Your Merry-and-Bright Guide to December in Omaha!

by Jennifer Weikel

 
December in Omaha is overflowing with holiday magic — light displays, concerts, family festivals, Santa sightings, maker markets, and cozy winter fun all across the metro. Whether you're shopping small, getting into the holiday spirit, or planning memory-making outings with family and friends, here’s your complete guide to the season.


A Live Conversation with Chevy Chase + Screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 🎬
Dec 1, 2025 | Holland Performing Arts Center | From $85
Watch the holiday classic on the big screen, then enjoy a live conversation with Chevy Chase and his wife Jayni — full of stories, laughs, and festive nostalgia.

ChristmasLand πŸš—
Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | ChristmasLand Drive-Thru | $35 Mon–Wed, $40 Thurs–Sat
A 70-acre glowing drive-thru filled with twinkling, animated holiday scenes — perfect for cozy car-rides with the family.

Falconwood Frosty Nights ✨
Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026 | Falconwood Park | $20 adults, $10 kids
Explore 80 acres of lights, Santa’s Village, live reindeer, sledding, food trucks, market cabins and warm cocktails from Saro Cider.
 
Santa’s Rock N Lights – Werner Park πŸš—πŸŽ…
Nov 21–Dec 31, 2025 | Werner Park | From ~$30 per car (see ticket site)
Drive through over a mile of animated holiday displays synced to music — a big-time crowd-pleaser for kids and grown-ups alike. 

Holiday Lights Festival: North Omaha Lighting Display 🌟
Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026 | 24th & Lake Streets | Free
A beautiful six-block holiday display celebrating culture, community, and seasonal sparkle.

Holiday Lights Festival: Old Market 🎁
Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026 | Old Market | Free
Walk the historic brick streets lined with sparkling white lights, garland, and festive décor.

Holiday Lights Festival: South Omaha Lighting Display πŸŽ„
Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026 | South 24th Street (L–Q) | Free
Colorful lights illuminate the vibrant South O corridor in a joyful display of community pride.

Holiday Lights Festival: The RiverFront πŸ’‘
Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026 | The RiverFront | Free
All 72 acres—from Gene Leahy Mall to Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing—shine bright with magical holiday lights.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) πŸ˜‚
Through Dec 14, 2025 | BLUEBARN Theatre | ~$47 general admission
Three actors speed through every holiday classic — from A Christmas Carol to The Grinch to Die Hard — in one hilarious, fast-paced mashup. 
 
Hubble Space Telescope: New Views of the Universe πŸš€
Nov 28 – Dec 14, 2025 | SAC Aerospace Museum | $16 adults, $12 seniors, $8 kids
Discover space imagery, hands-on exhibits, and real artifacts highlighting the wonders of the universe.

Merry & Bright: Holiday Poinsettia Show 🌺
Nov 28 – Dec 31, 2025 | Lauritzen Gardens | $15 adults, $9 kids
Hundreds of poinsettias, festive décor, shimmering ornaments, model trains, and a stunning 20-foot poinsettia tree.

Midtown Crossing Season of Lights ✨
Nov 28, 2025 – Feb 14, 2026 | Midtown Crossing | Free
Tens of thousands of LED lights drape Turner Park and Farnam Street in peaceful holiday glow.

Paul Pfeiffer: Red Green Blue 🎨
Nov 28, 2025 – Apr 26, 2026 | Joslyn Art Museum | Free
A sensory audio-visual installation recreating the energy of a college football game.

Winterland at Heartwood Preserve – Free Ice Skating ⛸️
Nov 14, 2025 – Feb 1, 2026 (Select Dates) | Heartwood Park | Free (Reservation Required)
Free public outdoor ice skating with festive charm — a winter must-do.

Christmas at Union Station πŸŽ„
Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 9, 2026 (Tues–Sun) | The Durham Museum | $15 adults, $12 seniors, $8 kids
Omaha’s largest indoor Christmas tree, global holiday displays, and seasonal programming for all ages.

Family Nights with Santa πŸŽ…
Dec 2 – Dec 16, 2025 (Select Dates) | The Durham Museum | $15 adults, $12 seniors, $8 kids
Meet Santa, enjoy live music, and experience festive family fun under the gorgeous holiday tree.

HOCKEY: Faster Than Ever Exhibition πŸ’
Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 10, 2026 | The Durham Museum | $15 adults, $8 kids
Explore the science and technology that shaped ice hockey through interactive displays.
 
Zoolightful Holiday Event πŸ¦’βœ¨
Nov 19–Dec 30, 2025 (select nights) | Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium | $26 adults, $16 kids (3–11)
The Zoo glows with handcrafted lanterns, illuminated animals, and colorful tunnels — plus cocoa, photo ops, and festive vibes everywhere you look. 

