More photo card deals! 75% off Holiday Cards & Invites + FREE Shipping at Cardstore! Use Coupon Code: CCN2175. Valid through 11/25/12 at 11:59pm PST.
(Note: The links in this post are my referral links. Read my disclosure policy here.)
Your local resource for family-friendly activities and events in Omaha.
More photo card deals! 75% off Holiday Cards & Invites + FREE Shipping at Cardstore! Use Coupon Code: CCN2175. Valid through 11/25/12 at 11:59pm PST.
(Note: The links in this post are my referral links. Read my disclosure policy here.)
Beautiful! Interesting! Cool! Creative! Omaha’s newest Holiday tradition, Miracle on Farnam, offers visitors amazing window displays along a festively decorated street. Fourteen popular art and cultural organizations in Omaha have transformed ordinary window space into unique displays exemplifying their mission in visually engaging and interesting ways. This fun-filled, free Holiday event is perfect for people of all ages looking to experience the Holiday season in a unique way.
See Many More Free Holiday Events in Omaha here!
We visited on a perfect Friday evening at dusk and enjoyed a crisp night with a glowing sliver moon. Even my young children were engaged and excited to see the next window, especially the interactive window seen below.
Some of the windows told a story, while others were visually appealing, imaginative, and fun. Each window was different and unique, and truly captured the heart of each organization’s mission. We loved trying to figure out who designed the window (without looking at the sign) based on the display!
We each selected a different window as our favorite, even my kids! The winning window/organization, as determined by public vote, will receive $3000 donation courtesy of Midtown Crossing. Votes can be cast online or in person at any of Midtown Crossing’s retailers or restaurants (look for the Miracle on Farnam voting station).
Miracle on Farnam is free to the public, including three hours of free garage parking. The displays are available for viewing daily from 8am to 1am through New Year’s Day. Midtown Crossing’s holiday lights will also be lit throughout the season every evening at dusk.
Additionally, enjoy these special events this season at Midtown Crossing:
Thank you, Midtown Crossing, for becoming a wonderful destination of dining, retail, entertainment, and special events for many families to enjoy! Miracle on Farnam is soon to become a Holiday favorite!
Santa and his elves will be all over Omaha and Council Bluffs to visit with boys and girls and share a little Holiday cheer! It is always a good idea to verify with the business before visiting.
Find Upcoming Free Events Here, plus all of these events and more in the Event Calendar!
Free Photo with Santa, November 10 through December 24. Select your store for schedule. See Council Bluffs schedule of events here.
Free Pictures with Santa 12/8-12/9, 12/15-12/16 (10am-4pm). You will receive one free photo per family. Also, feel free to take your own picture with your own camera.
November 17 – December 24. Photo packages available. Mall of the Bluffs is offering a special photo offer through December 14th here.
After Thanksgiving, he will be here every Saturday and Sunday from 12-4pm, and every Tuesday evening from 4-8pm.
Visit Santa in his village located on the lower level Younkers wing through December 24th. Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-8pm (Lunch Break 1pm-2pm. Dinner Break 5:15pm-6pm). Sunday 11am-6pm (Break 2:30pm-3:30pm). Christmas Eve, December 24 (Closing at 5pm). Photo packages available. Oak View is offering a special photo offer through December 14th here.
Enjoy a holiday light show with the Snow Queen November 23 – December 23. Then, Santa arrives in grand fashion by coming out of a chimney and greeting each child by name to hear their holiday wishes. Show times are Tuesday – Friday: 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm. Additional show at 3:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Santa’s Magic is included with regular paid admission to the museum. (Enter to win tickets now!)
Santa Claus will be in November 23-December 9 (Thursday-Sunday ONLY – 1- 6 pm), December 10-17 (Daily – 1-6 pm), December 18-23 (Daily – 10 am-6pm), and December 24 (10am-2pm). Santa’s Workshop will be a few doors down from Wheatfields. Photo packages available. Special Black Friday Offer: $4 off purchase of family photo CD (valid Nov. 23-25).
