The weekend is almost here! Every Thursday (Wednesday this week in preparation for the Holiday Weekend), I post many free (or almost free) fun family activities to enjoy in Omaha and nationwide! Be sure to visit the Event Calendar (or the calendar list view on the right of this page) for more information on ALL of the free activities coming up!
♦-Designates National Event.
Don’t Miss:
- Free Admission to Joslyn Plus More Free Thanksgiving Events in Omaha!
- Free Holiday Family-Friendly Events in Omaha!
- Visit Santa in Omaha and Council Bluffs
- Kids Eat Free or Cheap in Omaha
- More Free Upcoming Events
Highlights of Upcoming Omaha Events
♦Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop – 11/10-12/24
Free photo with Santa, free crafts, free games and activities.
Miracle on Farnam – 11/15-1/1, 8am-1am
All along Farnam Street, Fourteen of Omaha’s creative non-profits will showcase their artistry and imagination by transforming ordinary window space into holiday miracles. Read about our wonderful visit to Miracle on Farnam here!
Gingerbread House Display at the Mormon Trail Center – 11/17-12/29
The display, located at 3215 State Street, is open to the public November 17th-December 29th. The center is open daily 9am-9pm, and will close at 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and will be closed on Christmas day.
Christmas Around the World – 11/17-12/31, 9am-9pm
A multitude of Gingerbread houses will be on display at the Kanesville Tabernacle, 222 East Broadway, in Council Bluffs, November 17th through December 31st. Gingerbread Concert Series: 11/17, 12/15 and 12/22 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival at Shadow Lake Towne Center – 11/21, 6-9pm
Concert, parade, Santa’s arrival, tree lighting, fireworks, photos with characters, and complimentary carriage rides with Santa. Fun for the whole family!
YMCA Free Community Day – Thanksgiving Day, 11/22
Check with your local Y location for hours and details.
Holiday Lights Festival – 11/22-1/6
Celebrate the spirit of the holidays with a full season of festive, family-friendly activities, plus enjoy more than 40 blocks of beautiful lights in Downtown Omaha.
- Shine the Light on Hunger invites visitors to donate non-perishable food and household items at the ice skating rink and other locations throughout the festival.
- CenturyLink Thanksgiving Lighting Ceremony (Thursday, November 22, 6-7 pm)
- Making Spirits Bright Holiday Concert (Thursday, November 22, 7 pm)
- Pacific Life Sounds of the Season (Saturdays, November 24 – December 29, 7-8 pm)
Joslyn Art Museum Free Thanksgiving Weekend 2012 – 11/23-11/25
Joslyn will offer free admission over Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, November 23, through Sunday, November 25, as a thank you to the community. Simply bring a non-perishable food item for your admission, and Joslyn will donate all items collected to Food Bank for the Heartland.
Holiday Lighting Ceremony at Village Pointe – 11/23, 6-9pm
Concert, complimentary hot cider and cookies, parade, Santa’s arrival, tree lighting, fireworks, visits with Santa, and complimentary carriage rides. Fun for the whole family!
Mulhall’s Family Days – 11/24-11/25, 12-3pm
Enjoy cookies and cocoa, take your photo with Santa, visit two of his reindeer, and participate in children’s activities.
Winter Wonderland at Sump Memorial Library, Papillion – 11/24, 5-8pm
Come to the Winter Wonderland on Saturday, November 24th from 5-8pm. Enjoy stories with Mrs. Claus and Jingles the Elf at 5:30pm and 6:30pm. Decorate a Holiday Bag!
Winter Wonderland in Dowtown Papillion – 11/24, 5-9pm
Bring the family and enjoy a variety of free activities: carriage rides, bonfire, Santa, popcorn, hot chocolate, photos with live reindeer and so much more!
LaVista Holiday Events – 11/25-12/20
- Letters to Santa
- Santa’s Sleigh Ride (Sunday, November 25)
Planning Ahead
See Many More Upcoming Free Holiday Family-Friendly Events in Omaha!
Home Depot Free Kids Workshop – 12/1, 9am-12pm
Home Depot offers FREE kid’s workshops on the first Saturday of each month, from 9am-12pm. They are designed for children ages 5-12. Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment.
- Saturday, December 1, 2012 – Build a picture frame
Lowe’s Free Build and Grow Clinic – 12/1, 10am-11am
Lowe’s offers free Build and Grow clinics every other Saturday at 10am. Bring the kids to any Lowe’s store to build fun projects. This is recommended for children in grades 1st-5th. Registration opens a few weeks before each clinic’s date.
- Sandman’s Plane – 12/1
It is always a good idea to verify with the business before visiting.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!