Where to Visit Santa in the Omaha Area

Santa and his elves will be all over Omaha and Council Bluffs to visit with boys and girls and share a little Holiday cheer!

Find 100+ Holiday Events in Omaha for many family-friendly fun this Holiday Season!

It is always a good idea to verify the information with the business before visiting as details and times may change.

Please note: At some locations, only professional photography will be permitted. 

Blue Gems ABA Annual Holiday Event!

Omaha Children's Museum

FREE ENTRY to The Blue Gems ABA Annual Holiday Event at The Omaha Children's Museum!

- Pizza
- Drinks
- Train Rides
- Carousel
- Bubble Show
- Mr. & Mrs. Claus!

Join us Dec 16th from 4-7pm.

More Information

Bright Nights at Lauritzen Gardens

100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE

We hope that you’ve been good this year, because Santa is on his way to Lauritzen Gardens! Bring the kids to visit with the jolly ol’ man in his 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 (bring your own camera to take pictures).

Share wishes and spread cheer with Santa on December 1, 6-8, and 11-23

See Santa from 4:30 to 9 p.m. with a ticket to Bright Nights

Tickets: lauritzengardens.org/bright

More Information

Ongoing Santa Events

*See Special Santa Events in the next section.
 Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s and Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops – Thru Dec 24th – FREE [Advanced Registration Required]

• Experience Santa’s Magical Arrival, Tree Lighting, and  Seasonal Treats at your local Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s!
• Advance reservations are required in all locations for Free Santa photo and can go quickly. Reserving is easy and free.
• Location:
  • Cabela’s – 12703 Westport Pkwy, La Vista, NE
  • Bass Pro Shops – 2901 Bass Pro Dr, Council Bluffs, IA

Photos with Santa at Westroads Mall – Nov. 21 – Dec. 24 – REGISTER

• Take photos with Santa and create magical moments for you and your family.
• Location: Lower Level Von Maur Court – 10000 California Street, Suite 1221, Omaha, NE 68114

Santa’s North Pole at Zoolightful – Dec 1-23, 26-30 – Tickets Required

• Drop off your holiday wish list at the North Pole before a complimentary visit and photo with Santa Claus himself through December 23.  Santa Claus is available to visit until 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and until 9:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
• Location: 3701 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE.

Pet Photos with Santa at Westroads Mall – Nov. 25 – Dec. 10 – 4:00-7:00pm – REGISTER

• Get your furry friends together to strike a pose with St. Nick, capturing paw-fect holiday moments to share with family and friends!
• Location: Lower Level Von Maur Court – 10000 California Street, Suite 1221, Omaha, NE 68114

Santa Visits at Union Station – Nov 29th – Dec 22nd – Museum Admission

• Visit our jolly pal from the North Pole at his cozy cabin retreat! Children can choose to sit on Santa’s lap or give him a call on our old-fashioned telephone! If using the phone, Santa’s elves will be at the switchboard to make sure you get connected to the big guy himself.
• Fridays: 10AM-Noon & 1-3PM – December 13 & 20
• Saturdays: 10AM-Noon & 1-3PM – December 14 & 21
• Sundays: Noon-3PM – December 15 & 22
• Family Nights with Santa: 5-8PM – Dec 10th, 17th
• Bonus weekdays before Christmas: 10AM-Noon & 1-3PM – Dec 17th, 18th, 19th, 23rd
• Location: The Durham Museum – 801 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE

Meet Santa at Mulhalls – Nov 29th – Dec 22nd – $10/Members, $20/Non-Members

• While he’s here, Santa will check on his reindeer, Dasher and Dancer, then sit with all his young friends, carefully noting each and every request. Santa is so excited to see you, and you can say hello and wave to him while you drop off your letter in his mail slot. He reads and cherishes each one
• Friday 4–6p | one break
• Saturday + Sunday 12–3p | two breaks
• Location: Mulhalls – 3615 N. 120th St., Omaha, NE

Visit Santa at Regency – Nov 29th – Dec 24th

• Enjoy visits and photos with Santa located in center court outside of Borsheims sponsored by Children’s Nebraska! Photo packages are available through Mary Kay Photography. Cameras are allowed with a minimum purchase.
• Hours and Break Times:
  • Monday – Friday:  2 pm–8 pm
  • Saturday:  12 pm–8 pm
  • Sunday:  12 pm–5 pm
  • Saturday, December 23rd 12 pm–4pm
• Location: 120 Regency Pkwy, Omaha, NE 68114