Holiday Concert Series 🎢
Dec 2 – Dec 23, 2025 (Select Dates) | The Durham Museum | $15 adults, $12 seniors, $8 kids
Local performers fill the Great Hall with holiday classics throughout the season.

A Christmas Carol – 50th Anniversary 🎭
Nov 28 – Dec 21, 2025 | Omaha Community Playhouse | From $62
A beloved Omaha tradition celebrating 50 years of Victorian charm, music, and theatrical magic.

Bright Nights at Lauritzen Gardens 🌟
Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 (Select Dates) | Lauritzen Gardens | $18 adults, $10 kids
See the gardens glow after dark with illuminated installations and festive seasonal scenes.

Midwest Fest Holiday Market πŸ›οΈ
Nov 29 – Dec 7, 2025 | Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront | Free
Shop 40+ makers, enjoy festive drinks, skate under twinkling lights, and meet Santa & his reindeer.
 
Holiday Harmony 🎼
Nov 29 – Dec 21, 2025 | Lauritzen Gardens | $15 adults, $9 kids
Enjoy live festive music during the poinsettia show — a magical combination of sights and sounds.

Blue Violin Candlelight Christmas Extravaganza πŸ”₯
Dec 5, 2025 | Omaha Performing Arts / Scott Hall | $16–$57
High-energy strings, rock and cinematic hits, and holiday favorites all performed by candlelight for a big, dramatic Christmas concert. 

The Nutcracker 🩰
Dec 5 – Dec 7, 2025 | Orpheum Theater | From $29
American Midwest Ballet’s stunning holiday production returns with breathtaking dance and classic storytelling.
 
The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday ExtravaganzaπŸ¦πŸŽ„
Dec 5–21, 2025 | The Rose Theater | From ~$25
Mo Willems’ beloved characters (Elephant & Piggie, The Pigeon and more) throw a big, silly musical holiday party kids will love. 

Christmas in the Village at 24th & Lake πŸŽ„
Dec 6, 2025 | 24th & Lake Streets | Free
A cultural celebration with performances, live nativity, carriage rides, toys, treats, and family fun.

Holiday Cocktail Crawl 🍸
Dec 6, 2025 | Midtown Crossing | Free
Taste festive cocktails, vote for your favorite, and dress in your best holiday attire.

Holiday in the Woods 🌲
Dec 6, 2025 | Wildlife Safari Park | $30
A wintry outdoor celebration featuring crafts, nature walks, and seasonal fun.

Santa Run πŸŽ…
Dec 6, 2025 | La Vista City Centre | $25 adults, $10 kids
A festive 2K with obstacles set by “the elves,” complete with holiday gear and family fun.

Santa’s Forest Festival ❄️
Dec 6, 2025 | Fontenelle Forest | $15 adults, $9 kids
Visit Santa, sip cocoa, and explore winter nature fun in Acorn Acres.

Country Christmas 🎁
Dec 6–14, 2025 (Weekends) | Bellevue Berry Farm | $12 per person
Cookie decorating, Santa visits, festive play areas, and cozy ranch-style holiday charm.

Nights at The Joslyn 🎨
Dec 4, 2025 | Joslyn Art Museum | Free
Spend an evening surrounded by art with curator talks, hands-on activities, live demos, seasonal themes, food, drinks and shopping at Joslyn’s monthly art night.

Holiday Cultural Festival 🌍
Dec 5, 2025 | The Durham Museum | $15 adults, $12 seniors/veterans, $8 kids (3–12), 2 & under and members free
Experience how cultures from around the world celebrate the season with music, dance, traditional dress, crafts, food and unique global gifts.

Santa Goes to Space πŸš€πŸŽ…
Dec 6, 2025 | Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum | $17.50 adults, $9 kids (4–12)
Warm up with cocoa and cookies at story time, meet Star Wars characters, send letters to the North Pole, enjoy live music, browse the maker’s market and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Maker's Market πŸ›οΈ
Dec 6, 2025 | Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum | $17.50 adults, $13.50 seniors/military, $9 kids (4–12)
Shop the Holiday Maker’s Market for one-of-a-kind gifts and festive finds during Santa Goes to Space, with local vendors, creative goods and an out-of-this-world atmosphere.

Hot Shops Winter Open House πŸ”₯
Dec 6–7, 2025 | Hot Shops Art Center | $5 donation
Tour studios, watch artist demos, and find one-of-a-kind handmade gifts.

Joyful Noise 🎀
Dec 6–7, 2025 | Steelhouse Omaha | $31
A powerful holiday performance blending gospel, Christmas classics, and joyful energy.

Holiday Concert at UNO Strauss Performing Arts Center 🎺
Dec 7, 2025 | UNO Strauss Performing Arts Center | Free
A warm, community-spirited holiday concert featuring the UNO University Band and Nebraska Wind Symphony.

