Family Fun in Omaha

Your local resource for family-friendly activities and events in Omaha.

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📢 Please Note: As things continue to change during this time, it is always a good idea to verify details, closures, hours of operation, and any requirements or procedures for guests before visiting. Thank You!

10+ FREE Omaha Events in December

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 100+ Family-Friendly Holiday Events here and Amazing Christmas Lights in Omaha!

     

Jump Directly to the Specific Week:

 

December 1 – 8

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

FREE Ongoing Activities:

 

Omaha Gingerbread Festival – Nov. 16 – Dec. 15, FREE

  • Gingerbread displays and holiday performances.
  • Location: Ramada Inn, 3321 S. 72nd St., Omaha, NE.

 

>> Adult Members of the Omaha Public Libraries will be able to check out tickets to the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium beginning Sunday, December 1, 2019! (while supplies last)

 

>> COUNCIL BLUFFS PUBLIC LIBRARY ADULT MEMBERS: Family Admission Passes to the Omaha Children’s Museum will be available at the Council Bluffs Public Library starting Sunday, December 1st, 2019! (Supply is limited.)

 

>> OMAHA PUBLIC LIBRARY ADULT MEMBERS: The next round of passes to the Omaha Children’s Museum will be available for check out beginning on Wednesday, December 4, 2019! <<

 

KETV Holiday Lights Family Festival – Dec. 1 (12 – 5 p.m.), FREE

  • Enjoy family activities and experience many of Omaha’s leading downtown attractions for FREE including Omaha Children’s Museum, The Durham Museum, Downtown YMCA, Omaha Police Mounted Patrol Barn, W. Dale Clark Library, and Joslyn Art Museum. A free trolley service will connect the participating venues.

 

Family Fun at Omaha Public Libraries

 

Ralston’s Holiday Magic – Dec. 1 (1 – 7 p.m.), FREE

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

 

Elkhorn Tree Lighting Party – Dec. 1 (4 – 5:30 p.m.)

  • The evening will feature Santa and his elves, live Christmas music, and the lighting of the Elkhorn Christmas Tree along with free hot dogs, chili, cookies, s’mores and hot cocoa!
  • Location: Main St. in Olde Towne Elkhorn, with the lighting of the Elkhorn Christmas Tree at 5 p.m.

 

La Vista’s Wintertainment

  • ‘Twas the Lights Before Christmas Wintertainment features a variety of family holiday entertainment at several locations around the City of La Vista throughout the month of December.
    • Dec. 1: Santa’s Sleigh Ride Throughout the City
    • Dec. 2: Tree Lighting Celebration & Soup Supper
    • Dec. 4: Ugly Sweater Decorating
    • Dec. 5: Visit Santa’s Workshop with Live Reindeer
    • Dec. 6: Pete the Cat Saves Christmas Party
    • Dec. 7: Visit Santa’s Workshop

 

Storytime with Santa at Shadow Lake Towne Center – Dec. 4 & 12 (10:30 – 11:30 a.m.), FREE

  • 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– Dec. 5, 12 & 19 (10 a.m.)

  • 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 – Dec. 5, 12 & 19 (10:30 – 11:30 a.m.)

  • 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.
    • Dec. 5: Cold Stone Creamery
    • Dec. 12: GapKids
    • Dec. 19: Janie and Jack
  • Location: Village Pointe, 17202 Davenport St., Omaha, NE.

 

Roundball Reindeer Shootout at La Vista Community Center – Dec. 5 (6 – 8:30 p.m.)

  • Free throw contest for children and their parent/guardian to compete together as a team.
  • Location: 8116 Park View Blvd., La Vista, NE.

 

Kindermusic Friday at Fat Brain Toys – Dec. 6 (10:30 – 11:30 a.m.)

  • Get your groove on while you make music.
  • Location: 16909 Burke St., Omaha, NE.

 

Trainapalooza Family Night at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum – Dec. 6 (5:30 – 8 p.m.)

  • 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 – Fridays, Dec. 6 – 20 (6 – 8 p.m.)

  • Dec. 6 – Backwoods Art Activity
  • Dec. 13 – Cocoa with a Cop
  • Dec. 20 – Santa & Mrs. Claus
  • Location: Stinson Park, 2232 S. 64th St., Omaha, NE.

