Your local resource for family-friendly activities and events in Omaha.
Celebrate the magic of the season while supporting local makers, artists, and small businesses! Handcrafted gifts, Holiday treats, Photos with Santa. Every purchase supports someone’s dream, not a big corporation. Come shop handmade, support your neighbors, and make this holiday season meaningful. Free admission, Family friendly, Shop small, shop local, shop handmade
Join Sophia the sled dog and her human musher, Karen Land, as they share stories from the Iditarod Trail! This even is open to all ages
Join Teaching Artist, Chelsea Herman, as they guide us in the technique of pamphlet stitch binding. This hand-stitched binding is well suited for poetry chapbooks, imagery, and short texts or for creating elegant handbound catalogues, menus, and event keepsakes. Learn different variations of this binding and how each offers unique opportunities for presenting content. Patrons will bind their own pamphlet stitch booklet to take home. Suitable for all experience levels. This is a free event for adults 19+. All materials are provided
Join at The Platform, the museum’s interactive play space, and celebrate the holidays with us! Each date will have a special craft or activity and feature related photos from our Photo Archive for a bit of a history lesson while you celebrate. On Saturday, November 22, we explore the history and traditions behind one of our favorite holidays, Thanksgiving. These drop-in programs do not require registration and are included with regular museum admission.
Join researchers from UNL Biological Sciences(opens in a new tab) to explore spiders and other arachnids! Through interactive and fun activities based on scientific research, learn about spider foraging and arachnid camouflage and mimicry. The goal of the UNL School of Biological Sciences is to advocate for arachnids through exposure and education.
Fall is chili season, sample the community's delicious chili!
Roz needs your help! The poison tide is threatening her island, and she needs your help to figure out how to stop it! Work with others to solve clues and puzzles themed around the best-selling Wild Robot series by Peter Brown. Can you help Roz in time? This is a free event for children ages 6–9. Registration is required and opens Oct. 15. There will be a session at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Mush in to meet a real Iditarod racer and sled dog! Join Karen and Sophia, the Alaskan husky, for a presentation about mushing, a demonstration of Arctic clothing and gear, and a Q&A. Dog mushing is a traditional mode of Arctic transportation, and 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Serum Run with Balto and Togo — the historic event on which the Iditarod race is based. Celebrate these brave dogs and mushers with Karen and Sophia at the library!
Santa will be in town to see your furry friends! Please join at The Green Spot Omaha on Saturday, November 22nd, from 2-5 PM. If Santa isn’t your pup’s thing, they can shoot photos with just a festive holiday backdrop. Reservations are encouraged but walk ins will be welcome! For just $20 (Cash or Venmo), you’ll get your holiday pics and help our cause for saving dogs!
Join for their cozy winter live music series at the orchard where we showcase local acoustic talent.
Join for our 18th Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade! They have a new date this year, the Saturday before Thanksgiving on November 22nd at 6PM! Santa and all of his friends will be here, as well as surprise parade guests! Fireworks to Follow.
Join the Grand Kyiv ballet on an unforgettable journey into a world of dreams, magic and triumph over evil. The Grand Kyiv Ballet, including the most prestigious Ballet dancers from Ukraine, invites you to a heartwarming experience that has thrilled audiences on the world's stages for years. In this enchanting tale, a young girl befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve. Together, they embark on a fantastical journey to a magical kingdom filled with dancing sugar plum fairies, toy soldiers, and other whimsical characters. Through their adventures, she learns that love, imagination, and kindness can overcome adversity and create wonder in our lives.
Explore over 30 curated small shops from Nebraska offering unique, locally-made goods. Enjoy delicious food, snacks, a hot cocoa bar, coffee, and adult beverages. Meet Santa Claus and take professional photos with him on both days from 10 AM to 4 PM. A portion of the ticket sales will benefit Angels Among Us, a local charity that supports families with a child battling cancer.
Step into our Winter Wonderland 11am-2pm and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season! Try treats from some of our favorite local vendors and SANTA will be making his debut appearance for the year.
Dog Man is in trouble! He needs your help to escape Petey’s Secret Lab before time runs out! Come solve clues and puzzles themed around the Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey. Can you help Dog Man escape in time? This is a free event for children ages 8-12. Registration is required. There will be a session at 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Join Omaha Symphony musician Rosario Galante as he introduces the fun music the clarinet can make during this playful reading of "Kitten's First Full Moon" by Kevin Henkes. Designed for kids ages 3-5, this storytime is fun for friends of all ages with some support by their adults.
