Children, 11 years old and younger, receive FREE Zoo Admission with a paid adult December 26-31, 2020!

For the final day of the 12 Days of Giving, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is giving the community the gift of FREE admission to children under the age of 12 with a paid adult beginning Saturday, December 26, through Thursday, December 31, 2020. Up to six children can be admitted free to the Zoo with each paid adult.

This is the fourth year Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has offered this holiday gift to the community.

Click here for details.

Omaha’s Zoo and Aquarium is currently open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Lied Jungle closes at 3 p.m. and the other exhibit buildings close at 5 p.m. The Zoo is closed on Christmas Day.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo continues to operate by their “Healthy You, Healthy Zoo” guidelines. Please check the Zoo’s website at OmahaZoo.com for the latest details and the most current schedule.

Find more fun over Winter Break here!

 

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

 

The Zoo has seven acres of indoor exhibits, all of which are perfect to enjoy during the winter months including the Lied Jungle, the Desert Dome, the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium, and more.

Find More Fun:

• 10 Things to Do Over Winter Break
• 10+ Free Things to Do Over Winter Break

As you are driving around looking at Christmas Lights, add some more fun with a Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt! You can add your own ideas to the list, too!

Find our giant list of Amazing Christmas Lights in Omaha + Interactive Map here!

 

Click on the image below for a printable to take with you on your next adventure!

 

 

This year, several local organizations and businesses have come up with creative and safe Drive-Thru Holiday events to enjoy from your car! Additionally, we have added Outdoor Holiday Events that are happening this Season. 

Check back as more Holiday events in Omaha will be added throughout the season as details become available.

PLEASE NOTE: Many events require pre-registration, have limited capacity, or offer timed slots. As things continue to change during this time, it is highly recommended to verify details, closures, cancelations, hours of operation, and any requirements or procedures for guests before visiting. Thank You!

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

 

 

Old Market, North Omaha, & South Omaha Lighting Displays – Nov. 20 – Jan. 4 (nightly), FREE

• Old Market Display – White lights, garland, and festive decor will illuminate the brick streets of the Old Market and surrounding areas. The display will run from 10th St. to 13th St., and from Harney St. to Jackson St.
• North Omaha Display – The North Omaha lighting display will be showcased along a 6-block area around 24th St. and Lake St.
• South Omaha Display – The South Omaha lighting display will be showcased on 24th St. between L St. and Q St.

 

Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing – Nov. 20 – Feb. 14, FREE

• Stroll in the glow of a cherished holiday tradition – tens of thousands of white LED lights strung throughout Turner Park and along Farnam St. Plus, visit the beautifully-decorated tree in Farnam Court.
• Location: Turner Park (31st Ave. and Farnam St.), Omaha, NE.

 

Santa’s Rock ‘n Lights at Werner Park – Nov. 20 – Jan. 3 (find times here), $19.99-$27.99/vehicle [REGISTER]

• More than 700 feet of light tunnels, including a new techno rainbow tunnel. 
• Location: Werner Park, 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, NE.

 

Downtown Papillion’s Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru – Nov. 28 (5:30 – 8 p.m.), FREE

• Enjoy a drive-thru experience with all the holiday cheer you can handle!
• Location: Downtown Papillion, NE.

 

Drive-Thru Christmas in the Village – Saturday, Dec. 5 (12 – 3 p.m.) – FREE

• Community Celebration and Holiday Tradition at 24th & Lake. 
• Drive-Through starts at 24th & Burdette.

 

KETV Drive-Thru Family Festival – Dec. 6 (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

• Though different from previous years, hands-on activities will still be part of the event. Craft kits will be handed out to vehicles to complete at home as a family and there will be festive holiday entertainment, Santa, and, police riding their horses! The first 500 vehicles will receive one complimentary Paddington Bear book, courtesy of the Omaha Public Library.
• Location: Omaha Police Mounted Patrol Barn, 615 Leavenworth St., Omaha, NE.

