Looking for things to do this January?
Enjoy the best family-friendly events this January in Omaha!
PLEASE NOTE: Many events require pre-registration, have limited capacity, or offer timed slots. It is highly recommended to verify details, closures, cancellations, and hours of operation before visiting. Thank You!
Best Things to Do in January in Omaha
Events
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Winterland Ice Skating at Heartwood Preserve
Heartwood Park 301 S 145th St, Omaha, NEFamily-friendly ice rink offers a magical experience for skaters of all ages, nestled in the scenic beauty of Heartwood Preserve. Whether you're a seasoned skater or stepping on to the ice for the first time, their ice rink is the perfect place to create unforgettable memories with loved ones. Open during the winter season, glide, twirl, and delight in the joy of skating in the heart of West Omaha. Only skaters need to reserve a ticket. All attending need to sign a waiver.
Free [REGISTER] -
Frosty Nights Christmas Village & Lights
Frosty Nights, Christmas Village & Lights, offers the Omaha area a fully interactive Christmas experience, where friends and families can start a new holiday tradition. Stretching across 80 acres, Falconwood Frosty Nights will have some serious wattage and shine bright with an infinite number of lights!
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Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: Save the Humans
Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NEThey’ve wandered the world, and now they’re headed to Omaha! TROLLS: Save the Humans, an outdoor exhibit by acclaimed artist Thomas Dambo, open through May 18, 2026 at Lauritzen Gardens. Crafted from reclaimed wood and full of wild wisdom, these six towering trolls are on a mission to help humans rediscover their connection to nature. Explore the gardens and meet these gentle giants — each with a story and a whole lot of personality.
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Zoolightful
Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium 3701 S. 10th Street, Omaha, NE, United StatesThere’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.
$16 – $26 -
Farnam Winter Pop-Up
Midtown Crossing 32nd and Farnam, Omaha, NE, United StatesDiscover 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.
Free -
Winter Break Fun: S’mores Indoors
La Vista Community Center 8116 Park View Blvd, La Vista, NE, United StatesSchool may be out, but the fun is just getting started! Join Recreation and make s'more indoors! This classic campfire treat is tasty anytime of year especially surrounded by friends in the warmth of our community center! Ages: 8-17
Free -
Warrior Cats Escape Room
Millard Branch 13214 Westwood Ln., Omaha, NE, United StatesBring honor to your Warrior Clan by solving puzzles and clues to unlock a prize box before time runs out in this escape room based on the best-selling Warrior series by Erin Hunter. For participants ages 12-18.
Free [REGISTER] -
Lauritzen Gardens Bright Nights
Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NEEvent 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!
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Home Depot Kids Workshop: Tow Truck
Home Depot Stores Home Depot Stores, Omaha, NE, United StatesJoin the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops. While supplies last.
Free -
Frozen II (2019) – Sing-Along
Film Streams Dundee Theater 4952 Dodge Street, Omaha, NEThis film is playing as the sing-along version! Lyrics will appear on screen during the songs and we encourage singing along if your heart desires.
$5 -
Christmas Kiddie Crafts: Beaded Snowflakes
La Vista Central Park Clubhouse 8305 Park View Blvd, La Vista, NELet your little one’s imagination run wild! Kiddie Craft is a hands-on, creative program designed for children to explore colors, textures, and simple craft techniques in a fun and supportive environment. Each session features themed crafts that help build fine motor skills, encourage creativity, and foster social interaction. Grown-ups are welcome to craft alongside their kids or relax nearby. It’s the perfect way to spark a lifelong love of art and play. Come join us and twist beads onto pipe cleaners to make sparkly snowflakes to hang up for winter fun! Ages: 0-11
Free -
Winter Break Fun: Family Gym Day
La Vista Community Center 8116 Park View Blvd, La Vista, NE, United StatesSchool may be out, but the fun is just getting started! Join us in the community center for Family Gym Day! Bring you family and friends and enjoy all of your favorite athletic activities! Ages: 8-17
Free -
Cut & Create: Vision & Mood Boards
Florence Branch 2920 Bondesson St, Omaha, NE, United StatesSet your intentions and bring your goals to life through the power of vision and mood boarding! In this creative workshop, you'll use magazines, images, words, and craft supplies to design a personalized vision or mood board that reflects your dreams, goals, and inspirations for the future. No artistic experience needed—just bring your ideas and an open mind. All materials provided, but feel free to bring any personal images or quotes you'd like to include. This is a free event for adults.