Lil Rosies Teaching Artist, Chloe Hug, from The Rose Theater will be visiting to lead an interactive reading of the beloved book "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus." Children and families will get to enjoy the story, participate in fun theater activities, and get excited as we prepare for our holiday show "The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza." Don’t miss this lively evening of imagination, singing, dancing, and storytelling—all inspired by pigeons, buses, and the magic of live theater! All are welcome!
What does it mean to be thankful? Come and find out! Our good friend Miss Tina will read a few fun stories all about the joy of Thanksgiving, then she'll guide kids through a cute autumnal craft activity. You'll be thankful you stopped by!
🍁 Fall Fun Awaits! Snowflake Scratch Art Craft
Join Bri Wright from Golem Forge and try a new crafting hobby. They’ll be making Dragon Eyes out of clay based on the How to Train Your Dragon books by Cressida Cowell. All craft materials will be provided while supplies last. All you need is your imagination! Fantasy awaits! This is a free event for children 6-12. Registration is required.
Help the princess build the most comfortable mattress! After reading The Princess and the Pea, participants will have one hour to complete a challenge: create a mattress so comfy that you can’t feel the “pea”! At the end of the program, we’ll put each creation to the test and see which is the comfiest. This is a free program for kids ages 8–10. Registration is required
Join Omaha Symphony musician Rosario Galante as he introduces the fun music the clarinet can make during this playful reading of "Kitten's First Full Moon" by Kevin Henkes. Designed for kids ages 3-5, this storytime is fun for friends of all ages with some support by their adults.
Dog Man is in trouble! He needs your help to escape Petey’s Secret Lab before time runs out! Come solve clues and puzzles themed around the Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey. Can you help Dog Man escape in time? This is a free event for children ages 8-12. Registration is required. There will be a session at noon., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Join for the 9th annual Omaha Turkey Trot presented by All Community Events! Kids Dash and 5K
The courses will have something for every level of runner. We want you to kick off your Thanksgiving holiday with breaking a sweat and lifting your heart. Half Marathan, 10K, 5K, Little Gobbler Trot Kids Race.
Bring the family to Carl’s at Mahoney on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, to give thanks, take in the views and enjoy spending time together at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s Peter Kiewit Lodge!
Reservations are required; call Carl’s at Mahoney at 402-521-5711 EXT 6 to book. Choose from 3 seating times — 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. Pricing: $28.99 for ages 11+, $10 for ages 3-10, free for ages 2 & under.
Join for an opulent Thanksgiving dining experience at the Crete Carrier Lodge at E.T. Mahoney State Park, hosted by Carl’s at Mahoney restaurant! Pricing: $49.99 for ages 11+, $24.99 for ages 3-10, free for ages 2 and under. Alcohol will also be available for purchase. By reservations only: call Carl’s at 402-521-5711 Ext. 6
Join Washington Branch every Thursday as local community members share their story. Enjoy snacks, engage in discussion with the storyteller, and explore new professions, storytelling mediums, and activities. This program is for teens 11–18 years old.
Kick off your holiday season right here on Main Street! Join for a weekend full of shopping, treats, and festive fun at the Main Street Merry-Market — a small-town holiday tradition in the making. 9AM-3PM Each Day! NEW VENDORS EVERY DAY!
Enjoy festive stories read by Santa himself and capture the moment with a photo with Santa — available with in-house printing and digital options!
Christmas at Union Station presented by FNBO festivities begin with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Durham Museum. All the good tidings and cheer lead up to the signature tradition of the night: the countdown to lighting Omaha's official Christmas tree, followed by a sing-a-long! Please note, tree lighting will take place around 7PM. Advanced registration is highly encouraged. Register online anytime or call 402-444-5071 by Tuesday, November 26.
Join Village Pointe for the annual tree lighting holiday celebration on Friday, November 28th starting at 6:00pm presented by Woodhouse to kick off the holiday season! Peppermint Elves Performance – 6:00 PM | Amphitheater Stage. Santa Parade & Tree Lighting – 7:00 PM | Davenport Street Watch as Santa arrives by carriage to help light the tree, joined by favorite storybook and holiday characters!