 

Kids Workshop: Build a Christmas Countdown Calendar at Home Depot  – Dec. 7 (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

  • 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 – Dec. 7 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.), FREE

  • 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)

 

Holiday Events at Omaha Community Centers

 

Family Fun Activities & Character Visit at Regency– Dec. 7, 14 & 21 (12 – 3 p.m.)

  • 12 – 1 p.m.: Write letters to Santa
  • 1 – 2 p.m.: Meet Characters from Frozen (Dec. 7), Toy Story (Dec. 14), and Minion (Dec. 21)
  • 2 – 3 p.m.: Balloon Artist
  • Location: Regency, 120 Regency Pkwy., Omaha, NE.

 

Hot Shops Art Center’s Holiday Open House – Dec. 7 (12 – 6 p.m.), Dec. 8 (12 – 5 p.m.), FREE

  • The event features fun and informative art demonstrations, with residents of the Hot Shops opening their studios to the public. Local acoustic musicians will perform throughout the center.
  • Location: Hot Shops Art Center is located at 1301 Nicholas St., just one block north of TD Ameritrade Park’s home plate.

 

Carriage Rides at Village Pointe – Saturdays, Nov. 30 – Dec. 21 (1 – 5 p.m.), FREE

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

 

MORE FUN THIS WEEK –

Special events that are not free, but value-priced!

Archery on Fire! at Platte River State Park – Dec. 7 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.), Event is FREE (Park Permit required)

  • 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.

 

Student Thursday at Marcus Theatres – Thursdays; $6 admission

  • Every Thursday, students (pre-school through 12th-grade), plus school faculty can enjoy $6 movies at all Marcus Theatres, plus FREE popcorn! Get your tickets and start a new study break tradition.
  • Locations: Majestic Cinema of Omaha, 14304 W. Maple Rd., Omaha, NE; Twin Creek Cinema, 3909 Raynor Pkwy., Bellevue, NE; Village Pointe Cinema, 304 N. 174th St., Omaha, NE.

 

Find More: 100+ Holiday Events Guide (Many FREE Events)

Top of Page

December 9 – 15

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

FREE Ongoing Activities:

 

Omaha Gingerbread Festival – Nov. 16 – Dec. 15, FREE

  • Gingerbread displays and holiday performances.
  • Location: Ramada Inn, 3321 S. 72nd St., Omaha, NE.

 

La Vista’s Wintertainment

  • ‘Twas the Lights Before Christmas Wintertainment features a variety of family holiday entertainment at several locations around the City of La Vista throughout the month of December.
    • Dec. 10: Teen Ornament Crafts
    • Dec. 11: Visit Santa with the Littles
    • Dec. 11: Winter Art
    • Dec. 12: Sugar Cookies & Bingo
    • Dec. 12: Visit Santa’s Workshop with Live Reindeer
    • Dec. 13: Christmas Storytime
    • Dec. 14: Visit Santa’s Workshop

 

Santa Party at Council Bluffs Public Library – Dec. 11 (10:30 – 11 a.m.)

  • Decorate a cookie, sing Christmas songs, then visit with Santa!
  • Location: 400 Willow Ave., Council Bluffs, IA.

 

Parent/Tot Santa Party at A.V. Sorensen – Dec. 11 (10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.), FREE

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

 

Holiday Extravaganza at Florence Community Center – Dec. 11 (6 – 7:30 p.m.), FREE

  • Join in for storytime at Florence Branch library, then head to the gym for crafts, activities and refreshments! Meet Buddy the Elf and Mrs. Claus.
  • Location: 2920 Bondesson St., Omaha NE.

 

Family Fun at Omaha Public Libraries

 

Mrs. Claus Storytime at Regency– Dec. 12 & 19 (10 a.m.)

  • 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 at Shadow Lake Towne Center – Dec. 4 & 12 (10:30 – 11:30 a.m.), FREE

  • 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.

 

Storytime with Santa – Dec. 12 & 19 (10:30 – 11:30 a.m.)

  • 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.
    • Dec. 12: GapKids
    • Dec. 19: Janie and Jack
  • Location: Village Pointe, 17202 Davenport St., Omaha, NE.

