 3, 2026 | La Vista Community Center | 1 PM–3 PM | Free
Enjoy open gym activities during winter break for kids and families.

ChristmasLand🚗✨
Now – Jan 4, 2026 | ChristmasLand Drive-Thru | 4:30 PM–10:30 PM | $35–$40 per vehicle
Drive through 70 acres of synchronized holiday lights and animated displays from the comfort of your car.

Bright Nights at Lauritzen Gardens🌟
Now – Jan 4, 2026 (select nights) | Lauritzen Gardens | 4:30 PM–9 PM | $18 adults, $10 kids
Explore illuminated indoor gardens featuring glowing installations and a towering poinsettia tree.

Christmas at Union Station🎄
Now – Jan 9, 2026 (Tues–Sun) | The Durham Museum | Tues–Sat 10 AM–4 PM, Sun 12–4 PM | $15 adults, $12 seniors, $8 kids
Omaha’s most beloved holiday tradition featuring the region’s largest indoor Christmas tree, holidays around the world, festive décor, and seasonal programming.

Zoolightful Holiday Event🦒✨
Now – Jan 11, 2026 (select nights) | Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium | Evenings | $26 adults, $16 kids
The Zoo transforms into a glowing wonderland of lanterns, illuminated animal displays, cocoa, and photo-worthy scenes.

Winterland at Heartwood Preserve – Free Public Ice Skating⛸️
Now – Feb 1, 2026 | Heartwood Preserve | Starts at 3 PM | Free
Enjoy free outdoor ice skating in West Omaha. Reservations recommended; closed on Christmas Day.

Midtown Crossing Season of Lights✨
Now – Feb 14, 2026 | Midtown Crossing | All day | Free
Tens of thousands of white LED lights illuminate Turner Park and Farnam Street for a peaceful winter stroll.

Family Skating⛸️
Weekly Fri & Sat | Moylan Tranquility Ice Plex | Various times | $8.95–$13.95
Open skate sessions for families and friends, with party lights and music on Saturday nights.

Brickway Brewery & Distillery Tour🍺
Weekly Saturdays | Brickway Brewery & Distillery | Starts at 1:30 PM | $25
Enjoy a guided tour, tastings, a complimentary pint, a bottle to take home, and merchandise discounts.

Lucky Bucket Brewing Co. Tour & Tasting🍻
Weekly Saturdays | Lucky Bucket Brewery | Starts at 3:30 PM | $20
Learn the art of brewing and distilling with tastings, a pint, and 20% off merchandise.

Wine Wednesday🍷
Every Wednesday | Gather in Omaha | All evening | Half-price select bottles
Unwind midweek with discounted wine in a cozy downtown setting.

Omaha Winter Farmers Market🥕
Sundays until Mar | Fowling Warehouse | 11 AM–3 PM | Free
A warm, indoor winter market filled with local vendors and seasonal finds.

Omaha Supernovas Home Opener🏐
Jan 8, 2026 | CHI Health Center Omaha | Evening | See website
Cheer on Omaha’s professional volleyball team as they open their third season.

New Year’s Hike – Hummel Park🥾
Jan 10, 2026 | Hummel Park | 10 AM–Noon | Free
Kick off the year with a guided hike and hot cocoa afterward.

Family Fun Day🎉
Jan 10, 2026 | Midtown Crossing | Daytime | Free
Winter-themed activities, crafts, characters, and family-friendly fun.

Time Travel Half Marathon, 10K & 5K🏃‍♀️
Jan 10, 2026 | Stinson Park | Morning | From $25.98
Choose your distance and enjoy a festive race day packed with swag and cheers.

Blackstone District Second Saturday🎶
Jan 10, 2026 | Blackstone District | Evening | Free
Live music, markets, kids’ activities, and rotating monthly themes.

Shucked🌽🎭
Jan 13–18, 2026 | Orpheum Theater | Various times | See website
A Tony Award®–winning musical comedy packed with humor, heart, and unforgettable music.

Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer🎻
Jan 17, 2026 | The Rose Theater | Evening | $26.75
Iconic film scores performed by string quartet in a glowing candlelit setting.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Free Museum Admission✨
Jan 19, 2026 | The Durham Museum | 10 AM–4 PM | Free
Celebrate MLK Day with free admission and special programming.

Paint & Sip🎨
Jan 22, 2026 | Willa Cather Branch Library | 5:30 PM–7:30 PM | Free
A relaxing creative evening with guided painting — all supplies included.

Mac & Cheese Binge in Midtown🧀
Jan 24, 2026 | Midtown Crossing | 11 AM–2 PM | Free
Sample mac & cheese creations and vote for your favorite dish.

Saint Cecilia Cathedral Flower Festival🌸
Jan 24–25, 2026 | St. Cecilia Cathedral | Various times | Free
Floral displays, live music, and breathtaking architecture.

Rascal Flatts: Life Is a Highway Tour🎤
Jan 24, 2026 | CHI Health Center Omaha | Evening | See website
Rascal Flatts return to the stage with special guests.

Trivia Night🧠
Jan 30, 2026 | Knolls Golf Course Clubhouse | 7 PM–9 PM | $60/team
Trivia, pizza, drinks, and prizes for teams of four.

Omaha Lawn, Flower & Patio Show🌼
Jan 31 – Feb 1, 2026 | CHI Health Center Omaha | Daytime | $10 adults
Step out of winter and into spring inspiration with gardens, experts, and home ideas.

Groundhog Day Celebration🦫
First Saturday in February 2026 | Unadilla | Daytime | Free
Celebrate Groundhog Day in Nebraska’s Groundhog Capital with parades, crafts, and food. 🦫


January is full of ways to start the year feeling connected, cozy, and inspired — and I hope this guide helps you plan a month you’re excited about. From family fun and winter adventures to live music, markets, and local favorites, Omaha has no shortage of things to look forward to even in the heart of winter.  If there’s an event happening that I missed or something coming up later in the month, I’d love to hear about it! Just reach out and let's chat — I’m always happy to add community events and keep this guide as helpful and up-to-date as possible!