Celebrate the season with us at Lights of Aksarben: Making Spirits Bright! Fill your Friday nights with holiday cheer-- From Santa visits and dazzling lights to live music, sweet treats, a petting zoo, and festive crafts. It will be a joyful gathering for the whole community.
Experience Monster Jam live and become a fan for life. With awesome trucks, amazing stunts and action-packed excitement, it’s the definition of fun for everyone! You’ll be close to the action watching the world’s best drivers tear up the dirt and show off crazy skills and all-out racing in fierce head-to-head battles of speed and skill. Show Schedule: Saturday, November 29 at 2 PM (Pit Party is from 11:30 AM to 1 PM) Sunday, November 30 at 2 PM (Pit Party is from 11:30 AM to 1 PM)
Bring the kids to visit with the jolly old man in his bright red suit as he stops by the garden to spread cheer (and maybe a little butter) this holiday season. Stack up pancakes, pour on the syrup, and make magical memories surrounded by the sights and sounds of the season. November 29 or December 20. Santa Claus will be available for guests to share their wishes and take photos from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (please bring your own camera).
Special Holiday Workshop between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops. While supplies last.
Millard South Fall Craft Fair
Step into a winter wonderland at the annual Feztival of Trees, where the spirit of the season comes alive in dazzling displays of creativity, community, and holiday cheer. Each year, local businesses, organizations, and individuals transform beautifully decorated trees into breathtaking works of art—each one unique and brimming with festive magic. Guests can purchase raffle tickets and enter for a chance to win their favorite tree—decorations, gifts, and all! Every sparkling tree tells a story of generosity, kindness, and the joy of giving back. Visit Santa during designated hours (Check their site for details).
Join on Small Business Saturday for the festive and unforgettable Christmas Walk in the heart of Downtown Fremont. Dive into the holiday spirit as you explore exclusive deals from our beloved local businesses and be enchanted by the shimmering lights and seasonal decor that adorn our streets.
Enjoy some of the area’s most beautiful holiday music under the glow of The Durham’s Christmas tree. Talented local entertainers perform as part of museum’s holiday concert series. Special support for the concert series provided by Star 104.5 the Christmas Station.
75+ Vendors, Festive Activities
Celebrate a family tradition Saturday, Nov. 29th from 12-3pm. Bring the little ones to visit Santa and share their holiday wishes, then the whole family can enjoy a complimentary horse and carriage ride around the village. Kids - stop by Doodle Art Studio for a free cookie and Great Harvest Bread Co. for free hot cocoa. Don't miss out on the amazing Christmas lights around the village come dusk. It is our way of saying thank you for supporting local on Small Business Saturday! Come join the fun!
The Omaha Winter Market is back in Papillion-La Vista for one night only! Join for their Small Business Saturday Holiday Market on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 12–8 PM at Lucky Bucket Brewing Co. They’re taking over the entire brewery and taproom to host 30+ amazing local small businesses — perfect for finding unique holiday gifts while supporting the makers, artists, and entrepreneurs who make our community special.
Skate to holiday music under twinkling lights. Santa & Mrs Claus photos and holiday themed raffle baskets.
Ahoy, matey! Are you ready for a treasure hunt? Join OPL for a pirate adventure as we go hunting for pirate treasure at the library! Come make a compass, learn about maps, and then use both to find treasure hidden around the library. This is a free event for children ages 8-12. Registration is required
Are you an aspiring songwriter or composer? Are you interested in sharing your work? Join professional musician Andre Vander Velde to learn about getting started in writing songs and composing music. This is a free event for teens 13-18. Registration is required
Experience the magic of Gabby’s Dollhouse in an a-MEOW-zing musical performance brought to you live! This delightful show features an exciting original story with incredible puppets, dynamic staging, a talented live show cast, and songs from the hit series including “Hey Gabby,” “You Can’t Spell Meow Without Me,” and “Sprinkle Party.”
Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 4:00–8:00 PM for an unforgettable evening of holiday magic. Enjoy free carriage and hayrack rides, tap your toes to live music, and stroll beneath 800,000 sparkling lights that will illuminate our charming historic district. Shop the festive Christkindl Market, featuring unique handmade crafts, local treasures, and delicious seasonal treats. Warm up by the cozy fire pits, and don’t forget to visit the Portal Schoolhouse to see Santa and share your holiday wishes.
Let Scribner show you what a Hallmark Christmas movie really looks like! Enjoy an evening of treats, a visit with Santa and our beloved Small Town Christmas Parade! And don’t miss the debut of Scribner’s magnificent new 18’ Christmas tree shining in all its glory!
