For the final day of the 12 Days of Giving, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is giving the community the gift of free admission to children under the age of 12 beginning Sunday, December 26, through Friday, December 31, 2021. Up to six children can be admitted free to the Zoo with each paid adult.

This is the fifth year Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has offered this holiday gift to the community. The free admission for children under the age of 12 is an exciting culmination to the 12 Days of Giving that every visitor can enjoy.

Click here for details.

“The 12 Days of Giving brought out the holiday spirit in all of us at the Zoo,” said Dennis Pate, president and CEO of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. “We are now even more excited to offer this final gift to all the children in our community. We hope people will use this opportunity to enjoy what our great Zoo has to offer and create memories with their loved ones.”

The Zoo has seven acres of indoor exhibits to enjoy during the winter months. In the Lied Jungle, visitors are transported to the hot and humid climate of a rainforest while viewing species such as Malayan tapirs, monkeys and macaws. The Desert Dome, the largest indoor desert in the world, offers 42,000 square feet of desert native plant and animal species. The Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium allows visitors to come nose-to-nose with sea turtles and sharks in its 70-foot shark tunnel.

Omaha’s Zoo and Aquarium is currently open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Lied Jungle closes at 3 p.m. and the other exhibit buildings close at 5 p.m. The Zoo is closed on Christmas Day.

Find more fun over Winter Break here!

Find More Fun:

• 10 Things to Do Over Winter Break
• 10+ Free Things to Do Over Winter Break

Photo Credit Brad Williams Photography

This year, several local organizations and businesses have come up with creative and safe Drive-Thru Holiday events to enjoy from your car! Additionally, we have added Outdoor Holiday Events that are happening this Season. 

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!

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Old Market, North Omaha, & South Omaha Lighting Displays – Nov. 22 – Jan 3 (nightly), FREE

• Old Market Display – The display will run from 10th to 13th Streets, and from Harney to Jackson Streets.
• The North Omaha lighting display will be showcased along a six-block area around 24th and Lake Streets
• The South Omaha lighting display will be showcased on 24th Street between L and Q Streets.

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

Light Up Bellevue: Christmas in Old Towne Holiday Lights and Music Show – Nov. 25 – Jan. 8

• Visitors are invited to drive down to Washington Park in Bellevue to enjoy the Light Show from your car or walk through the park if weather allows.
• Location: Washington Park, 20th Ave. & Franklin St., Bellevue

Walking in La Vista Wonderland – December (Santa visits on select days) – Walk-Thru event

• Enjoy elf character cutouts, candy cane lane, lights, and more as you walk along the path! See Santa and reindeer on select nights. 
• Location: La Vista Wonderland, 8305 Park View Blvd.

Drive Thru Santa, Lights & Music Show – December 4 (5 – 7:30 p.m.) 

• This Drive – Thru event will give everyone the opportunity to see Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy the Holiday Light & Music Show at Washington Park all without having to leave the comfort and safety of your car. There will be holiday goodies handed out by local businesses and organizations until they run out as well as other holiday decorations and festivities to look at and enjoy all through out the route.
• The Bellevue Food Pantry will be accepting non-perishable food donations and monetary donations will be appreciated at the end of the route to support the great work Light Up Bellevue is doing around our community.
• Location: Entrance to this event will be at the intersection of Mission Ave and Franklin St. in Bellevue. 

KETV Drive-Thru Family Festival – Dec. 5 (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

• This drive-through experience will include picking up craft kits to do as a family, holiday characters and Santa, Police Officers on their horses, and holiday entertainment – all in the warmth and safety of your vehicle. The first 500 vehicles will receive a complimentary book, courtesy of Omaha Public Library.
• Volunteers will be on hand to collect food donations for the Shine the Light on Hunger campaign, so bring nonperishable food with you if you wish to contribute.
• Location: Omaha Police Mounted Patrol Barn, 615 Leavenworth St., Omaha.

Illuminate Inclusion – Dec. 10 – 11 (5 – 9 p.m.), FREE (Donations welcome)

• Grab your hot chocolate, load the family into the car, and drive-thru the Illuminate Inclusion holiday light display at Zorinsky Lake!
• Donations will be accepted to help make the accessible and inclusive playground at Zorinsky a reality.
• Location: Zorinsky Lake Park, Water Park Entrance, 3808 S. 154th St., Omaha, NE.

Santa’s Rock ‘n Lights at Werner Park – Open select days November 19th – January 2nd., $24.99-$34.99/vehicle. [Online Ticket Purchase Required]

• More than 700 feet of light tunnels, including a new techno rainbow tunnel. 
• Location: Werner Park, 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, NE

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.