 

Read and Grow at Lauritzen Gardens – Dec. 13 (10 – 11:30 a.m.), REGISTER

  • Join the Omaha Public Library in the garden each month for stories that celebrate gardens, plants, insects and more, and discover the joys of nature, movement, music and literature. Programs are presented one Friday per month and are geared for preschool-aged children, but all ages are welcome. This is a FREE program. Register Here.
  • Location: Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St., Omaha, NE.

 

Lights of Aksarben – Dec. 13 & 20 (6 – 8 p.m.)

  • Dec. 13 – Cocoa with a Cop
  • Dec. 20 – Santa & Mrs. Claus
  • Location: Stinson Park, 2232 S. 64th St., Omaha, NE.

 

Holidays at Hummel – Dec. 14 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.), FREE [REGISTER]

  • 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.

 

JCPenney Kid’s Zone – Dec. 14 (11 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

  • Monthly free, in-store kid’s event. In December, kids can decorate a holiday t-shirt.

 

Cocoa Krispy Reindeer at Council Bluffs Public Library– Dec. 14 (11 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.)

  • Drop-in and use your culinary skills to sculpt a delicious cocoa crispy reindeer. Kids ages 4 years old through 6th grade.
  • Location: 400 Willow Ave., Council Bluffs, IA.

 

Family Fun Activities & Character Visit at Regency– Dec. 14 & 21 (12 – 3 p.m.)

  • 12 – 1 p.m.: Write letters to Santa
  • 1 – 2 p.m.: Meet Characters from Toy Story (Dec. 14) & Minion (Dec. 21)
  • 2 – 3 p.m.: Balloon Artist
  • Location: Regency, 120 Regency Pkwy., Omaha, NE.

 

Stroll Down Gingerbread Lane – Dec. 14 & 15 (1 – 5 p.m.), FREE event (raffle tickets available)

  • Stroll among the decorated gingerbread houses crafted by students from Papillion High Schools and members of the Papillion Community. Free Event – You can purchase raffle tickets to win your very own gingerbread house. Vote for your favorite house and you may win it to take home. All proceeds go towards supporting the Papillion Area Historical Society.
  • Location: Historic Portal Schoolhouse, 242 N Jefferson St, Papillion.

 

Carriage Rides at Village Pointe – Saturdays, Nov. 30 – Dec. 21 (1 – 5 p.m.), FREE

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

 

MORE FUN THIS WEEK –

Special events that are not free, but value-priced!

Classic Christmas at Mahoney State Park – Dec. 14 (1:30 – 4:30 p.m.), Event is FREE (Park Permit required)

  • Christmas celebration featuring pictures with Santa, sugar cookie decorating, winter crafts, and tram rides through the park.
  • Visitors will need a daily or annual Nebraska State Park permit.
  • Location: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, 28500 W. Park Hwy., Ashland, NE

 

Student Thursday at Marcus Theatres – Thursdays; $6 admission

  • Every Thursday, students (pre-school through 12th-grade), plus school faculty can enjoy $6 movies at all Marcus Theatres, plus FREE popcorn! Get your tickets and start a new study break tradition.
  • Locations: Majestic Cinema of Omaha, 14304 W. Maple Rd., Omaha, NE; Twin Creek Cinema, 3909 Raynor Pkwy., Bellevue, NE; Village Pointe Cinema, 304 N. 174th St., Omaha, NE.

 

Find More: 100+ Holiday Events Guide (Many FREE Events)

Top of Page

December 16 – 22

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

FREE Ongoing Activities:

 

La Vista’s Wintertainment

  • ‘Twas the Lights Before Christmas Wintertainment features a variety of family entertainment at several locations around the City of La Vista throughout the month of December.
    • Dec. 17: Visit Santa’s Workshop
    • Dec. 18: Holiday Card-Making
    • Dec. 18: Monthly Movie Night
    • Dec. 19: Imagination Stations
    • Dec. 19: Teen Game Night: Winter Trivia

 

Family Fun at Omaha Public Libraries

 

Mrs. Claus Storytime at Regency – Dec. 19 (10 a.m.)

  • 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 – Dec. 19 (10:30 – 11:30 a.m.)