Are you an adventurous night owl looking to explore new trails? Join in this unique opportunity to see the Forest at night! Don’t miss your chance to learn about the nocturnal creatures who call the Forest home while exploring new trails.
Celebrate the return of the holidays at The RiverFront! Thanks to generous support from the philanthropic community, along with the City of Omaha, this festive season will shine brighter than ever. Stroll through Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing, where hundreds of illuminated trees and joyful decorations spread seasonal cheer across all 72 acres of The RiverFront. Don’t miss the nearly 70-foot-tall holiday tree at the 8th Street Arrival Plaza in Heartland of America Park, a spectacular centerpiece of the celebration.
The brainchild of director Dean Fleischer Camp and comedian, writer and actor Jenny Slate, “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” became an unexpected internet sensation when it made its YouTube debut in 2010. Marcel’s first starring role—with his distinctive voice, titular shoes, and endearing, ingenious ways of life at an inch high—earned millions of fans of all ages around the globe, spawning two more online shorts and New York Times-bestselling books. It was only a matter of time before Marcel went to the big screen in a live-action/ stop-motion feature.
During the holiday poinsettia show, local musicians share their talents and perform holiday classics that are sure to delight guests of all ages.
Join for the Omaha Flea Holiday Market on Sunday, November 30th at Café Postale in Omaha, NE! This festive event kicks off the holiday season with a vibrant celebration of local creativity. Explore and shop from 20+ local businesses featuring unique, handmade, and curated products.
For the first time ever, the Omaha Winter Market is going weekly! Join every Sunday from November through March, 11AM – 3PM at our new permanent location, Fowling Warehouse, for an indoor market experience that’s warm, vibrant, and full of local flavor.
Discover 40 exceptional artisans and makers from across the Midwest, each with unique handcrafted goods that tell a story. Chill in cozy igloos, enjoy live ice sculpting, and marvel at the giant holiday tree’s glowing lights.
Discover a handpicked medley of 15 locally owned shops at Omaha’s newest urban holiday destination! Shop handmade goods, artisan foods, boutique finds, curated gifts and more.
13th Annual Handmade Omaha Winter Art & Craft Bazaar. Support local artists and small businesses. Saturday, November 29th from 10am-4pm. Sunday, November 30th from Noon-4pm. FREE Parking and Admission
Save the date! The jolly ole elf will be making his annual visit to Bennington Elementary the Sunday after Thanksgiving from 1 - 3 p.m. There will be cocoa, Christmas carols, photo opps, and a whole lot of fun!
Join Mayor Groesser as they light up downtown and get into the holiday spirit! Bring your family out to enjoy a Ralston tradition! Visit Santa and enjoy FREE carriage rides, children's activities, hot chocolate, and cookies. 4:00pm - Holiday Magic Lighting Ceremony
Santa Claus is coming to town! Santa and his holiday crew will arrive in La Vista and travel through the City before stopping in Central Park to light the tree, lead a joyful sing-along and snap a big community selfie with Santa (no individual Santa photos). Come explore Santa’s Workshop, view Christmas lights in Central Park, see live animals, listen to Christmas carols and enjoy free cookies, cocoa and glow necklaces.
Each year Relevant puts on Elkhorn’s Annual Tree Lighting Party in order to bless the Elkhorn community. Come celebrate with us on Main St. in Olde Towne Elkhorn on Sunday, November 30 from 4:00-5:30pm. The festivities are free and feature live Christmas music, a visit from Santa, fire pits, free food, s’mores, and hot cocoa. Invite your family and friends! All are welcome! The tree will be lit at 5:15pm.
If this holiday season leaves you feeling crafty and glittery, stop by the library and grab a Holiday Card Making Kit. Each kit will have enough supplies to make two holiday themed cards. Kits will be available while supplies last.
Dive into our collection of crafting materials to make a unique handmade ornament, perfect for hanging up on the Teen Central Tree!
Santa Claus is coming to town he’s making a special stop at @ollie_hobbes - Papillion! 🎅🏼 Capture magical moments with Santa and enjoy a night out with the family. Mark your calendars with the dates: December 1st, 5:30-7:30pm & December 15th, 5:30-7:30pm
Enjoy decorating your own gingerbread cookies alongside Santa and Mrs. Claus! This event is free to attend, but we kindly ask each guest to bring one non-perishable food item per person participating in cookie decorating. All donations will go to support local families in need. Bring the whole family for sweet treats, warm smiles, and unforgettable holiday memories!
