For more ideas on family fun, find 100+ Holiday Events in Omaha here!

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

Looking for Amazing Christmas Light Displays in the Council Bluffs Area?

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

Pictured: Harrison St. & Fleming Ave., Council Bluffs

Looking for Christmas Light Displays in Omaha? Find them here!

Thank you to all who have put the time and effort into creating these displays for everyone to enjoy and to everyone who has helped us keep the list updated!

** IMPORTANT NOTE: Please help us keep this list as updated as possible. Homeowners: Would you like to verify, update, or add your house to the list? Please submit your information here. When possible, the website or Facebook links are included for the displays, plus details that were sent to us by the person who created the display.

** PLEASE NOTE: Please be courteous as you drive by these houses. Remember that you are in a neighborhood, and so please drive slowly, do not park in or block other driveways, and do not blare the music.  

[section-divide]Find More Holiday Fun Here:[/section-divide]

Abbott’s Christmas Lights – will return in 2024 with a new location and display

• Computer-controlled light show. 

5th Ave & 17th St – √ 2024

North 16th street – √ 2024

9th Ave. & Ash St., Council Bluffs – √ 2024

• Lots of lights and inflatables.

S. 10th St. & 18th Ave., Council Bluffs – 

• Blow Up’s, Christmas Lights & Christmas Window Projection with Christmas Music

Delong Ave & Mynster Springs Road, Council Bluffs – √ 2024

Harrison St. & Fleming Ave. (2022)

Kimberly Dr & Opal Dr, Council Bluffs – 

• Musical light show. Lights sync to the music.

Twelve Oaks Dr & Butler St., Council Bluffs – 

• Celebrate the season with us! We have 3 sides of our house decorated with snowmen, nativity scene, nutcrackers, Santa and his sleigh pulled by reindeer! Many bought and homemade decorations!

The whole neighborhood on the 1500 block!!! Must see! More houses on Indian Hills this year!!

[section-divide]Surrounding Areas[/section-divide]

Baird’s Christmas Lights: 1233 E Ave., Red Oak, IA – √ 2024 (Dec 14th – Jan 1st)

• To get to the lights from Red Oak: 9 miles north on highway 48. Then 3 miles west on 110th St. Then turn south onto E Ave. Once you’re on E Ave., you should see them. 1233 E Ave., Red Oak, IA.

Lights on Cougar Avenue
“Winter Wonderland” – 21020 Cougar Avenue, Honey Creek, Iowa, 51542 – √ 2024

“All the wonderful things” – 21406 Cougar Avenue, Honey Creek, Iowa 51542 – √ 2024

Mellor Holiday Lights, 1604 Timber Lane, Glenwood, IA – √ 2024

• 40,000+ LED lights this year, new jollier Santa in the 65’ Ford Pickup full of gifts!

** IMPORTANT NOTE: Please help us keep this list as updated as possible. Homeowners: Would you like to add your house to the list? Please submit your information here. When possible, the website or Facebook links are included for the displays, plus details that were sent to us by the person who created the display.

Find More Helpful Resources:

• Christmas Lights in the Omaha Area
• Holiday Events in the Omaha Area

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

Do your kids have a fantastic costume this year? Choose from a variety of Halloween Costume Contests in Omaha for kids and pets!

Please Note: It is always a good idea to verify the information with the business before visiting, as details may change.

[section-divide]Halloween Costume Contests in Omaha[/section-divide]

Oct 26th – JUNK IN THE TRUNK 2025 | Bridge Church Trunk-or-Treat – 1:00-3:00pm – FREE

• Trick-or-Treating: Walk from trunk to trunk to collect candy and treats from creatively decorated cars.  Games & Activities: Enjoy fun games and activities for all ages.  Costume Contest: Wear your best costume for a chance to win exciting prizes.
• Location: Conestoga Elementary School – 2115 Burdette St, Omaha, NE 68110

Oct 26th – Costume Contest at Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch – 3:15pm check in – Tickets Required

• Calling all ghosts, pumpkins, werewolves and superheroes! Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch is excited to host our SECOND ANNUAL COSTUME CONTEST! Join the fun and dress to impress with prizes that include Skinny Bones gift cards and season passes for our 2025 season!
• Location: Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch – 3935 NE-133, Blair, NE 68008

[section-divide]Halloween Dog Friendly Costume Contests in Omaha[/section-divide]

Entries Due Oct 27th at Noon – Omaha Corgi Crew Virtual Costume Contest

• Open to corgis, corgi-mixes and honorary corgis.
• Entries are due by Sunday, October 27 at noon CT.
• Only one entry per doggo. [The OCC board will remove any duplicate entries.]
• Voting for People’s Choice will begin on Monday, October 28 at 10:00am.