November 17 – December 24. Photo packages available. Westroads is offering a special photo offer through December 14th here.
Enjoy many free activities and get-togethers with Santa throughout the holiday season including Story Time with Santa & Friends, Merry Movie with Santa, and Complimentary horse and carriage rides.
The weekend is almost here! Every Thursday, 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.
Free photo with Santa, free crafts, free games and activities.
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. Enjoy special events including Zoo Day (November 18), Cookie Decorating (December 1), Opera Omaha Caroling (December 20), Holiday Movies for $5, plus more!
Join us for the story of the first Thanksgiving! See events at other Barnes and Noble Stores here.
Santa Claus will arrive at Oak View Mall on an Omaha Fire Department Fire Truck! Then, the Kitty Lee dance group will parade with him through the mall while singing Christmas carols. The parade ends at the Santa Set in the lower level Younker’s wing and will be followed with FREE milk/ juice and cookies for the kids while Santa reads the favorite Christmas story “Twas the Night Before Christmas”.
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. – North’s Sleigh – Nov 17, 2012
Celebrate National Take a Hike Day! We will hike the trails, make a special craft, eat trail mix, and enjoy many other family fun activities!
Enjoy demonstrations, Free Make-N-Takes, and visit with Santa with free professional photos 11am-1pm.
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.
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.
The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is bringing animals to Farnam Court from Sunday, November 18 from 1 to 3 pm. *Animal availability is dependent upon weather.
Young readers and their grown-ups are invited to Story Adventures, an artful reading program presented by Joslyn and Omaha Public Library. Nurture your imagination as a librarian reads stories aloud and engages the family in conversation connecting books and art. Admission is free! – November 20: Portraits
Join us for a selection of some fun Thanksgiving stories.Tuesday November 20, 2012 11:00 AMSee events at other Barnes and Noble Stores here.
Check with your local Y location for hours and details.
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.
See Many More Upcoming Free Holiday Family-Friendly Events in Omaha!
It is always a good idea to verify with the business before visiting.
Have a wonderful weekend!
The Holidays bring out a sense of peace, joy, and excitement as we create and share wonderful memories with our family and friends. Enjoy many Free Events this season in Omaha and Nationwide. As always, it is a good idea to verify with your favorite location before visiting.
Find Free Events This Weekend Here, plus all of these events and more in the Event Calendar!
♦-Designates National Event.
One of our favorite Holiday traditions is driving around looking at Christmas lights. Some displays are truly impressive, choreographed to music and mesmerizing to watch.
Free photo with Santa, free crafts, free games and activities.
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. Enjoy special events including Zoo Day (November 18), Cookie Decorating (December 1), Opera Omaha Caroling (December 20), Holiday Movies for $5, plus more! Read about our wonderful visit to Miracle on Farnam here!
Enjoy demonstrations, Free Make-N-Takes, and visit with Santa with free professional photos 11am-1pm.
Santa Claus will arrive at Oak View Mall on an Omaha Fire Department Fire Truck! Join Santa in a Parade through the Mall, starting at the lower level main entrance, ending with cookies and milk and Santa reading “The Night Before Christmas”.
Recommended for children in grades 1st-5th. Registration opens a few weeks before each clinic’s date.
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.
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.
Concert, parade, Santa’s arrival, tree lighting, fireworks, photos with characters, and complimentary carriage rides with Santa. Fun for the whole family!
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.
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!
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!
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!
Santa will read a holiday story to kids on Thursdays from 10:30am-11:30am at various Village Pointe stores. Treats and/or giveaways for children attending. (No charge to guests.)
Many special Holiday Events will be held at Omaha Public Libraries. For more information and to register for certain events, visit the Omaha Public Library website, click on Events & Programs, then Calendar.
Go for a ride with Santa through the park! Sip on hot chocolate, decorate sugar cookies, make a craft, and enjoy many other activities for the whole family! Please bring a new pair of mittens or non-perishable food item to donate.
Enjoy Santa’s rooftop arrival at 10am, followed by free fun and activities with Santa and friends.
Visit local vendors and artisans and enjoy a special appearance by Santa on Sunday from 2-4 pm. WOWT anchors and staff will be on hand on Saturday from 10am-5pm to collect canned food donations in the Aspen Gym parking lot. Sponsored by Physicians Mutual and WOWT.
See events at other Barnes and Noble Stores here.
The event features fun and informative art demonstrations and live music, with most residents of the Hot Shops opening their studios to the public. All of the galleries host events, and the building walls are filled with art in a wide variety of mediums. Please donate a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank when you visit. Collection boxes will be available near the front entrance.
Take in the breathtaking holiday atmosphere of Shadow Lake Towne Center while riding in a horse-drawn carriage! Rides are free and available to all. *Weather permitting. Board between Chico’s & Coldwater Creek.
Carriage ride pick-up point is in front of the fireplace near Marcus Village Pointe Cinema.
Join Omaha Area Youth Orchestras (OAYO) and the Bluffs Art Council for the second annual Holiday Concert Collaboration featuring a concert and prepared reading. This event will be held at the Arts Center at Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs.
Enjoy family activities and experience many of Omaha’s leading downtown attractions for free including Wells Fargo, Omaha Children’s Museum, Omaha Police Mounted Patrol Barn, The Durham Museum, W. Dale Clark Library, and Joslyn Art Museum. Ollie the Trolley will provide free trolley rides between locations.
Enjoy the festive activities of the season. Entertainment provided. Food and drink available for purchase. Visit the Christkindlemarkt and purchase some of the many seasonal gifts from Germany.
Enjoy festive storytime events highlighting all of the winter holidays December 4, 11, and 18 at 11am.
Bring the kids, meet Santa’s reindeer, and sign up for the free phone call from Santa Friday December 7th from 6 to 8 at THE SHOPS OF LEGACY, Southwest corner of 168th & Center! Plus we’ll have free tickets to the holiday screening of Christmas Vacation starring Chevy Chase at Rave Cinemas!
Come join Saddlebrook Community Center and Saddlebrook Library to sing winter songs, do holiday crafts, and meet Santa!
Come see why Cabela’s offers the best background and the best Santa in LaVista. You will receive one free photo per family. Also, feel free to take your own picture with your own camera.
Join us as we enjoy a morning with Santa! Crafts, story time, snacks, and a visit from the big man himself. This is a partnered event with the Florence Public Library. Please bring a a non-perishable food item.
Children can ride around Rockbrook Village in a horse-drawn carriage and talk with Santa. Local school and church groups will entertain shoppers with seasonal music.
Join Mrs. Claus and friends for an hour of Holiday-themed stories and riddles inside Santa’s Workshop, a few doors down from Wheatfields.
Enjoy a free hour of holiday fun with Santa Claus at Old Navy. No reservations required.
Bring the kids to have fun decorating cookies with the Gingerbread Boy & Girl. Mrs. Claus and her silly elves will be visiting the store too! It’s also Kids Eat Free Night (with an adult meal purchase)!
Enjoy free admission every Saturday and Sunday from December 15th through 30th.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will serve up cookies and milk along with a story or two for a special holiday get-together at Best Buy in Village Pointe. Complimentary photos with Santa available.
Join us for a fun afternoon of holiday singing, dancing, and silliness with the musical group the String Beans! This is a free event for the whole family at the Gretna United Methodist Church, located at 11457 S. 204th Street. Sponsored by Gretna Public Library.
Come see Santa’s reindeer who will be making a special visit to your Pacific Street Hy-Vee. Find other local HyVee Store Events here.
It is always a good idea to verify the information with the business before visiting.
Do you have a Free Family-Friendly Holiday Event to add? Please leave a comment below and I will add it the list!
Many retailers, attractions, and restaurants are honoring those who have served with wonderful freebies! Most companies require some form of military ID. As always, it is a good idea to verify with your favorite location before visiting.
Historic Florence Veterans Day Celebration will be held November 9, 3:45-5:45pm, at the Florence Branch. Celebrate America’s freedom with us! Featuring opening remarks by Mayor Jim Suttle, a flag ceremony by a Florence Boy Scout troop, live music by the USAF Heartland Band, and featured guest speaker James Martin Davis, a Purple Heart war veteran. Reception to follow.
Military Weekend at Joslyn Art Museum – Friday through Sunday, November 9–11, Joslyn will offer free admission for all active and retired military in honor of Veterans Day (simply show your Military ID badge).
Nebraska’s Official Veterans Parade will be held Saturday, November 10th, at 10:00am, in Bellevue. Community breakfast ($5), flyover, parade, and chili/soup lunch ($4). To watch the parade, it is best to gather on Mission Ave. between Washington and Franklin.
Military Appreciation Weekend at the Kroc Center – Free Entry to the Kroc Center for all Military and their immediate family Saturday, November 10 – Veterans Day, Monday, November 12. Please present your official military verification at the Welcome Desk.
Oak View Mall and Westroads Mall – In this season of hope and giving, sign a card for the troops through our Holiday Mail for Heroes Program. A Red Cross table will be located in the Food Court Sunday, Nov. 11th, 12 noon to 3 pm. Just say “Thanks”. We’ll do the rest.
Veteran’s Day at the Zoo – In honor of those who proudly served our nation, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo will be offering free gate admission to all active and retired Veterans and their immediate families on Veteran’s Day, Sunday, November 11, 2012.
Iowa: Veterans and their families can enjoy free admission to the Des Moines Botanical Center on November 11, 2012.
Applebees – Veterans and Active Duty Military enjoy a free signature entree on Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11th.
Chili’s – Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of one of 7 meals. This offer is available from 11am – 5pm on November 11, 2012 at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included.
Denny’s – Free all you can eat pancakes to active, inactive and retired military personnel with valid military ID on Monday, Nov. 12th, from 6am-2pm.
Famous Dave’s – On November 11th, Famous Dave’s would like to thank all former and current military personnel with offers and deals that vary by location. In Nebraska, they would receive a FREE Two Meat Salute – choose two different meats served with corn bread muffin, corn-on-the-cob and your choice of one side.
Golden Corral – Enjoy a free “Thank You” dinner on Monday, November 12th from 4pm – 9pm.
Hy-Vee – Free Breakfast on Monday, November 12, 2012, from 7am – 11am at all Hy-Vee supermarkets with in-store dining. Please call ahead to verify participation, and bring proof of service.
Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut on November 11, 2012. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating.
Little Caesar’s – Free Crazy Bread with proof of military status or proof of service at participating stores nationwide. Call ahead to verify participation.
Lone Star Steakhouse – On Monday, 11/12/2012, all veterans and active duty military will receive a FREE entrée from our Stars & Stripes Menu.
Olive Garden – Free meal (with proof of military service) from a list of several entrees on November 11, 2012.
Outback – Free Bloomin Onion and a Coca-Cola beverage November 11-12, 2012. Plus, receive 10% OFF entire guest check (excluding alcohol, applicable taxes and gratuity) November 13 – December 31, 2012.
Red Lobster: All Veterans and Active Duty Military can enjoy a Free Appetizer on Sunday, November 11th.
7-Eleven – Free small Slurpee on Sunday, November 11, 2012, from 11am – 7pm. Offer good to all current and former military members. ID or proof of service required.
Sizzler – Free lunch served until 4pm on Monday, November 12th, for Active Duty or Retired Military (with Military ID).
Subway – Update: SUBWAY restaurants have replaced the local promotion of past years with a national-level partnership with Wounded Warrior Project, and are donating $111,112 to help veterans in lieu of offering free sandwiches locally.
