10+ FREE Holiday Events in Omaha

Omaha is FULL of fun Holiday Events – how do you pick which ones to go to?

Be sure to SAVE THE DATE for these 10 FREE Events in Omaha this Holiday Season!

2024 Holiday Fun Guides

PLEASE NOTE: Many events require pre-registration, have limited capacity, or offer timed slots. As things continue to change during this time, it is highly recommended to verify details, closures, cancelations, hours of operation, and any requirements or procedures for guests before visiting. Thank You!

10+ FREE Holiday Events in Omaha

1. Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing – Nov 17th – Feb 14th – FREE

• Stroll through tens of thousands of white LED lights strung throughout Turner Park and along Farnam Street. Plus, visit the beautifully decorated tree in Farnam Court.
• Location: Turner Park (31st Ave. and Farnam St.), Omaha, NE

2.Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s and Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops – Thru Dec 24th – FREE [Advanced Registration Required]

• Santa’s Wonderland offers Contactless Claus visits, free Photo with Santa, and free take-home holiday craft activity kits.
• Advance reservations are required in all locations for Free Santa photo and can go quickly. Reserving is easy and free.
• Location:
  • Cabela’s – 12703 Westport Pkwy, La Vista, NE
  • Bass Pro Shops – 2901 Bass Pro Dr, Council Bluffs, IA

3. Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade Event – Nov 27th – 6:00pm – FREE

• 17th Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade! Parade starts at 6pm with fireworks immediately following provided by Bellino Fireworks and the Salvation Army Kroc Center.  Santa and all of his friends will be here, as well as surprise parade guests!
• Location: Shadow Lake Towne Center – 7775 Olson Dr, Papillion, NE 68046

4. Complimentary Horse and Carriage Rides at Village Pointe – Nov 30th, Dec 7th,14th,21st  – 12:00-3:00pm (Nov), 12:00-5:00pm (Dec) – FREE

5. Visit Santa at Rockbrook Village – Nov 30th – 12:00-3:00pm – FREE 

• Celebrate a family tradition Saturday, Nov. 30th from 12-3pm. Bring the little ones to visit Santa and share their holiday wishes, then the whole family can enjoy a complimentary horse and carriage ride around the village. Kids – stop by Doodle Art Studio and Great Harvest Bread Co. for a free cookie and hot cocoa. And don’t miss out on the amazing Christmas lights around the village come dusk. It is our way of saying thank you for supporting local on Small Business Saturday! Come join the fun!
• Location: Rockbrook Village – 2800 S. 110th Ct., Omaha, NE

6. KETV Family Festival – Dec 8th – 11:00am – 4:00pm

• Enjoy a festive day full of family-friendly activities at your favorite Downtown Omaha attractions! PLUS! Ollie the Trolley will be providing FREE transportation!

7.Winterland Ice Skating at Heartwood Preserve – Nov 29th – Jan 5th – Times Vary – FREE

• Bundle up and bring your loved ones out to Heartwood Preserve this season to experience the joy of gliding on ice in the heart of West Omaha.  Join for hot cocoa, seasonal treats from local vendors, and exciting themed skating nights—including visits from Santa himself!  FREE admission and ice skate rentals courtesy of Applied Underwriters.
• Location: The Ice Rink at Heartwood Park – 301 N. 145th St.

8. Meet Santa’s Reindeer at Mulhalls – Nov 20th – Dec 16th – FREE

• Dasher and Dancer will arrive on Wednesday, November 20th, and can visit anytime during store hours until they leave again on Monday, December 16th. We hope you’ll come to say hello before they head back to the North Pole to get ready for their big flight on Christmas Eve.
• Monday – Saturday: 8am to 8pm
• Sunday: 9am to 6pm
• Location: Mulhalls – 3615 N. 120th St., Omaha, NE

9. Gingerbread Cookie Decorating with Santa – Dec 3rd, 10th, 17th – 10:00am-Noon – FREE

• Join us in Santa’s Workshop to decorate gingerbread cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
  With a variety of holiday characters, cookies to decorate, and Mr. & Mrs. Claus this is an event you won’t want to miss.  While this is a free event to attend, we ask for the donation of one non-perishable food item per person participating in cookie decoration. The items will be donated locally.
• Location: Shadow Lake Towne Center – 10422 S 72nd St, Papillion, NE 68046

10. Home Depot Kids Workshop: Holiday Snow Globe – Dec 7th – 9:00am-12:00pm – FREE

• First Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops.
• Location: Home Depot Stores

11. ‘Twas the Lights Before Christmas in LaVista – Dec 1st – FREE

• Santa’s Sleigh Ride & Tree Lighting – Dec 1st – 1:00-7:00pm – FREE
• Letters to Santa – Nov 25th – Dec 13th – FREE
• Walkin’ in a La Vista Wonderland – Dec 1st – Dec 31st – FREE

12. Ralston’s Holiday Magic – Dec 1st – FREE

• Join Mayor Groesser as we light up downtown and get into the holiday spirit! Bring your family out to enjoy a Ralston tradition! Visit Santa and enjoy FREE carriage rides, children’s activities, hot chocolate, and cookies.
• Location: Independence Square – 77th St. & Main St., Ralston, NE

13. New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular – Dec 31st – 7:00pm

• For the last signature event of the Holiday Lights Festival, enjoy the spectacular firework show in the warmth of your vehicle!
• Arrive early and park for FREE to view the up-close show in the recommended viewing areas listed here.

• The fireworks will be launched from Parking Lot D of the CHI Health Center.