Oct 26th – Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest – 2:00pm – FREE

• Boolieve it or not, Halloween is just around the corner and it’s time to get creative! Enter your four-legged friend in Goodwill’s Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest Saturday, October 26th at Gateway Mall. They’re looking for the most creative costumes for pets – DIY costumes are highly encouraged!
• Location: Gateway Mall – 6100 O St, Lincoln, NE 68505

Oct 27th – Doggy Days of Fall: Costume Contest – 12:00-4:00pm – $10/Dog

• Dogs Must be Friendly and on a leash at all times.  Net proceeds from the Parade go to The Nebraska Humane society.
• Location: Ditmars Orchard- 19475 225th St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Find More Halloween Fun!

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

[section-divide]Halloween Costume Contests in Omaha – PAST[/section-divide]

Oct 12th – Zombie Walk in Benson

• Costume Contest, post walk screening of Night of the Living Dead at Benson Theater.   Zombie Walk – Omaha is a returning Halloween tradition and a night for the undead to officially take over the city. The free Zombie Walk is a truly unique event, beginning in downtown Benson in the late afternoon and wrapping around the Benson neighborhood as night begins to fall. This is a family friendly walk, with zombies of all ages participating. Though most will be dressed in the ripped clothing, fake blood, and open sores of the typical zombie (inexpensive makeup stations available – one located at Benson Theatre!), there are also designated ‘victims’ who offer up their services in street clothing for the zombies to feast on. And keep an eye out for zombie hunters!
• Location: Downtown Benson

Oct 17th – Quaker Steak & Lube’s Trunk or Treat and Costume Contest – 4:00-9:00pm – FREE

• Dress in your best Halloween costume and join for an evening of food, fun, and frights. It’s going to be a night you won’t want to miss!  Face Painting, Costume Contest, Beer Garden, Live DJ, Spooky Games & Prizes
• Location: Quaker Steak and Lube – 3320 Mid America Dr, Council Bluffs, IA

Oct 19th – Kid’s SAL-OWEEN Party & Trunk-or-Treat – 11:00am-1:00pm – FREE

• Join the Sons of the American Legion Squadron #1 as they present their 9th Annual “Kid’s Halloween Party & Trunk or Treat”. Come play a variety of interactive games for all ages. Free Movie: “Halloweentown.” Food and Drinks will also be FREE, but Donations are welcome! Win the “Costume Contest” at 12:30 pm. 1st, 2nd & 3rd PRIZES!!!
• Location: American Legion Post #1 – 7811 Davenport St, Omaha, NE 68114

Oct 25th – Nelson Produce Farm Barnyard Boo – 9:00am-9:00pm – Tickets

• Put on your cutest or coolest costume and join us for our 4th Annual Barnyard Boo! Enjoy hayrack rides, pumpkin smashing, Trick-Or-Treating around the farm, exciting costume contests for all ages (including Best Family Theme), a magical performance, and plenty of delicious fall treats and goodies. 
• Location: Nelson Produce Farm – 10505 N 234 St. Valley, NE 68064

Oct 25th – Halloween at the Hoff! – 4:00-10:00pm – FREE

• Get ready for a spooktacular evening of fun and fright at the Hoff Center’s annual Halloween Bash! This year, we’re pulling out all the stops to ensure you have a hauntingly good time.  Trick-or-Treat Stations, Costume Contest, Haunted Flashlight Gallery Tour, Live Music.
• Location: Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center – 1001 S 6th St, Council Bluffs, IA 51501

