The Holidays are here! Have a fun-filled Winter Break in Omaha with these 10+ Free or inexpensive activities!
Looking for more ideas that are fun, but not free? Find more FUN things to do over Winter Break here!
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It is always a good idea to verify before visiting as dates and times may change.
FREE Activities Over Winter Break in Omaha
1. See beautiful Christmas Light Displays
- Spend an evening driving around to see Amazing Christmas Light Displays in the Omaha Area with a Map!
- For extra fun, go on an adventure with our Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt!
2. Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shop – Nov. 7 – Dec. 24, FREE [REGISTER]
- Santa’s Wonderland offers Contactless Claus visits, free Photo with Santa, and free take-home holiday craft activity kits.
- Reservations are required for 2020. Make your reservation in advance beginning Nov. 2nd.
- Location: Cabela’s, 12703 Westport Pkwy., La Vista, NE.
3. Holiday Lights Festival – Through January 4th
- Enjoy the Old Market, North Omaha, and South Omaha Lighting Displays, and the New Year’s Eve Fireworks.
4. Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing – Nov. 20 – Feb. 14, FREE
- Stroll in the glow of a cherished holiday tradition – tens of thousands of white LED lights strung throughout Turner Park and along Farnam St. Plus, visit the beautifully-decorated tree in Farnam Court.
- Location: Turner Park (31st Ave. and Farnam St.), Omaha, NE.
5. Michaels Kids Club: 24 Days of Merry Making – Dec. 1 – 24 (4 p.m.), FREE [REGISTER]
- Join in for a free online class each day to participate in fun holiday crafts designed for mini-makers, ages 3 and up.
- Location: Online.
6. Fun To-Go – Nov. 30 – Jan. 3 (all day), FREE
- Stop by the library to pick up a free holiday-themed activity kit.
- Dec. 14 – 20: Fun on the Run: Tie-Dye Reindeer
- Dec. 14 – 20: PreK Cafe: North Pole
- Dec. 14 ONLY: Tinker Zone to Go: Grab Bags
- Dec. 21 – 27: Tinker Zone to Go: Diamond Dot Painting Stickers
- Dec. 28 – Jan. 3: Fun on the Run: Treasure Journal
- Dec. 28 – Jan. 3: PreK Cafe: Space
- Location: Council Bluffs Library, 400 Willow Ave., Council Bluffs, IA.
7. Taco Dragon, Cookie Mouse, & Ladybug Girl Visit at Omaha Public Library Storytimes – Dec. 15 – Jan. 2 (times vary), FREE [REGISTER]
- Enjoy online storytimes with special characters.
8. FUN with La Vista Public Library:
- Virtual Holiday Scavenger Hunt – Dec. 17 (6:30 p.m.), FREE [REGISTER]
- This month’s scavenger hunt will feature some holiday items, like Mistletoe, pinecones, snowmen…what do you have in your home?
- Virtual Christmas Karaoke – Dec. 19 (5:30 – 6:30 p.m.), FREE [REGISTER]
- Sing along to some favorite Christmas toons on Zoom.
- Virtual Storytime with Santa – Dec. 21 (all day),
- Santa Claus will be reading you a story on La Vista’s website or social media accounts!
- Virtual Tween & Teen Netflix Watch Party – Dec. 29 (2 p.m.), FREE [REGISTER]
- Register at the library and vote on which movie you’d like to see! To participate you must have your own Netflix account and computer with Teleparty installed. (Ages 9-18)
9. Polar Express Happy Hour and Trivia – Dec. 19 (5:30 p.m.), FREE [REGISTER]
- Celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of winter with a fun trivia competition.
- Location: Online.
10. Free Admission to Children at Omaha’s Zoo with Paid Adult – December 26-31, 2020
- Children, 11 years old and younger, receive FREE Zoo Admission with a paid adult December 26-31, 2020!
11. 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!
- 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.
Find More Fun:
It is always a good idea to verify with the business before visiting.
Have a wonderful fun-filled Winter Break!
We Hope to Enjoy These Events Again in 2021
Yule Log Festival at Platte River State Park – TBA
- 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.
First Friday: Pajama Jam at the Union Pacific Museum – CANCELED FOR 2020
- Wear your coziest jammies and join in for crafts, games, music, snacks, and more.
- Location: 200 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, IA.
Kids Workshop at Home Depot – CANCELED FOR 2020
- Build a Mini Hockey Game.
Crafts at Lakeshore Learning – CANCELED FOR 2020
- Location: 12005 W. Center Rd., Omaha, NE.
Family Fun Activities & Character Visit at Regency – TBA
- 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.
Holiday Skate at Motto McLean Ice Arena – TBA
- Location: 5015 S. 45th St., Omaha, NE.
Fun at Nebraska State Parks – (Park Entry Permit required.)
Platte River State Park First Day Hike – TBA
- Platte River State Park is bringing in the New Year with hiking and bird watching. Hikers will have the option of climbing the observation tower after the hike. The hike will offer birding along the Stone Creek trail as it passes our small waterfall. A bonfire and hot chocolate will be provided.
- Location: Platte River State Park, 14421 346th St., Louisville, NE.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park First Day Hike & Bonfire – TBA
- To kick the year off, join in for the first hike of the year. A bonfire will help you warm up before and after the hike with concessions available for purchase in the Kountze Memorial Theaters.
- Hot chocolate and popcorn will be for sale for .50 cents each.
- Location: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, 28500 W. Park Hwy., Ashland, NE.