The Durham Museum will open its doors to the public for free from November 7-13, 2021, as they rekindle the community spirit that welcomed Union Station into service in 1931 (90 years ago).

Find many more Fun Things to Do this November here!

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Cheers to 90 Years! In celebration of the 90-year anniversary of their home, Union Station, The Durham Museum will be open free of charge November 7-13, 2021! 

There will also be special activities throughout the week so make sure and check their website for all the details!

The museum will be open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday-Saturday and 12 – 4 p.m. on Sunday the week of November 7-13.

Additional promotion: Thursday, 11/11 – Veteran’s Day:

• Free Hot Dog Meal for Veterans at the Soda Fountain.
• Thank you cards for Veterans presented at the Admission Desk.

It was in a dedication ceremony on January 15, 1931, that the new Union Station was officially unveiled. Afterwards, visitors streamed through the doors, greeted by rosy rays of light from stained-glass windows and Art Deco details galore. The new station included just about every amenity a passenger could want: a 24-hour restaurant, news and magazine stand, barbershop, taxi stand, telegraph office, hospital and a travelers’ aid desk. In its heyday, eighty-three trains and 10,000 passengers passed through Union Station per day.

In the 1970s Union Station transitioned from train station to what it is today, the home of The Durham Museum. The station now recalls a bygone era of history and heritage that is as uniquely American as it is Omahan. It is this history that makes Union Station The Durham Museum’s largest and most important artifact. In 2016, the station was named a National Historic Landmark.

Find More Fun:

• Best November Events

Fall is beautiful in and around Omaha! We asked our readers to share their favorite areas and best scenic drives near Omaha to see Fall colors!

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

Best Places to See Fall Colors Near Omaha

Lauritzen Gardens

Location: 100 Bancroft St.
Admission Cost. Memberships available.

Stroll around the beautiful Botanical Gardens with paved walking paths. See a model train railroad, indoor Conservatory, Visitor Center, and many themed garden areas.

Members of Omaha Public Library or Council Bluffs Library can check out a pass to visit Lauritzen Gardens. Find out more here!

Mahoney State Park

Location: 28500 West Park Hwy, Ashland, NE
Cost: Park Entry Permit is required

During the Fall, families can enjoy scenic drives, explore the park’s hiking and biking trails, visit the indoor playground, and climb the observation tower.

OPPD Arboretum

Location: 108th & Blondo
Cost: Free

The OPPD arboretum is an outdoor education area where you can walk along paved pathways.

Platte River State Park

Location: 14421 346th St., Louisville, NE
Cost: Park Entry Permit is required.

Enjoy the park’s picturesque waterfall, scenic hiking and biking trails, and two observation towers that allow those who climb to the top a spectacular view of both the Platte River and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, which is just across the river.

Schramm Park

Location: 15810 Hwy 50, Louisville, NE
Cost: Park Entry Permit is required.

Families can explore a geologic display, feed fish in cool water trout ponds, tour the Schramm Education Center (admission), and enjoy a picnic on the bluffs.

Find More Beautiful Places here;

Best Scenic Drives to See Fall Colors Near Omaha

Highway 66 [Exit 426 between Omaha and Lincoln]

• Get off exit 426 between Omaha and Lincoln and enjoy the nearby attractions and scenic drive.
• Mahoney State Park – During the Fall, families can enjoy scenic drives, explore the park’s hiking and biking trails, visit the indoor playground, and climb the observation tower. Daily / Annual Park Entry Pass Required.
• Wildlife Safari Park – Drive-through and see elk, bison, deer, and more. In the middle of the park, you can get out of your car and walk to see the bears, wolves, petting corral, and eagle aviary. Hiking trails also available.
• Platte River State Park – Enjoy the park’s picturesque waterfall, scenic hiking and biking trails, and two observation towers that allow those who climb to the top a spectacular view of both the Platte River and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, which is just across the river.

Hwy 75 [South toward Nebraska City and Indian Cave]

• Nebraska City is a favorite place to visit during the Fall and is popular for their apple picking, and experiencing the Tree Adventure at Arbor Day Farm.
• Cross over into Iowa to visit Waubonsie State Park.
• Indian Cave State Park is a popular camping spot, with beautiful overlooks and hiking trails.

Loess Hills National Scenic Byway

• The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway passes through a unique land formation that is up to 15 miles wide and about 200 miles long from north of Sioux City, Iowa to near St. Joseph, Missouri.
• For inspiration and ideas, visit 5 Stops for a Fall Foliage Tour of the Loess Hills and 9 Best Fall Color Views in the Loess Hills.
• Reader Tip: Drive through Preparation Canyon and the Loess Hills. Then make a stop at Small’s Fruit Farm for fresh apples and cider.

Find more Fall Fun in Omaha: