The Holidays are here! Have a fun-filled Winter Break in Omaha with these 10+ Free or inexpensive activities! 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.
Check out the many Groupons available on fun activities – Find these and more here!
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!
2. Family Fun Activities & Character Visit at Regency – Dec. 21 (12 – 3 p.m.)
- 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.
3. Carriage Rides at Village Pointe – Saturday, Dec. 21 (1 – 5 p.m.), FREE
- Holiday shoppers can enjoy complimentary horse and carriage rides on Saturdays. Weather permitting.
- Location: Village Pointe Shopping Center, 17305 Davenport St., Omaha, NE.
4. Crafts at Lakeshore Learning – Saturdays (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.), Ages 3 and up
- Dec. 21 – Thumbprint Keepsake Holiday Ornament
- Dec. 28 – Ring in the New Year! Party Hat & Popper
- Jan. 4 – Dancing Robot
- Location: 12005 W. Center Rd., Omaha, NE.
5. FUN at La Vista Public Library (9110 Giles Rd., LaVista, NE):
- Ugly Sweater Ornaments – Dec. 23 (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
- Stop by the library to make an ugly sweater ornament, just in time to hang up before Christmas Eve.
- Noon Year’s Eve Party – Dec. 31 (11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.)
- Celebrate and bring in the new year library-style! Make some noisemakers and counting down to noon together! Ages 0-12.
6. Omaha Public Library Special Events – Dec. 21 – Jan. 30
While the kids are home from school, bring them to Omaha Public Libraries! Some events may require registration. Find a variety of events here.
Some highlights:
- Dec. 21 (1 – 3 p.m.): Escape Room for Grades 2-6 at Florence Branch [REGISTER]
- Dec. 24 (10 – 11 a.m.): Snow Much Fun at Millard Branch
- Dec. 24 (10:30 – 11 a.m.): ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: Story & Craft at Saddlebrook Branch
- Dec. 27 (10:30 – 11:15 a.m.): Papio NRD Owls at Florence Branch
- Dec. 27 (1 – 2:30 p.m.): Family De-Stress Fest at Millard Branch
- Dec. 27 (2 – 3 p.m.): Jeff Quinn Magic Show at Charles B. Washington Branch
- Dec. 27 (2 – 5 p.m.): Toy Story 4 Afternoon Craft & Movie Showing at Milton R. Abrahams Branch
- Dec. 31 (10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.): Noon Year’s Eve at Saddlebrook Branch
- Dec. 31 (11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.): Noon Year’s Eve Party at Florence Branch [REGISTER]
- Find many more events here.
7. New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular – Dec. 31 (7 p.m.)
- Enjoy the spectacular firework show with family and friends.
- NEW Location (due to the Gene Leahy Mall construction): Near CHI Health Center & TD Ameritrade Park. (Find a list of viewing locations here.)
8. First Friday: Pajama Jam at the Union Pacific Museum – Jan. 3 (5:30 – 8 p.m.)
- Wear your coziest jammies and join in for crafts, games, music, snacks, and more.
- Location: 200 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, IA.
9. Kids Workshop at Home Depot – Jan. 4 (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
- Build a Mini Hockey Game.
10. Happy Birthday Puppy Chow at Council Bluffs Public Library – Jan. 4 (11 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.)
- Drop-in to make delicious Birthday Cake Puppy Chow. For kids ages 4 years old through 6th grade.
- Location: 400 Willow Ave., Council Bluffs, IA.
More Fun for $10 or Less!
Yule Log Festival at Platte River State Park – Dec. 21 (12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.), Park Permit required
- 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.
Holiday Skate at Motto McLean Ice Arena – Dec. 23, 26-28, 30-31, Jan 1-4 (times vary), $3 per person includes skate rental
- Location: 5015 S. 45th St., Omaha, NE.
$5 Movie Tuesdays
- Enjoy $5 Movie Tuesdays at participating Marcus Theatresand Aksarben Cinema, and $6 Student Thursdays for students and school faculty at participating Marcus Theatres.
Fun at Nebraska State Parks – (Park Entry Permit required.)
Platte River State Park First Day Hike – Jan. 1 (9 a.m.), Park Permit Required
- 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 – Jan. 1 (2:30 – 5 p.m.), Park Permit Required
- 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.
Mahoney State Park Activity Center and Ice Skating Rink – Park Permit Required
- The ice skating pavilion at Mahoney State Park offers plenty of space to practice your skills.
Find More Fun:
- 10 Things to Do over Winter Break in Omaha
- FREE Things to Do for Indoor Fun in Omaha
- Best Indoor Playgrounds in Omaha
It is always a good idea to verify with the business before visiting.
Have a wonderful fun-filled Winter Break!