Texas Roadhouse – Fee lunch from special Veterans Menu on Monday November 12, 2012.
Free Stay at B&B’s and Inns – Inns and B&Bs throughout North America will open their doors to active and retired military and vets and one guest and say thank you for your service by offering a free room on Sunday, November 11, 2012.
Free Entrance to National Parks – Veterans Day Weekend, November 10-12, 2012. Over 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees are offering free entrance that day. Find a participating park near you here.
Walgreens – On Sunday, November 11th, all veterans and active duty military will receive 15 percent off eligible store items and 20 percent off Walgreens and W Brand products with a valid military ID or proof of service. Thanks STL Mommy!
Thanks Surviving A Teacher’s Salary, Sweeties Freebies, The Military Wallet, Two Kids and a Coupon, MomsofOmaha, and The Happy Housewife!
Do you know of a Veteran’s Day Freebie or Deal we missed? Please leave a comment below.
**Be sure to enter the Giveaway for a Family Four-Pack of Tickets to the Omaha Children’s Museum and Itty Bitty City!
The weekend is almost here! Every Thursday, 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! It is always a good idea to verify with the business before visiting.
Have a wonderful weekend!
The weekend is almost here! Every Thursday, 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! It is always a good idea to verify with the business before visiting.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Fall is such a beautiful season and it is a favorite for many of us! It fills our senses with so much to take in and enjoy. I truly loved reading all of your comments for the earlier Vala’s giveaway that I read them twice! You were asked, “In addition to going to Pumpkin Patches, what do you love about Fall?” I thought it would be fun to put it all together and call it:
Changing colors of leaves, beauty of nature, seeing the leaves fall, beautiful fall colors
Leaves crunching under your feet, crackle of campfire
Cool, crisp weather, cozy hooded sweatshirts, snuggly sweaters, fun jackets, favorite jeans
Campfires, kettlecorn cooking, foods baking, roasted pumpkin seeds
Hot chocolate, chili and soup, baking, kettlecorn, candy corn (and peanuts!), hotdogs and marshmallows cooked over bonfires, s’mores, apple picking and eating/making apple pies, apple crisp, caramel apples, and apple cider
Football, especially Husker football!
Decorating and carving pumpkins, roasting pumpkin seeds, pumpkin pie, pumpkin pie flavored Blizzards and Shakes, pumpkin spiced coffees and creamers, pumpkin everything!
Going to Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals and enjoying all they have to offer – hayrack rides, picking pumpkins and apples, duck races, corn pits, being outside, fun activities, yummy food
Halloween is one of those holidays that we can celebrate all month long! We love decorating, haunted houses, and finding the perfect costume
Enjoying Fall and everything it has to offer with your family was by far the most mentioned! We enjoy snuggling up with kids for a family movie night, all the things availiable for families to do together, hunting, fishing, yardwork, celebrating traditions and creating new ones, just hanging out with the family, enjoying holiday feeling, indoor activities, family dinners, craft fairs, and building leaf piles and jumping in them! Fall brings a feeling and sense of family.
What do you love most about Fall? Anything more you would add?
**Check back soon for 2013 Halloween Events!
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate with the kids. In addition to trick-or-treating on October 31st, there are many fun family activities where kids can try out their costumes, participate in parades, listen to storytimes, carve pumpkins, and celebrate Halloween all month long!
***See also Halloween Deals at Krispy Kreme and Outback and Orange Leaf!
Grab the halloween costumes and get the family to the Nebraska Parks (click on link for further details):
It is always a good idea to verify the information with the business before visiting.
Do you have a Family Friendly Halloween Event to add? Please leave a comment below and I will add it the list!
Family Fun in Omaha is your local resource for family-friendly activities and events in Omaha and beyond! We are a local family of 5 that loves finding new adventures and wants to help you enjoy all that Omaha and the surrounding area has to offer. We recommend starting here. Thank you for visiting!