 

Elkhorn Tree Lighting Drive-Thru – Sunday, Dec. 6 (5:15 – 6 p.m.), FREE

• Load the kids in the car and drive thru Olde Towne Elkhorn on Sunday, Dec. 6 between 5:15-6:00pm. Your family will be able to say Merry Christmas to Santa, his Elves, and other holiday characters, get Christmas goodie bags for the kids, and see the Elkhorn Christmas Tree all lit up and decorated.

 

Illuminate Inclusion – Dec. 11-12 (5 – 9 p.m.), FREE (Donations welcome)

• Grab your hot chocolate, load the family into the car, and drive-thru the Illuminate Inclusion holiday light display at Zorinsky Lake!
• Donations will be accepted to help make the accessible and inclusive playground at Zorinsky a reality.
• Location: Zorinsky Lake Park, Water Park Entrance, 3808 S. 154th St., Omaha, NE.

 

More Outdoor Holiday Events Near Omaha

Christmas in LaVista – Nov. 29 – Dec. 15

• Nov. 29 (3 – 7 p.m.): Santa’s Sleigh Ride
• Throughout Dec.: Walkin’ in LaVista Wonderland
• Dec. 8 & 15 (4:30 – 6:30 p.m.): See Santa and his reindeer
• Note: These events may need to adjust accordingly, so check back for the latest information.

 

Santa in the Village at Rockbrook Village – Nov. 28 (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.), FREE

• Visit Santa, meet his live reindeer, and enjoy a carriage ride around the village. Shop at your favorite stores while kids enjoy sweets and treats with a Holiday Scavenger Hunt.
• Location: 2800 S. 110th Ct., Omaha, NE.

 

Santa’s Reindeer in Bel Air Plaza – Dec. 5 & 12 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.), FREE

• Children will be able to see the reindeer up close in the heated tent – and parents are encouraged to take photos to capture the holiday memory. Santa and his elves will be on hand providing hot cocoa and scrumptious cookies.
• Location: Bel Air Plaza Parking Lot, 12100 W. Center Rd., Omaha, NE.

 

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular – Dec. 31 (7 p.m.), FREE

• Enjoy the spectacular firework show in the warmth and safety of your vehicle or home!
• Arrive early and park for FREE to view the up-close show in the recommended viewing areas listed here.
• The fireworks will be launched from Parking Lot D of the CHI Health Center.

This year, several local organizations and businesses have come up with creative and safe Drive-Thru Halloween events to enjoy from your car!

Check back as more Halloween events in Omaha will be added throughout the season as details become available.

PLEASE NOTE: Many events require pre-registration, have limited capacity, or offer timed slots. As things continue to change during this time, it is highly recommended to verify details, closures, cancelations, hours of operation, and any requirements or procedures for guests before visiting. Thank You!

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

 

 

Lowe’s Curbside Drive-Up Trick or Treat – See dates by location, [REGISTER] FULL

• Come celebrate Halloween with Lowe’s Drive-through Curbside Trick-or-Treating event! Register your child today so they don’t miss out on free sweet treats and a kid-sized pumpkin. Registration opens October 10. Space is limited.

 

Boo Drive-Thru at Oak View Mall – Oct. 23 (6 – 8:30 p.m.), FREE [REGISTER]

• Decorate your car, wear your costume, and drive-thru for an eerie-sistible time. Receive a treat bag with a take-home craft, offers and discounts to various Oak View Mall restaurants and stores.
• Reserve your treat bag here. Once supplies are gone families are still welcome to drive thru the event to see the decorations. 
• Location: Oakview Mall, 3001 S. 144th St., Omaha, NE.