  • 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.
    • Dec. 19: Janie and Jack
  • Location: Village Pointe, 17202 Davenport St., Omaha, NE.

 

Lights of Aksarben – Dec. 20 (6 – 8 p.m.)

  • Dec. 20 – Santa & Mrs. Claus
  • Location: Stinson Park, 2232 S. 64th St., Omaha, NE.

 

Family Fun Activities & Character Visit at Regency – Dec. 21 (12 – 3 p.m.)

  • 12 – 1 p.m.: Write letters to Santa
  • 1 – 2 p.m.: Meet Minion Characters
  • 2 – 3 p.m.: Balloon Artist
  • Location: Regency, 120 Regency Pkwy., Omaha, NE.

 

Carriage Rides at Village Pointe – Saturdays, Nov. 30 – Dec. 21 (1 – 5 p.m.), FREE

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

 

MORE FUN THIS WEEK –

Special events that are not free, but value-priced!

Yule Log Festival at Platte River State Park – Dec. 21 (12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.), Park Permit required

  • Beginning at noon, there will be activities such as pine cone bird feeder making, marshmallow roasting, time with Santa, and other crafts and games. At 3 p.m., the Yule Log Quest begins – teams may register by calling 402-234-2217. After the quest enjoy a bonfire and free lighted hayrack rides. Meet at the Walter Scott Lodge for all activities. Refreshments will be on sale at the Lodge.
  • Visitors will need a daily or annual Nebraska State Park permit.
  • Location: Platte River State Park, 14421 346th St., Louisville, NE.

 

Student Thursday at Marcus Theatres – Thursdays; $6 admission

  • Every Thursday, students (pre-school through 12th-grade), plus school faculty can enjoy $6 movies at all Marcus Theatres, plus FREE popcorn! Get your tickets and start a new study break tradition.
  • Locations: Majestic Cinema of Omaha, 14304 W. Maple Rd., Omaha, NE; Twin Creek Cinema, 3909 Raynor Pkwy., Bellevue, NE; Village Pointe Cinema, 304 N. 174th St., Omaha, NE.

 

Find More: 100+ Holiday Events Guide (Many FREE Events)

Top of Page

December 23 – 29

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

FREE Ongoing Activities:

 

Family Fun at Omaha Public Libraries

 

MORE FUN THIS WEEK –

Special events that are not free, but value-priced!

Student Thursday at Marcus Theatres – Thursdays; $6 admission

  • Every Thursday, students (pre-school through 12th-grade), plus school faculty can enjoy $6 movies at all Marcus Theatres, plus FREE popcorn! Get your tickets and start a new study break tradition.
  • Locations: Majestic Cinema of Omaha, 14304 W. Maple Rd., Omaha, NE; Twin Creek Cinema, 3909 Raynor Pkwy., Bellevue, NE; Village Pointe Cinema, 304 N. 174th St., Omaha, NE.

 

Find More: 100+ Holiday Events Guide (Many FREE Events)

Top of Page

December 30 – 31

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

FREE Ongoing Activities:

 

Family Fun at Omaha Public Libraries

 

La Vista’s Wintertainment

  • ‘Twas the Lights Before Christmas Wintertainment features a variety of family entertainment at several locations around the City of La Vista throughout the month of December.
    • Dec. 31: Noon Year’s Eve Party

Top of Page

MORE DECEMBER FUN:

Special events that are not free, but value-priced!

Student Thursday at Marcus Theatres – Thursdays; $6 admission

  • Every Thursday, students (pre-school through 12th-grade), plus school faculty can enjoy $6 movies at all Marcus Theatres, plus FREE popcorn! Get your tickets and start a new study break tradition.
  • Locations: Majestic Cinema of Omaha, 14304 W. Maple Rd., Omaha, NE; Twin Creek Cinema, 3909 Raynor Pkwy., Bellevue, NE; Village Pointe Cinema, 304 N. 174th St., Omaha, NE.

Top of Page

Find these and 100+ Family-Friendly Holiday Events here and Amazing Christmas Lights in Omaha!

     

 

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Family Fun in Omaha is your local resource for family-friendly activities and events in Omaha! Created by a local Mom who loves finding new adventures with her family and wants to help you enjoy all that Omaha has to offer. We recommend starting here. Thank you for visiting!

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