Visit Santa at Shadow Lake Towne Center – Nov 29th – 24th

• Santa’s Workshop will be open at Shadow Lake Towne Center during the dates & times listed! Bring the family to meet and take photos with Santa!
  • Friday, Dec. 13th – Sunday, Dec. 15th: 12pm-6pm
  • Friday, Dec. 20th – Sunday, Dec. 22nd: 12pm-6pm
  • Monday, Dec. 23rd – Tuesday, Dec. 24th: 10am-3pm
• Location: Shadow Lake Towne Center – Main Street Near Bath & Body Works

Visit with Santa via Countryside Village – REGISTER

• Schedule an in-person Santa visit or a virtual Santa visit.
• Location: Countryside Village – 8724 Countryside Plz., Omaha, NE.

Special Santa Events

Dec 10th, 13th, 14th – Visit Santa at his Workshop in La Vista Central Park Winter Wonderland – Times Vary – FREE

• Dec 10th,13th (4:00-7:00pm), Dec 14th (9:00am-12:00pm) (Pet Friendly Date)
• Location: Central Park/Santa’s Workshop – 8305 Park View Blvd, La Vista, NE

Dec 10th – Dec 17th (Tuesdays) – Christmas Tales with Santa & Mrs. Claus – 5:00pm – Tickets Required

• Storytime with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Cabela’s & Bass Pro Shops every Tuesday Nov 5 – Dec 17.  Book Tickets in advance
• Location:
  • Cabela’s – 12703 Westport Pkwy, La Vista, NE
  • Bass Pro Shops – 2901 Bass Pro Dr, Council Bluffs, IA

Dec 13th-15th – Santa’s Tinker Workshop – Museum Admission

• Santa’s elves need your help! It’s close to Christmas, and there are so many toys still to make. Come join Santa’s gang and explore all the tinkering that comes with making toys. Don’t forget to take a cookie decorating break, and read a story with Mrs. Claus. Santa will be here too for your own holiday requests.
• Location: Omaha Children’s Museum – 500 South 20th St, Omaha, NE 68102

Dec 13th – Pictures with Santa at Kellogg Credit Union – 3:00-5:00pm – FREE

• Bring your kids to get their photos taken with Santa and have a special Christmas treat!
• Location: Kellogg Credit Union – 9618 Brentwood Dr, La Vista, NE 68128

Dec 13th – LNK Santa Bash – 4:00-7:00pm – FREE [Register]

• Santa’s making a stop at the Lincoln Airport. Join us for our Annual Santa Bash.  Our family-friendly event is full of holiday cheer & fun activities for all ages!  Free Photos, Hot Chocolate Station, Ornament making and magic reindeer food crafts, face painters, balloon artists, and dance performances.  Santa Bash will be inside the LNK terminal on the first floor. Free parking will be available for all guests. All attendees must have a ticket to attend, so please RSVP for all people in your group as space is limited.
• Location: 3801 N W 34th St, Lincoln, NE 68524 

Dec 13th – Swim with Santa at Goldfish Swim School Sarpy County – 5:00-7:00pm – FREE

• Join at Goldfish Swim School – West Omaha for a festive event where you can come see Santa then come swim in their Heated pool! It’s a jolly good time for the whole family.
• Location: Goldfish Swim School – Sarpy County – 10601 South 72nd Street Papillion, NE 68046

Dec 13th – Christmas Bingo and Photos with The Grinch & Santa – 5:00-10:00pm – FREE

• The Grinch is stealing Christmas, but you can steal that bingo prize! Bring the family to take photos with the Grinch, play some games, and have some winter fun at Infusion.  They have presents under the tree for bingo winners and all kids!  Bingo is free to play with drink purchase.  Have your photo taken with the Grinch and/or Santa for unique Christmas memories.  Gift bags and coloring pages for all children attending.  Free Hot Chocolate for the kids.
• Location: Infusion Brewing Company – 6271 S 118th St., Omaha, NE 68137

Dec 13th – Lights of Aksarben Final Night – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE

• Don’t miss out on the fun this holiday season in Aksarben Village! Lights of Aksarben has transformed Stinson Park into a Whoville celebration. Come enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday with Omaha’s most giant illuminated tree, cookies and cocoa, a visit from Santa, face painting, live music by Cindy Lou and the Who Who Done Its, and an appearance from Mr. Grinch! December 13 is the final night of our holiday festivities this year.
• Location: Stinson Park – 2232 S 67th St

Dec 14th – Breakfast with Santa – 9:00-11:00am – $10/pp [REGISTER by Dec 8th]

• Breakfast with Santa in Papillion Landing Chrysalis Suites
• Location: Papillion Landing – 1046 W Lincoln St, Papillion, NE 68046

Dec 14th – Pancakes with Santa – 9:00-11:30am – $6/pp

• Please join us for pancakes and a visit from Santa!  All you can eat pancakes and photo opportunities with Santa!
• Location: Twin Rivers YMCA – 6100 Twin Rivers Cir, Valley, NE
• See more Breakfasts and Dinners with Santa here!