Oct 25th – Omaha Lancers Costume Party – 7:00pm – Tickets Required

• Dress up for Halloween and enter our intermission costume contest, $5 college tickets and discounted concessions
• Location: Liberty First Credit Union Arena – 7300 Q St, Omaha, Nebraska 68127

[section-divide]Halloween Dog Friendly Costume Contests in Omaha – PAST[/section-divide]

Oct 12th – 4th Annual Wag-O-Ween Boo Bash – 12:30-6:00pm – FREE

• 4th Annual Wag-O-Ween Boo Bash.  The Band, Happy Endings, will be playing from 12:30 to 5pm. Dog costume contest starts at 3:00pm.  This event isn’t just for the fur-children, they will also have a bounce house, face painting, games and crafts for the humans!
• Location: Therapy Bar and Grill – 5059 S 108th St, Omaha, NE 

Oct 17th – La Vista Howl-O-Ween – 4:30-6:30pm – FREE

• Dress your dog in a Halloween costume and register onsite at the event to take part in a costume competition. Snap a photo of your furry friend by our fall themed backdrop. Visit various community booths and make sure to stop by the City’s booth for a giveaway and treat for your dog. Treat yourself to a free beverage, too.
• Location: Dog Park at Southwind Park – 8130 92nd Ave, La Vista, NE 68128

Oct 19th – Boston Boo – 4:00-6:00pm – $10/pp

• All Breeds Welcome.  This Halloween event by MidAmerica Boston Terrier Rescue includes games, costume contests, food, and fun.
• Location: 5109 S 51st, Omaha, NE 68117

Oct 20th – Growl-O-Ween 2024 – 12:00-2:00pm – $10/per dog [Register]

• Growl-O-Ween is Woof & Whiskers largest fundraiser for dogs! A $10.00 Cash Donation PER dog is required upon entry! (If you don’t bring your dog, they do still require a donation to come) Please bring cash, CASH ONLY, so that they can avoid credit card fees and donate 100% to the rescues/shelter. All donors will be given a trick or treat bag that you can trick or treat at our multiple vendors! You will go home with over $10.00 in treats/prizes! Donate more and enter our raffles and prizes!
• Location: West Parking Lot Behind Woof & Whiskers – 3506 N 147th, Omaha, NE 68116

Oct 20th – Bark at the Moon 8th Annual Doggie Trick-or-Treating Event – 12:00-4:00pm – FREE if Pre-registered

• Dress up your dogs in their best costume for the eighth annual Halloween “Bark at the Moon”! There will be dog trick-or-treating at each vendor table, a costume contest with photos as well as other great door prizes, coupons, games and food vendors! Trick-or-treating will run from 12 PM until 4 PM. Doggie goodie bags will be needed to receive treats, and will be offered free with early bird registration tickets by 10/18 at 4pm on eventbrite, or available day of event at check in for $5.00. If you and your trick-or-treater would like a tour of Paws 4 Fun, please have proof of up to date vaccination records with you or sent over prior to event.
• Location: Paws 4 Fun – 222 North 44th St, Lincoln, NE 68503

Are you looking for the Trick or Treat times for Omaha?

Hint: We do not have any specific times.

[section-divide]Trick or Treat Times in Omaha[/section-divide]

If you lived in another city who had specific trick or treat times for Halloween night, you might be wondering what are the Trick or Treat times in Omaha?

We actually do not have specific trick or treat times here. Many people start to head out around 6:00 and stay out until 8-8:30 on Halloween night. Some families with little ones start earlier like at 5:30.

The general rule is that houses will turn on their outside lights if they are welcoming trick-or-treaters on Halloween night.

It is interesting, because I have lived in Omaha all of my life, and had never heard of trick or treat times. And people who move here from other cities are surprised to hear we do not have scheduled times!

Many More Halloween Events

For more Halloween fun, be sure to visit the following pages FULL of events and fun!

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

Looking for Things to Do this Labor Day Weekend in Omaha?

Enjoy Labor Day Weekend Events in Omaha including, Living History Weekend, Sunflower Festivals, Aviation STEM Day, La Festa Italiana, Outdoor Movie, Concerts and more!