Join Omaha Symphony musician Rosario Galante as he introduces the fun music the clarinet can make during this playful reading of "Kitten's First Full Moon" by Kevin Henkes. Designed for kids ages 3-5, this storytime is fun for friends of all ages with some support by their adults.
Lil Rosies Teaching Artist, Chloe Hug, from The Rose Theater will be visiting to lead an interactive reading of the beloved book "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus." Children and families will get to enjoy the story, participate in fun theater activities, and get excited as we prepare for our holiday show "The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza." Don’t miss this lively evening of imagination, singing, dancing, and storytelling—all inspired by pigeons, buses, and the magic of live theater! All are welcome!
This Giving Tuesday, join at the Dundee for a holiday market and open house Get some early holiday shopping done in the Dundee Theater lobby and gift a mix of redeemable experiences and other fun things!
Ho Ho Ho! During the busy holiday season, The Durham Museum makes it easy for families to create special memories with Santa. Tuesday Nights with Santa are filled with family-fun activities, and of course, an appearance from Jolly Saint Nick himself! Santa's Cabin closes at 7:30PM.
The ceremony is a spiritual and meditative event lasting 90 minutes, with a focus on releasing negative energy to increase relaxation, creativity, and focus. It is centered around the consumption of ceremonial grade cacao, a gentle plant medicine (think hot chocolate) that is full of essential minerals and rich in antioxidants like flavonoids that help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. During the ceremony the cacao is chopped and melted into a drink to be sipped on, accompanied by a combination of guided meditation, breath work, and journaling. Cost: $25 | Garden members: $20
The series is held on the first Wednesday of every month from 9 – 10 am and 10 – 11 am. The cost to participate is $5 per child and $5 per adult per program and includes admission to the Education Center after the program. Schramm Family Pass members participate free. A State Park Vehicle Entry Permit is not required in the Schramm Education Center parking lot.
Experience stories, creative movement, music and more. Explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking and writing in each storytime! Children of all ages are welcome; storytimes will be tailored for the age of the children present. At this storytime, we will learn about fire safety with a local firefighter and even see a fire truck!
Event Dates: November 28-30. December 3-7, 10-23, 26-31, January 2-4. With 31 nights to see the garden glow, 10 family fun nights, 22 visits from Santa, and 5 appearances by a certain mean, green, grouchy holiday character, Bright Nights promises festive fun for everyone!
Santa is on his way to Lauritzen Gardens! Bring the kids to visit with the jolly old man in the bright red suit as he stops at the garden this holiday season. Share a wish with the North Pole’s greatest ambassador, and capture this year’s holiday family photo (please bring your own camera to take pictures). Santa will be located in the classroom of Sofia's Play Garden. Included with a ticket to Bright Nights.
Santa is coming to DJ's Dugout! Also featuring Loli Pop Dah Clown & Friends! Bring your camera & take some photos with the Claus family!
Use library provided supplies to make unique and festive holiday cards for friends and family. This is an in-person program. Materials will be provided for 2 cards per person. FREE
There’s no place like the #1 Zoo in the Nation for the holidays. Zoolightful is an holiday experience at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium filled with larger-than-life lanterns, dazzling lights, and festive fun for everyone. Make it your new holiday tradition and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Join on the first Thursday of the month for a special craft your little one can do with a Papillion Police Officer. Crafts will take place in the Youth Area.
Join Omaha Symphony musician Rosario Galante as he introduces the fun music the clarinet can make during this playful reading of "Kitten's First Full Moon" by Kevin Henkes. Designed for kids ages 3-5, this storytime is fun for friends of all ages with some support by their adults.
Disclaimer: Please always confirm event details and times with the actual host of the event. This calendar is produced far in advance from a variety or sources; event details may change and listings are subject to possible errors.
Products and services listed on this site should not imply endorsement by Family Fun in Omaha. All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Family Fun in Omaha strives for accuracy, completeness, suitability, and validity of the information on this site, but they will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
Family Fun in Omaha is your local resource for family-friendly activities and events in Omaha and beyond! We are a local family of 5 that loves finding new adventures and wants to help you enjoy all that Omaha and the surrounding area has to offer. We recommend starting here. Thank you for visiting!