Dec 14th – Breakfast With Santa – 9:30am-12:30pm – $5 Suggested Donation

• Pancakes, sausage and fruit will be served from 9:30am-12:30pm, Santa will be available for photos from 10am-noon. Please bring your phone or camera. We will have someone available if you wish to have a family photo. A suggestion donation of $5.
• Location: City Auditorium – 925 N Broad St, Fremont, NE
• See more Breakfasts and Dinners with Santa here!

Dec 14th – Cookies with the Clauses at the Omaha Zoo – 9:30-11:30am & 1:30 – 3:30pm – $20/pp [REGISTER]

• Enjoy storytime with Santa, decorate cookies and lean how you can give a gift to the animals in your own backyard. Children 1 and under are free but must be included in your group count. Event attendees should meet at the Robert B. Daugherty Education Center.
• Location: Omaha Zoo – 3701 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE

Dec 14th – Meet Santa & His Reindeer at Bel Air Plaza – 10:00am-2:00pm – FREE

• This event is FREE for all ages and you will stay warm and cozy in our heated tent.  Bring your camera to capture the holiday memories. Mingle with Santa’s adorable reindeer, up close and personal! Share your wishlist with Santa while you enjoy delicious cookies, hot cocoa, and more.  It will be fun for the whole family, and the perfect time to check items off your holiday shopping list with so many great retailers located in Bel Air Plaza!

• 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.
• Location: NFM – 700 S 72nd St, Omaha, NE 68114

Dec 14th & 15th – Christmas at the Farm – 12:00-6:00pm – $12/pp

• ‘Tis the season to be jolly, Bellevue Berry Farm would love to invite you all to enjoy our Country Christmas event.  Let’s celebrate the Season in our cozy country atmosphere with Hot Cocoa, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, write your Christmas list and then take a picture with Santa. Enjoy wonderland Kids Play Areas.  Admission Price $12 per person, includes Free Hot chocolate, cookie and Christmas ornament.
• Location: Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch – 11001 S 48th St, Papillion, NE

Dec 14th – Meet Santa at Freddy’s Millard – 12:00-6:00pm

• Santa is coming to Freddy’s! Come and meet him on December 14 from 12-6 PM and receive a sweet treat.
• Location:  Freddy’s Millard – 5210 S 136th St, Omaha, NE

Dec 14th – Gingerbread House Display & Competition – 12:00am-6:00pm – $2/pp (16 and under free)

• Let’s get in the Christmas spirit. We are bringing our Gingerbread house competition and display event back.  Come vote for your favorite Gingerbread house and join the Christmas fun.
  We will have snow globe inflatable, drinks and snacks at the bar, Crafts, vendors and Santa.
• Location: Maravillas Olga – 1714 Vinton St., Omaha, NE 68108

Dec 14th – Santa at the Fremont Y – 1:00-3:00pm

• Bring the whole family to see Santa and enjoy an afternoon full of festive fun and holiday cheer. (Please use the wellness entrance to get to the north gym).
• Location: Fremont Family YMCA – 810 N Lincoln Ave, Fremont, NE 68025

Dec 14th – Classic Christmas at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park – 1:30-4:30pm – Park Entry

• Join at the beautiful Crete Carrier Riverview Lodge at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park on Saturday, Dec. 14 to celebrate the holidays!  Enjoy our Classic Christmas tradition with variety of winter activities like making holiday crafts & decorating cookies. Santa plans to stop by too, so bring your wish list. Free portraits with Santa will be taken by a Nebraskaland Magazine photographer.  Guests can also enjoy a free trolley ride through the park (weather permitting).
• Location: Mahoney State Park – 28500 W Pwy Hwy, Ashland, NE 68003

Dec 15th – Kids’ Christmas Party with Santa at Canoyer Garden Center – 10:00am-2:00pm – $10 [REGISTER]

• Santa Claus is coming to Canoyer’s! Join for our festive Kids’ Christmas Party, where the entire family can enjoy a delightful experience filled with children’s crafts, tasty treats, and a chance to meet the jolly man himself!  Kids will have the opportunity to create their own crafts, and they’ll also have scrumptious cookies for them to decorate! Participate in all these exciting craft activities for just $10!
• Location: Canoyer Garden Center – 11240 S 66th St Papillion, NE

Dec 15th & 22nd – Santa at Lied Lodge – 11:00am-1:00pm – FREE

• Santa will be available 11 a.m.– 1 p.m. on Sunday December 15 and 22. There is no fee associated with a Santa visit, printed and/or emailed portraits available for a fee, complimentary goodie bags available for each child.
• Location: Lied Lodge – 2700 Sylvan Rd, Nebraska City, NE 68410

Dec 15th – Santa at Hay Jay Cafe – 2:00-4:00pm – FREE

• Visit to get your picture with Santa and enjoy some pop up vendors
• Location: Hay Jay Cafe – 8001 N 157th St #101, Bennington, NE 68007

Dec 15th – Santa Visits The Taproom – 3:00-5:00pm – FREE

• Santa Claus is coming to town, more specifically, Nebraska Brewing! Come on in and enjoy a bunch of Christmas activities before you tell Santa what you want for Christmas – Red Ryder BB guns will not be in attendance.
• Location: Nebraska Brewing Company – 6950 S 108th St, La Vista, NE 68128

Dec 16th – Visit Santa at Ollie & Hobbes Craft Kitchen – 5:30-7:30pm – FREE

• Capture magical moments with Santa and enjoy a night out with the family.
• Location: Ollie & Hobbes Craft Kitchen – 310 E. Gold Coast Rd #101, Papillion, NE 68046

Dec 17th – Gingerbread Cookie Decorating with Santa – 10:00am-Noon – FREE

• Join us in Santa’s Workshop to decorate gingerbread cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus! With a variety of holiday characters, cookies to decorate, and Mr. & Mrs. Claus this is an event you won’t want to miss.  While this is a free event to attend, we ask for the donation of one non-perishable food item per person participating in cookie decoration. The items will be donated locally.
• Location: Shadow Lake Towne Center – 10422 S 72nd St, Papillion, NE 68046

Dec 17th – Cookies and Carols; An Evening with Santa – 5:30-7:00pm – FREE

• In the Papillion Landing Chrysalis Suites
• Location: Papillion Landing – 1046 W Lincoln St, Papillion, NE 68046

Dec 18th – Tot-Time and Child Watch – 9:30am & 10:15am – [REGISTER]

• Tot-Time at 9:30 in Papillion Landing Field House, Child Watch at 10:15 at Papillion Landing
• Location: Papillion Landing – 1046 W Lincoln St, Papillion, NE 68046

Dec 20th – Polar Express & Santa – 5:00-7:00pm – [REGISTER]

• The Polar express and a visit from Santa
• Location: Papillion Landing – 1046 W Lincoln St, Papillion, NE 68046

Dec 21st – Winterpalooza | Nebraska City Winter Farmers Market – 9:00am-12:00pm – FREE

• Winter Market & Craft Fair, Picture with Santa/Giveaways/Craft Kits/Toy Drawings
• Location: Veterans Memorial Building – 810 1st Corso, Nebraska City, NE

Dec 21st – Library Music & Movement and Santa Visit – 11:00am – FREE

• Library music and movement and a Santa visit in the Papillion Landing Community Gym
• Location: Papillion Landing – 1046 W Lincoln St, Papillion, NE 68046

Dec 21st – Polar Express Pajama Party at Playful Pines – 11:00am – Tickets Required

• All aboard for a magical morning at Playful Pines! Get ready for a cozy and festive adventure as we celebrate the season with a Polar Express Pajama Party!  2-Hour Play Session, Hot Chocolate Bar, Souvenir Bell, Santa Photos.
• Location: Playful Pines – 7051 S 181st St, Omaha, NE

Dec 21st – Cookies with the Clauses at the Omaha Zoo – 9:30-11:30am & 1:30 – 3:30pm – $20/pp [REGISTER]

• Enjoy storytime with Santa, decorate cookies and lean how you can give a gift to the animals in your own backyard. Children 1 and under are free but must be included in your group count. Event attendees should meet at the Robert B. Daugherty Education Center.
• Location: Omaha Zoo – 3701 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE

Dec 21st-23rd – Meet Santa and The Grinch at Freddy’s Papillion – 10:30am-1:00pm

• Santa is coming to Freddy’s! Come and meet him, and his special guest, the Grinch, on December 21, 22, & 23 from 10:30 AM to 1 PM and receive a sweet treat.
• Location: Freddy’s Papillion – 11674 S 73rd St, Papillion, NE

