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: It is highly recommended to verify details, closures, cancelations, hours of operation before visiting. Thank You!
2023 Holiday Fun Guides
Drive-Thru Holiday Events Near Omaha
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!
Old Market, North Omaha, & South Omaha Lighting Displays – Thru Jan 1 (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.
Light Up Bellevue: Christmas in Olde Towne Holiday Lights & Music – Thru January 6th
- The Light and Music Show starts Thanksgiving night and will run through January 6, 2024. It will feature new songs and some new light displays this year. Make sure you stop by and check it out the Bellevue tradition a few times over the Holiday Season!
- Location: Entrance to this event will be at the intersection of Mission Ave and Franklin St. in Bellevue.
Santa’s Rock ‘n Lights at Werner Park – Open select days November 17th – December 31st, $29.99-$36.99/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.
Drive-Thru Holiday Events Near Omaha
Fontenelle Forest Nature Center
Each year, during the month of December we transform our Great Hall into a Winter Wonderland for all to enjoy. The unique setting of Fontenelle Forest provides a truly one-of-a-kind holiday experience! Start a new tradition and make holiday memories your family will remember for years to come.
From December 9 to January 2, we invite members and guests to visit Fontenelle Forest and experience this festive holiday display of decorated trees and wreaths. Then, bundle up, head outside and take a stroll along the first loop of our lighted Riverview Boardwalk.
• Enjoy a festive holiday display of decorated trees and wreaths in the Nature Center’s Great Hall.
• Bundle up and enjoy a stroll along the first loop of our lighted Riverview Boardwalk (accessible for strollers and wheelchairs).
• Experience holiday lights against the beautiful and unique backdrop of an urban Forest.
• Start a new tradition and take a family photo in front of the Forest's big holiday tree!
Dec 8-13th,15-23rd,26-30th – Zoolightful – 6:00-10:00pm – Tickets Required
- Something magical is coming soon! Be on the lookout for more details about Zoolightful: Omaha’s Wildly Bright Holiday Tradition!
- Location: Omaha Zoo & Aquarium – 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107
Dec 8-23, 26-30 – Bright Nights – 5:00-8:00pm – Included with regular admission
- Once again, Lauritzen Gardens is making the holiday season merry and BRIGHT! The floral display hall and the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory will be adorned and enhanced with light as the garden extends its hours to celebrate the beauty of the season.
- Location: Lauritzen Gardens – 100 Bancroft St., Omaha, NE
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.
Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing – Nov. 12 – 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.
2023 Holiday Fun Guides
Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!
Past Events
Light Up Bellevue: Drive Thru Santa, Lights & Music Show – December 9th (5:00 – 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.
- Location: Entrance to this event will be at the intersection of Mission Ave and Franklin St. in Bellevue.
Illuminate Inclusion – Dec. 8 & 9 (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.
Dec 2nd – Faith Christian Church Drive-Thru Living Nativity – 5:30-8:30pm
- Drive through living nativity with animals and people representing the events of the first Christmas. Free.
- Location: Faith Christian Church – 2201 South 132nd Street
Dec 2nd – Annual Live Nativity at FaithWestwood – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE
- FREE Drive-thru Live Nativity. Receive a Christmas ornament and enjoy cocoa and cookies
- Location: FaithWestwood United Methodist church – 4814 Oaks Lane.