 

The Great Halloween Drive-Thru at The Durham Museum – Oct. 27 (5 – 8 p.m.), FREE

• Come in costume and even feel free to decorate your car as you adventure through the parking lot visiting themed stations and collecting treats and trinkets along the way. Plus, watch a Halloween laser light show from the comfort and safety of your car.
• Vehicles must enter the Drive-Thru event from the museum’s lower parking deck at 9th & Leavenworth Streets (and exit on the upper level).
• Location: 801 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE.

 

Walmart Spooktacular Drive Thru – Oct. 29 – 31 (See Flyer for Specific Dates, Times, & Locations), FREE

• Walmart shoppers can safely trick-or-treat from their car! Join in a FREE drive-thru event at select Walmart stores. Find specific dates, times, and locations here. 

 

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES:

          

Fall is beautiful in and around Omaha! We asked our readers to share their favorite areas and best scenic drives near Omaha to see Fall colors!

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

 

Best Places to See Fall Colors Near Omaha

 

 

Lauritzen Gardens

Location: 100 Bancroft St.
Admission Cost. Memberships available.

Stroll around the beautiful Botanical Gardens with paved walking paths. See a model train railroad, indoor Conservatory, Visitor Center, and many themed garden areas.

Members of Omaha Public Library or Council Bluffs Library can check out a pass to visit Lauritzen Gardens. Find out more here!

 

Mahoney State Park

Location: 28500 West Park Hwy, Ashland, NE
Cost: Park Entry Permit is required

During the Fall, families can enjoy scenic drives, explore the park’s hiking and biking trails, visit the indoor playground, and climb the observation tower.

 

OPPD Arboretum

Location: 108th & Blondo
Cost: Free

The OPPD arboretum is an outdoor education area where you can walk along paved pathways.

 

Platte River State Park

Location: 14421 346th St., Louisville, NE
Cost: Park Entry Permit is required.

Enjoy the park’s picturesque waterfall, scenic hiking and biking trails, and two observation towers that allow those who climb to the top a spectacular view of both the Platte River and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, which is just across the river.

 

Schramm Park

Location: 15810 Hwy 50, Louisville, NE
Cost: Park Entry Permit is required.

Families can explore a geologic display, feed fish in cool water trout ponds, tour the Schramm Education Center (admission), and enjoy a picnic on the bluffs.

 

Find More Beautiful Places here;

 

 

Best Scenic Drives to See Fall Colors Near Omaha

Highway 66 [Exit 426 between Omaha and Lincoln]

• Get off exit 426 between Omaha and Lincoln and enjoy the nearby attractions and scenic drive.
• Mahoney State Park – During the Fall, families can enjoy scenic drives, explore the park’s hiking and biking trails, visit the indoor playground, and climb the observation tower. Daily / Annual Park Entry Pass Required.
• Wildlife Safari Park – Drive-through and see elk, bison, deer, and more. In the middle of the park, you can get out of your car and walk to see the bears, wolves, petting corral, and eagle aviary. Hiking trails also available.
• Platte River State Park – Enjoy the park’s picturesque waterfall, scenic hiking and biking trails, and two observation towers that allow those who climb to the top a spectacular view of both the Platte River and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, which is just across the river.
• Reader Tip: Drive through Preparation Canyon and the Loess Hills. Then make a stop at Small’s Fruit Farm for fresh apples and cider.

 

Hwy 75 [South toward Nebraska City and Indian Cave]

• Nebraska City is a favorite place to visit during the Fall and is popular for their apple picking, and experiencing the Tree Adventure at Arbor Day Farm.
• Cross over into Iowa to visit Waubonsie State Park.
• Indian Cave State Park is a popular camping spot, with beautiful overlooks and hiking trails.

 

Loess Hills National Scenic Byway

• The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway passes through a unique land formation that is up to 15 miles wide and about 200 miles long from north of Sioux City, Iowa to near St. Joseph, Missouri.
• For inspiration and ideas, visit 5 Stops for a Fall Foliage Tour of the Loess Hills and 9 Best Fall Color Views in the Loess Hills.

 

Find more Fall Fun in Omaha: