Family Fun in Omaha

Your local resource for family-friendly activities and events in Omaha.

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Zoolightful

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.
 
Experience a night like no other as Zoolightful comes alive with glowing color, festive flavors, and unforgettable moments shared with family and friends. Wander through pathways filled with light, laughter, and all new larger-than-life displays, then warm up with the tastes of the season and cozy spots that make every memory merry and bright. From the first sparkle to the last sip of cocoa, every moment at the Zoo shines with holiday magic.
 

NFM Santa Stravaganza

Feel the festive Holiday magic at NFM with 2 days filled with free holiday fun, and photos with Santa. You’re sure to have a merry time your family won’t forget.

Free Festive Activities:

  • Photos with Santa
  • Live Music with Luigi Inc.
  • Santa’s Secret Stocking Wall
  • Hot Cocoa & Cookies
  • Adopt-a-Reindeer
  • Special Character Appearances
  • Write Letters to Santa
  • And more!

NFM Santa Stravaganza

Feel the festive Holiday magic at NFM with 2 days filled with free holiday fun, and photos with Santa. You’re sure to have a merry time your family won’t forget.

Free Festive Activities:

  • Photos with Santa
  • Live Music with Luigi Inc.
  • Santa’s Secret Stocking Wall
  • Hot Cocoa & Cookies
  • Adopt-a-Reindeer
  • Special Character Appearances
  • Write Letters to Santa
  • And more!

Lauritzen Gardens Bright Nights

Set a merry mood with friends and family and explore the illuminated floral display hall, the two houses of the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory, and Sofia’s Play Garden during Bright Nights. From a 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree to a glowing forest of trees, guests will discover dazzling installations that showcase nature in a whole new light.  

This year’s show invites guests into a Nordic winter wonderland, where a forest of wooden trees crafted from reclaimed pallets rises amid twinkling lights and whispering evergreens. Wander through Sofia’s Play Garden, aglow for the first time with enchanting lights and playful installations—and keep an eye out for a couple of cheerful trolls joining in the holiday fun. It’s a celebration of nature, imagination, and the magic of the season—where rustic charm meets winter whimsy.  

The Family Chill Zone features fun patio games and cozy fire pits, where guests can warm up or purchase a S’mores kit to roast marshmallows.  

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! 

Pancakes with Santa

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).

After breakfast, continue the fun by exploring the garden’s holiday show, along with the beautiful indoor and outdoor gardens at Lauritzen Gardens, including Sofia’s Play Garden and the newly re-opened Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory!

$25, Ages 13+
$15, Ages 3-12
FREE, Ages 2 and under
Garden members receive 30% off of ticket prices.

Pancakes with Santa

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).

After breakfast, continue the fun by exploring the garden’s holiday show, along with the beautiful indoor and outdoor gardens at Lauritzen Gardens, including Sofia’s Play Garden and the newly re-opened Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory!

$25, Ages 13+
$15, Ages 3-12
FREE, Ages 2 and under
Garden members receive 30% off of ticket prices.

Lauritzen Gardens: Santa Stops Here

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 spread holiday cheer on each event evening November 28 through December 23 from 5 to 9 p.m. Santa will be located in the classroom of Sofia’s Play Garden.

Included with a ticket to Bright Nights.

DIY Tree Decorating Seminar

Decorating the Christmas tree is one of our most cherished holiday traditions, and the beautiful tree becomes the backdrop for so many more – taking family photos, discovering Santa’s gifts, curling up on the sofa to admire the twinkling color. In the next demonstration in our DIY series, Visual Merchandiser Andrea Hansen will lead you through the design process she uses to transform an unadorned tree into a stunning Christmas centerpiece for your home.

Every Christmas tree is as unique as the people who decorate it. Whether your tree is formal with a carefully selected theme or loaded with your family’s priceless treasures, Andrea’s simple step-by-step process will tie everything into a beautiful, unified display. It’s all about the layering – Andrea will show you how she adds various décor elements – lifelike evergreens, berries, iced branches, ornaments, and ribbon – one at a time to add texture, dimension, and style. And when she’s done, she’ll do it again – twice – showing three different design themes to spark new creativity in your tree-decorating this year.

This seminar is free to attend and no pre-registration is required.

Santa and His Reindeer are Flying into Bel Air Plaza

Santa and his reindeer are flying into Bel Air Plaza on December 6th and December 13th. Come out to the plaza to talk to Santa and see the reindeer. Elsa and Anna will be there serving cookies and hot cocoa!! This is a special event for everyone and we hope to see you there.

Santa and His Reindeer are Flying into Bel Air Plaza

Santa and his reindeer are flying into Bel Air Plaza on December 6th and December 13th. Come out to the plaza to talk to Santa and see the reindeer. Elsa and Anna will be there serving cookies and hot cocoa!! This is a special event for everyone and we hope to see you there.