Free [REGISTER] -
Omaha Winter Farmer’s Market
Fowling Warehouse 5585 N 90th St, Omaha, NEFor 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.
Free -
Winter Break Fun: Chill Zone
La Vista Community Center 8116 Park View Blvd, La Vista, NE, United StatesSchool may be out, but the fun is just getting started! Come to the community center to kick back and relax! Whether you want to play games, use the gym, or just talk and laugh with friends, the community center gives you the chance to do it all! Ages: 8-17
Free -
Dragon Masters Escape Room
Downtown Branch 1401 Jones St., Omaha, NEThe Dragon Stone has been stolen, and Griffith and the dragons need your help to get it back! Come solve puzzles and clues to unlock a prize box before time runs out in this escape room based on the best-selling Dragon Masters series by Tracey West. All are for participants ages 6-10.
Free [REGISTER] -
Out & About Storytime: Chalco Hills – Winter Animals and Hibernation
Chalco Hills Natural Resources Center 8901 South 154th Street, Omaha, NEJoin OPL at different parks and places for storytime, featuring stories, creative movement, music and more. Storytime is geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. In January, learn about winter animals and hibernation.
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Winter Break Fun: Button Making
La Vista Community Center 8116 Park View Blvd, La Vista, NE, United StatesSchool may be out, but the fun is just getting started! Join Recreation and create a wearable button! Whether you make it a seasonal creation or something to reflect your passions this is an opportunity to make something unique and meaningful to you! Ages: 8-17
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Resources for Starting or Growing Your Small Business (Adults Only)
Milton R. Abrahams Branch 5111 N 90th St, Omaha, NE, United StatesCould you use some support in starting or growing your small business? Join us as the Small Business Administration shares available resources and answers your questions with one-on-one conversation. This relaxed and informative session will leave you ready to take the next steps in your entrepreneurial journey. This is a free event for adults.
Free -
Rocks and Fossils with the Omaha Children’s Museum
Downtown Branch 1401 Jones St., Omaha, NEBe a geologist! Be a paleontologist! Find out what these scientists have in common and the tools they use. Learn how different rocks were formed, observe some real fossils, and make your own. This is a free event for ages 6-12.
Free [REGISTER] -
Storytime with The Rose Theater
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch 2100 Reading Plaza, Elkhorn, NE, United StatesLil Rosies Teaching Artist, Chloe Hug, from The Rose Theater will be visiting to lead an interactive storytime based on the book "Little Penguins" by Cynthia Rylant. Children and families will get to enjoy the story, participate in fun theater activities, and get excited as we prepare for our next show at The Rose Theater, "Mr. Popper's Penguins." Don’t miss this lively evening of imagination, singing, dancing, and storytelling—all inspired by penguins and the magic of live theater! All are welcome!
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Stories in Motion: Music and Movement Around the World
Milton R. Abrahams Branch 5111 N 90th St, Omaha, NE, United StatesJoin us as we travel around the globe exploring music and dance! This session will feature the story "Ten Oni Drummers" by Matthew Gollub, a delightful tale about silly ogres from Japan. We'll sing, dance, drum, and more! After storytime, children will be able to explore the props and instruments featured with representatives from Circle Theatre.
Free -
Make a Bird Feeder
The Learning Express Omaha 120 Regency Pkwy, Omaha, NEFun crafts at The Learning Express. Make a Bird Feeder.
