10+ Things to Do Over Thanksgiving Weekend in Omaha

Enjoy many FUN things to do over Thanksgiving Weekend in Omaha including Tree Lightings, Festivals, Gingerbread Houses, and more!

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It is always a good idea to verify the information with the business before visiting.

Things to Do Over Thanksgiving Weekend in Omaha

1. Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop – Nov. 10 – Dec. 24, 2018, FREE

• Games, activities, crafts, and more.
• Location: Bass Pro Shops, 2901 Bass Pro Dr, Council Bluffs, Iowa.

 

2. Gingerbread House Display – Nov. 17 – Dec. 31, 2018 (10 a.m. – 8 p.m.), FREE

• Verify before visiting for early closings/closing for Holidays. The center closes at 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve. The center will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
• Be sure to pick up a scavenger hunt and try to find all of the items!
• 2 Locations: Mormon Trail Center, 3215 State St., Omaha, and Kanesville Tabernacle, 222 E. Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA.

 

3. Miracle on Farnam at Midtown Crossing – Nov. 17, 2018 – Jan. 1, 2019, FREE

• Enjoy a wonderful collection of 20 window displays created by local nonprofits, students and individual artists, and vote for your favorite.
• Location: Midtown Crossing, 35th & Farnam, Omaha.

 

4. Tangier Shrine Feztival of Trees – Nov. 17-24 (hours vary – see the website for details. Closed Thanksgiving Day.) Admission is $2 per person (kids 12 and under are free).

• Get in the holiday spirit by walking through a Christmas tree wonderland. Purchase raffle tickets for $1 each to win one of the almost 70 fully decorated trees and the prizes that go with each tree. (Each tree is valued at a minimum of $500!) The trees will be raffled off on Saturday, Nov. 24 for pickup on Sunday, Nov. 25 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Snowflake Cafe features sandwiches, salads, and desserts, including more than 10,000 homemade sugar cookies.
• Location: 2823 S. 84 Street (just south of 84th and Center).

 

5. Helping Hands: Count Your Blessings at The Wonder Nook – Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018 (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.), FREE

• The day before Thanksgiving- and so much to be thankful for! Let’s share our blessings for 3 organizations: The Nebraska Humane Society: tie fleece blankets; Youth Emergency Services: assemble sandwiches and prepare soup for the homeless and at risk youth of our city; Open Door Mission: decorate lunch sacks for the homeless men, women, and children of our city. Perfect for all ages. This is a free event ~ all supplies provided. Donations will be delivered immediately following the event.
• Please feel free to bring any donations (food, clothing, etc) for these non-profits.
• Location: The Wonder Nook Omaha, 10806 Prairie Hills Dr., Omaha.

 

6. Christmas Tree Lighting Parade & Santa’s Arrival at Shadow Lake Towne Center – Nov. 21, 2018 (6 p.m.), FREE

7. Thanksgiving Lighting Ceremony at Gene Leahy Mall – Nov. 22, 2018 (6 – 7 p.m.)

• Starting at 5:40 p.m., enjoy a special performance. At 6 p.m., Mayor Jean Stothert will lead the all-ages crowd in a countdown to the 2018 lighting display, with live fanfare by the Jingle Bell Brass Band. Holiday Lights can then be enjoyed every evening from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. through January 1, 2019.
• Followed by free, family-friendly Making Spirits Bright Holiday Concert at 7 p.m. at Holland Performing Arts Center, 12th & Douglas.
• Location: Gene Leahy Mall, 14th & Farnam, Omaha.

 

8. Visit Santa’s Woods – (Opening Weekend) November 23 – 25 (Fri – Sun): 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with all of the activities

• Choose & Cut Christmas Trees, Wreaths & Roping, Gift Shop. On the weekends, 9 – 4:30, fun activities (kids crafts, Winter Wonderland, hayrack rides, Santa & live reindeer.) Military & First Responders discount offered only Dec 1-2.

 

9. Escape Black Friday at the UP Museum – Friday, Nov. 23, 2018 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.), FREE

• The Union Pacific Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., November 24; the day after Thanksgiving, or Black Friday. Take this great opportunity to escape the holiday shopping crowds and enjoy the museum.
• Location: Union Pacific Museum, 200 Pearl St, Council Bluffs, Iowa.

 

10. Meet & Greet Saturdays at Regency – Friday, Nov. 23 (12 – 2 p.m.)

• Meet and Greet the Gingerbread boy and girl in Center Court from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who meet and greet will be from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
• Location: Regency, 120 Regency Pkwy, Omaha.

 

 

14. Kids Workshop: Create a Gingerbread Man Ornament at Home Depot  – Nov. 24, 2018 (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

• Assemble a gingerbread picture frame that doubles as a Christmas ornament. Once the picture frame is built, your child can decorate it with paint and holiday stickers.

 

15. Carriage Rides at Village Pointe – Nov. 24, 2018 (1 – 5 p.m.), FREE

• Holiday shoppers can enjoy complimentary horse and carriage rides throughout the center. Weather permitting.
• Location: Village Pointe Shopping Center, 17305 Davenport St, Omaha.

 

16. Winter Wonderland in Downtown Papillion – Nov. 24, 2018 (5 – 9 p.m.)

• Enjoy a variety of activities including carriage rides, bonfire, visits with Santa, popcorn, hot chocolate, photos with live reindeer and more.

 

17. Holiday Magic in Downtown Ralston – Nov. 25, 2018 (4 – 6 p.m.), FREE

• Santa makes his entrance on a fire truck and will make his way through the downtown area from 3:15 to 4 p.m. He will then visit with children until 6 p.m. in the Downtown Gazebo. Free carriage rides are also available.

 

18. Santa’s Sleigh Ride in La Vista – Nov. 25 (beginning at 3 p.m.)

• Santa will begin his route around La Vista at 3 p.m., leaving from the Santa’s Workshop parking lot. He will be west of 84th Street from 3-5 p.m. and east of 84th Street from 5-7 p.m. Click here to view the route.

 

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