It is always a good idea to verify before visiting, as event details may change.

[section-divide]Omaha Labor Day Weekend 2024 Events[/section-divide]

Through Sept 2nd – Nebraska State Fair – Ticket Required

• The 2024 State Fair will include 4-H and FFA livestock competitions, contests, presentations, and much more!

Aug 30th – Sept 1st – 40th Annual La Festa Italiana – Tickets Required

Sept 1st – Afro Fest Omaha 2024 – 2:00-10:00pm – Tickets Required

• Afro Fest Omaha The Festival will showcase Live Music, Dance, Arts and Crafts, and authentic African cuisine, a Children Activities area, a learning and Arts exhibition section as welt as a variety of organizations, businesses, student groups, and other Individuals From the community who are working every day to connect with others, create a vision for themselves and their community, and inspire others to join them in their efforts.
• Tickets: $15 – $80
• Location: Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront – 800 Douglas Street Omaha, NE 68102

Sept 2nd – 2024 Labor Day Parade – 10:00am – FREE

• Join the celebration on September 2nd. Parade starts at 10am.
• Come together with our community to honor the hard work and dedication of all workers. Bring your friends, family, and neighbors to enjoy a day filled with music, floats, and fun!!!
• Line up along the parade route: Parade starts at 16th and Cass Street traveling South to Capitol Ave – East on Capitol Ave to 10th Street – 10th Street North to Mike Fahey Street – Mike Fahey Street West to 12th Street – 12th Street South to Cass Street. The parade ends at 12th and Cass Street

Sept 2nd – Labor Day Playdoh Sensory Jars – 11:00am – FREE

• Red White and AWESOME!! Celebrate Labor Day with us with a DIY Patriotic Sensory Playdoh Jar event!!  Dig into the star spangled textures, and let your freedom sing as you explore the different textiles we add! This is a FREE, all ages event!! First come, first serve while supplies last
• Location: The Learning Express – 120 Regency Pkwy, Omaha, NE 68114

Spraygrounds and Splash Parks

• Splash in one of the many area spraygrounds with several open through Labor Day. 

TreeRush Adventure Park in Fontenelle Forest

• Climb over obstacles and soar through the trees on Ziplines at the exciting TreeRush Adventure Park!

Try a new place for Ice Cream

• Summertime is perfect for sharing Ice Cream with friends – including the Tower of Ice Cream, $2 Tuesdays at eCreamery, an old-fashioned Soda Fountain, and more! 

Have Fun on the Farm

• Visit Pam Nelson Farm for animals, activities, U-Pick, Market, and more!

Explore a Favorite Hiking or Walking Trail

• Venture on a hiking or walking trail in the Omaha area with kids!
• Some of our favorites include the Waterfall Trail at Platte River State Park and the scenic trails at Hitchcock Nature Center. 

Enjoy a New Playground 

• The Omaha Area is full of neighborhood parks with walking trails, playgrounds, swings, picnic areas, and more!

Participate in the Nebraska Passport Program

• Go on a scavenger hunt across Nebraska (including several stops in the Omaha Area) and discover hidden gems. Free to participate.

Buy local and fresh at an Area Farmers Market

• Several Farmers Markets continue through Labor Day weekend. 

Get Out on the Water

• Rent a Kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard for a fun day out on the water.

Go On a Camping Trip 

• Enjoy the outdoors with tips for 8 of the best places to go camping near Omaha.

Find More Fun:

• Family Getaways

We do our best to share current information in Family Fun in Omaha, but event details may change. It is always a good idea to verify the information before visiting.

Have a wonderful fun-filled weekend!

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

[section-divide]Past Events[/section-divide]

SeptemberFest Omaha – Not Returning in 2024

Omahawks Labor Day Air Show – Sept 4th – 11:45am-4:00pm – FREE

• Location: Standing Bear Lake – 138th and Fort, Omaha, NE, 68164

Railroad Days, the annual celebration of all things train and track, is returning on September 21, 2024, to Council Bluffs, IA!

[section-divide]Railroad Days[/section-divide]

Railroad Days is an annual celebration of all things train and track, and this year, all the fun will be happening in Council Bluffs! Celebrate CB’s rich railroad heritage and place in history as historic Mile Zero for Union Pacific Railroad. There will be numerous train-themed activities and locations to visit between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

The Union Pacific Railroad Museum, RailsWest Railroad Museum, Pottawattamie Arts, Culture and Entertainment (PACE), the Historic General Dodge House, and the Historic 100 Block of Council Bluffs are again teaming up to offer this annual event. Kids will be excited to ride the trollies to each participating location and to take part in numerous hands-on activities with interactive technology and exhibits that explore the vast world of the railroad!

Railroad Days returns in 2024 to Council Bluffs, IA, to celebrate CB’s rich railroad heritage and place in history as historic Mile Zero for Union Pacific Railroad.

Ride the trollies to each participating location and take part in numerous hands-on activities with interactive technology and exhibits that explore the vast world of the railroad!

One $20 pass admits two adults and unlimited children under 18. An additional adult pass can be purchased for just $10. Passes can be purchased online and redeemed the day of the event at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum. Each person will receive a wristband that entitles you to unlimited rides on the trolleys and admission to both the RailsWest Railroad Museum and the Historic General Dodge House, as well as discounts and other benefits throughout Council Bluffs.

Enjoy the ride between locations as well as all the special activities that each location has to offer!

• Union Pacific Railroad Museum
• Historic 100 Block of West Broadway
• Historic General Dodge House
• RailsWest Railroad Museum
• PACE Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center

Railroad Days – September 21, 2024

• Ollie the Trolley will transport ticket holders to all venues. The trolley will depart and arrive on Pearl Street in front of the Union Pacific Museum.
• Wristband includes unlimited rides on the trolleys and admission to both the RailsWest Railroad Museum and the Historic General Dodge House.
• Location: Union Pacific Railroad Museum, 200 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, IA.

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

Celebrate National Donut Day on Friday, June 7, 2024, with these fun specials at participating locations!  YUM!!!  Find out where to Get Free Donuts for National Donut Day in Omaha!

Please Note: It is always a good idea to verify with your favorite location before visiting.

[section-divide]National Donut Day[/section-divide]

June 7th – Donuts with Grownups – 9:30-11:30am – FREE

• Enjoy a delicious donut alongside your grownup, while you listen to a special donut themed storytime. At the conclusion of storytime, enjoy a variety of crafting stations, while supplies last.
• Location: Saddlebrook Branch– 14850 Laurel Ave, Omaha, NE 68116

June 7th – Decorate A Donut & Storytime – 11:00am – FREE

• Let’s celebrate National Donut Day!! Join The Learning Express us for a fun craft that is good enough to eat!! Decorate your very own delicious donut while you hear the story “If You Give a Dog a Donut” It’s a FREE all ages event. First come first serve while supplies last
• Location: The Learning Express – 120 Regency Pkwy, Omaha, NE 68114

Casey’s Free Donut to Rewards Members – June 7th

• On National Doughnut Day, Casey’s rewards members will score a free doughnut at any store location

Dunkin Donuts – June 7th

• On June 7, donut lovers can head to any Dunkin’ location nationwide to enjoy a free classic donut of their choice with the purchase of any beverage while supplies last.
• Dunkin’ restaurants throughout Omaha, NE.

LaMar’s Donuts – June 7th

• Visit LaMar’s Donuts & Coffee on June 7th and get a FREE donut.
• LaMar’s locations will also host giveaways throughout the day, featuring fun prizes and sweet treats
• Location: 17202 Audrey St., Omaha, NE.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts – June 7th

• Enjoy any FREE glazed doughnut while supplies last.
• Participating Krispy Kreme Doughnuts locations.

Square Donuts – June 7th

• First 10 customers receive a FREE tumbler
• Buy ANY coffee or espresso drink and get a free donut of your choice while supplies last
• Location: Square Donuts – 15825 W Maple Rd ste 104, Omaha, NE 68116

Taco John’s – June 7th

• On June 7, Taco John’s rewards members can get free Mexican doughnut bites with any purchase in-app or in-store. To take advantage of the deal, members must be enrolled and download the restaurant’s app by June 6.

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!