Free -
Carter Lake Winter Movie Series: Cool Runnings
Carter Lake Community Center 1120 Willow St, Carter Lake, IAJoin to watch a movie on the big screen! Movies will start at 6pm sharp in the CLCC Gymnasium.
Free -
The Laugh Crafters – Family Friendly Improv
Blackstone Theater 3624 Farnam St, Omaha, NEA hilarious group of Big Canvas improvisers brings short-form improv for the whole family to the Blackstone district every 2nd Friday. Each show is a new adventure you don’t want to miss!
$10.50 -
The Great Reuben Debate
The Blackstone District 3924 Farnam St, Omaha, NEVisit participating locations and vote for your favorite Reuben dish! Voting will be open from January 10th-January 24th!
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Raptors Live! Happy Hatchday!
Fontenelle Forest 1111 Bellevue Blvd North, Bellevue, NE, United StatesBecause many of our resident raptors came in as adults, we don’t know their true hatchday. Come celebrate our chosen New Year’s Day hatchday with us on January 10th from 10AM-11AM in the Great Hall at Fontenelle Forest’s Nature Center.
Free – $15 [REGISTER] -
Hummel Park New Year’s Hike
Hummel Park Nature Center 3033 Hummel Park Road, Omaha, NE, United StatesJoin for a guided hike to start the New Year and warm up with a cup of hot cocoa.
Free [REGISTER] -
Kid Coders 6-9: Gamebots
Milton R. Abrahams Branch 5111 N 90th St, Omaha, NE, United StatesCalling all gamers! Have a blast learning how to code while building robotic games to test your code. You will learn about sequencing commands, value and sensor inputs, and loops. This month, kids will create a train. This is a free event for kids 6-9. Children under the age of 6 will not be admitted into this program. Registration is required.
Free [REGISTER] -
JCPenny Kids Craft: Mitten Bookmark
JCPenny Locations Westroads, Oakview, ShadowlakeFree crafts for kids, extra savings for parents second Saturday every month. Kids get a free craft, ID Badge & Lanyard collector's pin each month + Craft Medallion after completing 6 crafts. In January make a Mitten Bookmark
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BioDiscovery Lab: Drawing with DNA
Kiewit Luminarium 345 Riverfront Dr, Omaha, NEDid you know every piece of fruit carries its own secret instruction manual for life? It’s called DNA! In this hands-on activity, you’ll choose a fruit, extract its real DNA, and then mix it with colorful watercolor inks to create your very own DNA-powered marker. Finally, put your marker to the test by drawing unique works of art—each one secretly hiding the full recipe for a piece of fruit.
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Kids Yoga & Mindfulness Workshop
South Omaha Library 2808 Q Street, Omaha, NE, United StatesJoin instructor Alexis Espinoza-Arrubla as she leads a workshop on yoga and mindfulness for kids! This workshop offers a fun, engaging way for children and their caregivers to build body awareness, practice self-regulation skills and enhance overall well-being through practices such as yoga, mindful movement, games, relaxation techniques and arts + crafts. Limited yoga mats will be available, however, participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat or blanket.
Free [REGISTER] -
Family Fun Day at Midtown Crossing
Midtown Crossing 32nd and Farnam, Omaha, NE, United StatesCome for the fun! Join live and in-person characters and all your friends at Midtown Crossing for wintery family fun. Warm up to activities and attractions at friendly retailers throughout the neighborhood, including story time and photos with characters; creativity stations; lunch specials and so much more!
Free -
Puzzle Competition
Milton R. Abrahams Branch 5111 N 90th St, Omaha, NE, United StatesGrab your team and get ready for a puzzle showdown! Everyone gets the same puzzle, and the race is on to see who can finish first. You’ll have two hours to put the pieces together and solve a small puzzle-related mystery. Only one team will take the crown as Puzzle Champions! Space is limited, and registration is required. Please only register once for each team. Teams are required to have a minimum of 2 members and a max of 5. One member of the team must be 19+.