Holiday Lights Festival: KETV Family Festival 🧁
Dec 7, 2025 | Downtown Omaha (Multiple Locations) | Free
Ride Ollie the Trolley to top attractions for free holiday activities and entertainment.

Gingerbread Cookie Decorating with Santa πŸͺ
Dec 8, 2025 | Shadow Lake Towne Center | Free (donations encouraged)
Decorate cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus in this sweet family event supporting local families.

Behind-the-Scenes: Christmas at Union Station πŸŽ„
Dec 9–22, 2025 (Select Dates) | The Durham Museum | $20 members, $25 nonmembers
Learn the rich history behind Omaha’s iconic holiday tradition through exclusive guided tours.

The Notebook: The Musical 🎭
Dec 9–14, 2025 | Orpheum Theater | See website
A moving theatrical adaptation of the bestselling novel and beloved film.

Winter Wonderland ❄️
Dec 9, 2025 – Jan 2, 2026 | Fontenelle Forest | Included with admission
Festive décor transforms the Great Hall, plus enjoy illuminated boardwalk walks through nature.

The Ugly Seasonal Sweater Soiree πŸŽ‰
Dec 10, 2025 | Arts Center at Iowa Western | $38
A hilarious blend of holiday music, comedy, and outrageous sweaters.

Stained Glass Holiday Tree Workshop 🌟
Dec 11, 2025 | Hot Shops Art Center | $100
Create your own stained-glass tree ornament with guided instruction — no experience needed.

Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration 🎼
Dec 11–14, 2025 | Holland Performing Arts Center | From $30
A show-stopping holiday performance with singers, dancers, orchestra, and dazzling production.

Farnam Winter Pop-Up πŸ›’
Dec 12–14, 2025 | Midtown Crossing | Free
Shop from 15+ local makers — festive gifts, treats, décor, plus free garage parking.

Holidays at General Crook House πŸ›οΈ
Dec 13, 2025 | General Crook House Museum | $8 adults, $4 kids
The historic Crook House is beautifully transformed with holiday décor.

The Muppet Christmas Carol 🐸
Dec 13–24, 2025 | Film Streams at Dundee Theater | $5
A heartwarming holiday favorite starring Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Michael Caine.

Arts & Drafts 🍻
Dec 14, 2025 | Dubliner Pub | Free
A curated artist market with handcrafted goods, live music, and festive cocktail flights.

Christmas Bird Count 🐦
Dec 14, 2025 | Fontenelle Forest | $15 adults, $9 kids
Join a naturalist-guided bird count hike with warm drinks and kids’ crafts afterward.

A Festival of Christmas Brass 🎺
Dec 18, 2025 | Saint Cecilia Cathedral | $35
A soaring evening of carols and brass featuring the cathedral’s majestic Pasi organ.

A Magical Cirque Christmas πŸŽͺ
Dec 18, 2025 | Orpheum Theater | From $51.50
Dazzling acrobatics, illusions, and holiday music collide in this spectacular cirque show.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings πŸ•―οΈ
Dec 20, 2025 | The Rose Theater | From $46
A candlelit string quartet brings classic carols to life in an intimate, glowing performance.

Candlelight: Tribute to Adele 🎼
Dec 20, 2025 | The Rose Theater | $26.75
An emotional candlelit tribute featuring Adele’s biggest hits performed by string quartet.

Candy Cane Course – Omaha 🍬
Dec 20, 2025 | Inner Rail Food Hall | $30.98
Run or walk a festive 5k/12k filled with holiday spirit and sweet rewards.

Disney’s Frozen Live in Concert ❄️
Dec 20, 2025 | Holland Performing Arts Center | From $30
Watch Frozen as the Omaha Symphony performs the iconic score live.

Family Nights with Santa πŸŽ…
Dec 23, 2025 | The Durham Museum | $15 adults, $12 seniors, $8 kids
Festive fun with Santa, live entertainment, and holiday cheer for the whole family.

Bubbly New Year’s Eve 🫧
Dec 31, 2025 | Omaha Children’s Museum | $17 adults
An early New Year’s celebration packed with bubble drops, crafts, and family-friendly fun.

New Year's Eve Fireworks Spectacular πŸŽ†
Dec 31, 2025 | Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront | Free
Ring in the new year with Omaha's beloved fireworks show over the water.

NYE at The Granary 🎊
Dec 31, 2025 | The Granary District | See website
A multi-venue celebration with live music, DJs, festive extras, and Nebraska’s only outdoor midnight ball drop.

Noon Year’s Eve 🎈
Dec 31, 2025 | The Durham Museum | $15 adults, $12 seniors, $8 kids
Celebrate at noon with music, crafts, balloon drop, bubble wrap stomp, and family festivities.

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Jennifer Weikel

Jennifer Weikel

Real Estate Agent | License ID: 20210120

+1(402) 616-4556

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