10+ FREE Omaha Events in December

Photo Credit Brad Williams Photography

There are MANY family-friendly events coming up in Omaha, including these 10+ FREE Events in December!

Keep updated on the latest Omaha fun and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

Please Note: It is always a good idea to verify before visiting as details may change.

Find these and 40+ Family-Friendly Holiday Events here and Amazing Christmas Lights in Omaha!

Please Note: It is always a good idea to verify before visiting as details may change.

See Amazing Christmas Lights & Decorated Houses + Map in the Omaha Area

• Find the best Christmas Lights in Omaha full of beautifully decorated houses with bright lights, inflatables, decorations, and some with thousands of lights choreographed to music!

Virtual Holiday Cultural Conversations at the Durham Museum – Dec. 4 (4 – 4:30 p.m.), [REGISTER]

• A virtual spin on this popular event featuring an introduction to Christmas at Union Station traditions and the museum’s 40-foot, fully decorated tree. Then, take a tour of the Holiday Cultural Tree display with help from local cultural organizations who are able to shine a light on their own holiday traditions. 
• Note: There is no cost to attend this virtual presentation, but registration is required. Once you have registered, you will be emailed a link to access the program. 

Drive-Thru Christmas in the Village – Saturday, Dec. 5 (12 – 3 p.m.) – FREE

• Community Celebration and Holiday Tradition at 24th & Lake. 
• Drive-Through starts at 24th & Burdette.

KETV Drive-Thru Family Festival – Dec. 6 (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

• Though different from previous years, hands-on activities will still be part of the event. Craft kits will be handed out to vehicles to complete at home as a family and there will be festive holiday entertainment, Santa, and, police riding their horses! The first 500 vehicles will receive one complimentary Paddington Bear book, courtesy of the Omaha Public Library.
• Location: Omaha Police Mounted Patrol Barn, 615 Leavenworth St., Omaha, NE.

Elkhorn Tree Lighting Drive-Thru – Sunday, Dec. 6 (5:15 – 6 p.m.), FREE

• Load the kids in the car and drive thru Olde Towne Elkhorn on Sunday, Dec. 6 between 5:15-6:00pm. Your family will be able to say Merry Christmas to Santa, his Elves, and other holiday characters, get Christmas goodie bags for the kids, and see the Elkhorn Christmas Tree all lit up and decorated.

Hot Shops Art Center’s Virtual Winter Open House – Nov. 15 – Dec. 15, FREE

• For 2020, Hot Shops’ Open House will take place on Facebook.
• Watch demonstrations, get to know the center’s current artists, learn more about their tools and processes, and view their latest works!
• Location: Online.

Fun To-Go – Nov. 30 – Jan. 3 (all day), FREE

• Stop by the library to pick up a free holiday-themed activity kit.
• Nov. 30 – Dec. 6: Fun on the Run: Light-Up Snowmen
• Nov. 30 – Dec. 6: PreK Cafe: Sweets
• Nov. 30 – Dec. 6: Tinker Zone To Go: Clothespin Skiers (Teens)
• Nov. 30 – Dec. 6: Tinker Zone To Go: Paracord Survival Bracelets (Teens)
• Dec. 7 – 13: Fun on the Run: Holiday Family Games
• Dec. 7 – 13: PreK Cafe: Snowmen
• Dec. 7 – 13: Tinker Zone To Go: Snowman Stress Balls (Teens)
• Dec. 14 – 20: Fun on the Run: Tie-Dye Reindeer
• Dec. 14 – 20: PreK Cafe: North Pole
• Dec. 14 ONLY: Tinker Zone to Go: Grab Bags
• Dec. 21 – 27: Tinker Zone to Go: Diamond Dot Painting Stickers
• Dec. 28 – Jan. 3: Fun on the Run: Treasure Journal
• Dec. 28 – Jan. 3: PreK Cafe: Space
• Location: Council Bluffs Library, 400 Willow Ave., Council Bluffs, IA.

Michaels Kids Club: 24 Days of Merry Making – Dec. 1 – 24 (4 p.m.), FREE [REGISTER]

• Join in for a free online class each day to participate in fun holiday crafts designed for mini-makers, ages 3 and up.
• Location: Online.

Storybook Characters Visit Omaha Public Libraries for Storytime LIVE! – Dec. 15 – 26 (9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.), FREE [REGISTER]

• Explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking and writing in each storytime. Plus, a beloved storybook character will join in for this special storytime!
• Dec. 15 – 19: Taco Dragon
• Dec. 22 – 26: Cookie Mouse
• Dec. 29 – Jan. 2: Ladybug Girl
• Location: Online.

Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shop – Nov. 7 – Dec. 24, FREE [REGISTER]

• Santa’s Wonderland offers Contactless Claus visits, free Photo with Santa, and free take-home holiday craft activity kits.
• Reservations are required for 2020. Make your reservation in advance beginning Nov. 2nd.
• Location: Cabela’s, 12703 Westport Pkwy., La Vista, NE.

Old Market & North/South Omaha Lighting Displays – Nov. 20 – Jan. 4 (nightly), FREE

• Old Market Display – White lights, garland, and festive decor will illuminate the brick streets of the Old Market and surrounding areas. The display will run from 10th St. to 13th St., and from Harney St. to Jackson St.
• North Omaha Display – The North Omaha lighting display will be showcased along a 6-block area around 24th St. and Lake St.
• South Omaha Display – The South Omaha lighting display will be showcased on 24th St. between L St. and Q St.

Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing – Nov. 20 – Feb. 14, FREE

• Stroll in the glow of a cherished holiday tradition – tens of thousands of white LED lights strung throughout Turner Park and along Farnam St. Plus, visit the beautifully-decorated tree in Farnam Court.
• Location: Turner Park (31st Ave. and Farnam St.), Omaha, NE.

Meet Santa’s Reindeer at Mulhalls – Nov. 21 – Dec. 19

• Dasher and Dancer will arrive on Saturday, November 21st and are available to visit anytime during store hours until they leave again on Saturday, December 19th.
• Location: Mulhalls, 3615 N 120th St, Omaha.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular – Dec. 31 (7 p.m.), FREE

• Enjoy the spectacular firework show in the warmth and safety of your vehicle or home!
• 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.

Top of Page

Find these and 40+ Family-Friendly Holiday Events here and Amazing Christmas Lights in Omaha!

We Hope These Events Return in 2021

Ralston’s Holiday Magic – CANCELED FOR 2020

• Enjoy holiday activities at this fun, family outdoor event.
• Location: Independence Square, 77th St. & Main St., Ralston, NE.

Storytime with Santa at Shadow Lake Towne Center – CANCELED FOR 2020

• Santa and Mrs.Claus read one of their favorite Christmas stories! Don’t forget your camera because afterward children can get their photo taken with Santa.
• Location: Shadow Lake Towne Center, 7775 Olson Dr., Papillion, NE.

Mrs. Claus Storytime at Regency – CANCELED FOR 2020

• Join Mrs. Claus for stories at 10 a.m. by the Ann Taylor store.
• Location: Ann Taylor store at Regency, 120 Regency Pkwy., Omaha, NE.

Storytime with Santa – CANCELED FOR 2020

• Santa will read a holiday story to kids on Thursdays in December at various Village Pointe stores. Treats and/or giveaways will be provided for children attending.
• Location: Village Pointe, 17202 Davenport St., Omaha, NE.

Trainapalooza Family Night at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum – CANCELED FOR 2020

• A night of model trains, games and crafts. Celebrate opening night of the museum’s December model train display. Plus, see historic train photos and get an exclusive up-close look at a piece of the UP Photo Collection.
• Location: 200 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, IA.

Lights of Aksarben – CANCELED FOR 2020

• Location: Stinson Park, 2232 S. 64th St., Omaha, NE.

Kids Workshop: Build a Christmas Countdown Calendar at Home Depot – CANCELED FOR 2020

• Hands-on workshop where you and your child can build a wooden Christmas Countdown Calendar and decorate it with paint and stickers.

Train Show & Open House – CANCELED FOR 2020

• Visit the new club house for the Nebraska-Iowa Railroaders. There will be over a dozen operating train layouts of all sizes. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Location: Oak View Mall, 3001 S 144th St, Omaha. (Upper level next to Lens Crafters)

Carriage Rides at Village Pointe – TBA

• Holiday shoppers can enjoy complimentary horse and carriage rides on Saturdays. Weather permitting.
• Location: Village Pointe Shopping Center, 17305 Davenport St., Omaha, NE.

Archery on Fire! at Platte River State Park – CANCELED FOR 2020

• Bring the family and learn more about archery. Equipment is provided and knowledgeable staff will be there to help.
• Visitors will need a daily or annual Nebraska State Park permit.
• Location: Platte River State Park, 14421 346th St., Louisville, NE.

Holidays at Hummel – CANCELED FOR 2020

• An all ages event with a nature storytime, Nature Bingo, crafts, hikes, outdoor games, and hot cocoa.
• Location: Hummel Park Nature Center, 3033 Hummel Park Rd., Omaha, NE.

Parent/Tot Santa Party at A.V. Sorensen – CANCELED FOR 2020

• Enjoy an exciting story time, crafts, games, and the bounce house!
• Location: A.V. Sorensen Community Center, 4808 Cass St., Omaha, NE.