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!
2023 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 13th – 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. Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Event – Nov 22nd – 6:00pm – FREE
- Join Shadow Lake Towne Center for our annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade on November 22nd at 6 p.m. in the center of the mall. Santa and his friends will be here along with horses and Cinderella in her carriage.
- Location: Shadow Lake Towne Center – 7775 Olson Dr, Papillion, NE 68046
4. Complimentary Horse and Carriage Rides at Village Pointe – Nov 25th, Dec 2nd,9th,16th,23rd – 11:00am-3:00pm (Nov), 12:00-5:00pm (Dec) – FREE
- Holiday shoppers can enjoy complimentary horse and carriage rides throughout the center on Saturdays from November 25th – December 23rd.
- Pick-Up & Drop-Off Location In Front of Marcus Village Pointe Cinema
5. Visit Santa at Rockbrook Village – Nov 25th – 12:00-3:00pm – FREE
- Celebrate Small Business Saturday Nov. 25th by shopping local and enjoying some holiday fun! Bring the whole family and visit Santa in the plaza and take a complimentary horse and carriage ride around the village. Don’t forget to stop into Mary’s Mountain Cookies and Great Harvest Bread Co. where kiddos will receive a free cookie and free hot cocoa. This event is from 12pm-3pm and is FREE to the public.
- Location: Rockbrook Village – 2800 S. 110th Ct., Omaha, NE
6. KETV Family Festival – Dec 3rd – 11:00am – 4:00pm
- Enjoy a festive day full of family-friendly activities at your favorite Downtown Omaha attractions! See below for information about which Downtown venues are participating and what activities they’re offering!
7. Meet Santa & His Elves at Bel Air Plaza – Dec 2nd & Dec 9th – 10:00am-2:00pm – FREE
- Santa and his reindeer will be flying back to Bel Air Plaza on Saturday, December 2nd and Saturday, December 9th from 10am-2pm! This event is FREE for all ages and you will stay warm & cozy in our heated tent. Bring your camera to capture the holiday memories! Mingle with Santa’s adorable reindeer, up close and personal! Share your wishlist with Santa while you enjoy delicious cookies, hot cocoa, and giveaways.
- Location: Bel Air Plaza Parking Lot – 12100 W. Center Rd., Omaha, NE
8. Meet Santa’s Reindeer at Mulhalls – Nov 21st – Dec 17th – FREE
- Dasher and Dancer will arrive on Tuesday, November 21st and are available to visit anytime during store hours until they leave again on Sunday, December 17th. We hope you’ll come say hello before they head back to the North Pole to get ready for their big flight on Christmas Eve.
- Location: Mulhalls – 3615 N. 120th St., Omaha, NE
9. ‘Twas the Lights Before Christmas in LaVista – Nov 26th – Dec 31st
- Santa’s Sleigh Ride & Tree Lighting – Nov 26th – 3:00-7:30pm – FREE
- Letters to Santa– Nov 26th – Dec 14th – FREE
- Walkin’ in a La Vista Wonderland – Nov 26th – Dec 31st
- Ugly Christmas Sweater Decorating – Nov 29th
- Countdown to Christmas Craft – Nov 30th – 9:30 am – 7:30 pm
- Visit Santa and His Reindeer – Dec 1st,12th,15th 4:30-6:30pm, Dec 9th 8:00-10:00 (No Reindeer)
- Santa Paws – Dec 2nd – 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
- Grab & Go Holiday Card Making – Dec 4th
- Storytime, Pictures and Crafts with Santa Claus – Dec 6th – 10:00 am
- Build It! – Dec 11th – 10:00am-7:00pm
- Pajama Storytime and Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus – Dec 11th – 6:00 pm
- Gift Wrapping Station – Dec 18th- Dec 23rd
- Disguise a Gingerbread Man – Dec 20-22nd
- Kid’s NYE Bingo Bash – Dec 29th – 10:00am
10. 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.
Find these and many more events in the 2023 Omaha Holiday Fun Guide:
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