Free [REGISTER] -
The Blackstone District 2nd Saturday – Live Music
The Blackstone District 3924 Farnam St, Omaha, NEEnjoy live music throughout the district! TK Approved @ Red Lion Lounge - 5pm * DJ EROK @ Bar 39 - 10pm * Karaoke with Dynamic Air DJ’s @ Crescent Moon - 10pm * DJ Chicks @ First Round - 10pm * Ocean Avenue @ Jay’s Games & Beer Garden - 10pm
Free -
LOVB Nebraska vs LOVB Houston
Baxter Arena 2425 S. 67th St, Omaha, NE, United StatesSeason opener against LOVB Houston on Sunday at 1 p.m.
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Nature Storytime
Charles B. Washington Branch 2868 Ames Avenue, Omaha, NE, United StatesBundle up and join Keep Omaha Beautiful educators for a wintery exploration of nature’s hidden magic! We’ll begin by reading "Jayden’s Impossible Garden," a heartwarming story about a boy who finds beauty and nature in unexpected places—even in the middle of a city. After our story, we’ll head outside on a short winter nature walk to observe animal tracks, bare branches, dried seed pods, and other signs of life that often go unnoticed in the colder months. Back inside, we’ll share our discoveries and create a collaborative mural that captures the quiet beauty of Omaha’s winter landscape.
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Snack Attack (3rd-5th Grade)
Saddlebrook Community Center 14850 Laurel Avenue, Omaha, NE, United StatesKids will have fun making some fun holiday snacks with their friends. Sorry they are unable to accommodate for allergies. Registration begins: November 17th at 9:00am
$5 -
Toddler Tuesday: Tooth-Care Tips & Tricks with Camp Smile
Fat Brain Toys 16909 Burke St, Omaha, NE, United StatesThe Camp Smile Pediatric Dentistry Team is coming to the store to take kids on a tooth-cleaning adventure! Their Brushing Friends will teach kids all the best brushing techniques, plus kids will get to practice flossing and discover which foods will keep their teeth strong and which ones won't. Everyone will go home with brighter smiles and bigger brains!
Free -
Snowman Craft
The Learning Express Omaha 120 Regency Pkwy, Omaha, NEFun crafts at The Learning Express. Snowman Craft
Free
Go Ice Skating
- Enjoy several indoor and outdoor options for Ice Skating in the Omaha Area!
Go Sledding at Mahoney State Park
- Looking for a FUN activity this Winter? They have a snow machine, too!
Wildlife watching
Winter is a great time to explore the outdoors and look for wildlife. Species like bald eagles, jackrabbits, owls, hawks, turkey and deer can be spotted at this time of year. Lake McConaughy is a great place for viewing birds thanks to its open water, as is Branched Oak State Recreation Area. Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and Ponca and Indian cave state parks are other good choices.
Discover the Best Donut
- Visit a variety of local donut shops this season!
Go on a Family Getaway
- Choose from a variety of locations that are not too far from Omaha. Explore a new destination, go on an adventure, and create new memories!
- Day Trips, Road Trips, Cabins to Rent, and more!
Check out a Public Library Pass
Members of certain libraries can check out a pass to visit one of the following locations:
- Durham Museum – Members of all 12 Omaha Public Library branches, Bellevue Public Library, Bennington Public Library, Council Bluffs Public Library, Fremont Public Library.
- Fontenelle Forest – Members of the Omaha Public Library, Bellevue Public Library, or Council Bluffs Public Library.
- Lauritzen Gardens – Members of the Omaha Public Library, Bellevue Public Library, or Council Bluffs Public Library.
10 Perfect Day Trips from Omaha
- Looking for a great Day Trip near Omaha? Check out these fun ideas for nearby adventures!
15 Exciting Road Trips from Omaha
- Looking for a little getaway with your family? Choose from a variety of Road Trip ideas that are not too far from Omaha. Explore a new destination, go on an adventure, and create new memories with your family!
Find more January Fun
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