Find More Helpful Resources:

• 100+ Holiday Events in Omaha
• Kids Eat FREE in Omaha

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

Past Events

Nov 9th – Big Play Saturday: Alpaca Christmas! – 11:00am-1:00pm – FREE

• What’s the best way to get into the holiday spirit? Alpacas, of course! Their good friends from Pixie’s Pony Tales will be bringing real alpacas to our store for kids to meet. Plus, there will be hot cocoa and cookies at the UMB bank next door along with a photo opportunity with Santa Claus until 2 PM. It’s sure to make your Saturday morning merry and bright!
• Location: Fat Brain Toys – 16909 Burke St Suite 131, Omaha, NE

Nov 14th – Tree of Lights Family Festival 2024 – 5:00pm (Tree Lighting at 6:00pm) – FREE

• Join in the American National Bank parking lot at the corner of 90th & Dodge for the 2024 Tree of Lights Family Festival. It all starts at 5 p.m. on Nov. 14 with free food, family-fun activities, and pictures with Santa. Then, the fun continues with live musical performances and the lighting of our 75-foot-tall Christmas tree just after sunset.
• Location: American National Bank – 8990 W Dodge Rd, Omaha, NE 68114

Nov 16th – Pet Photos with Santa: A BNBR Fundraiser – Noon-4:00pm – $20 Donation

• Located inside of Santas Workshop at Shadow Lake Mall in Papillion (Next to Hickory Farms). Bring your family and your pets to get a professional photo taken with Santa on Saturday, Nov 16th from 12-4pm. Jen Christensen with Sit. Click. Stay will be doing the photography.  $20 donation, Cash or Venmo only.
• Location: Shadow Lake Towne Center – 10422 S 72nd St, Papillion, NE 68046

Nov 22nd – Winterfest at Bayliss Park – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE

• The fun begins at 6:00 p.m. with the tree lighting ceremony. Santa Claus and Mayor Matt Walsh will lead the crowd in a lively rendition of “Jingle Bells,” followed by a countdown to light up the park with over 60,000 twinkling lights!
• Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in their tent for photos, and children can send their Christmas wishes without waiting in line by dropping letters into the North Pole Mailbox at the Letters to Santa station.  Bike rides with The Grinch
• New this year, we’ve added more attractions to reduce wait times. In addition to face painting, balloon art, and holiday-themed photo cutouts, families can enjoy an outdoor screening of the movie Frozen. Plus, three beloved characters from the film will be on-site for meet-and-greets and photo opportunities!
• Location: Bayliss Park – 100 Pearl St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Nov 23rd – Scribner’s Tannenbaum Festival – 10:00am-3:00pm – Free Will Donation

• Join for a fun filled day! They will have our wonderful display of uniquely designed and decorated trees, handmade crafts from local vendors, raffle prizes, a silent auction, and a visit from Santa!
• Location: Mohr Auditorium – 654 Cord 13 Blvd, Scribner, NE 68057

Nov 26th & 27th – Santa at Vala’s Thanksgiving Market – 4:00-7:00pm(26th), 11:00am-3:00pm(27th) – FREE

• NEW this year, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the market, come say hello and take photos!
• Location: Vala’s Exit Barn

Nov 27th – Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade Event – 6:00pm – FREE

• 17th Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade! Parade starts at 6pm with fireworks immediately following provided by Bellino Fireworks and the Salvation Army Kroc Center.  Santa and all of his friends will be here, as well as surprise parade guests!
• Location: Shadow Lake Towne Center – 7775 Olson Dr, Papillion, NE 68046

Nov 29th – Lights of Aksarben Tree Lighting Ceremony – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE

• Experience the holiday magic as they transform Aksarben Village into a Whoville-inspired winter wonderland! Lights of Aksarben kicks off Friday, November 29, with the illumination of the Stinson Park tower as Omaha’s largest lit tree. Bundle up and join for a visit from Santa, cookies and hot cocoa, face painting, live music by Cindy Lou and the Who Who Done Its, and an appearance from Mr. Grinch, too! Come encounter the music and merriment in Aksarben Village… where there is always something fun going on!
• Location: Stinson Park – 2232 S. 64th St., Omaha, NE

Nov 30th – Sweets with Santa – 10:00am-12:00pm – FREE

• Professional photos, sweet treats, activities, and vendors to shop for the Holidays. Come enjoy some Holiday Cheer
• Location: Foster Love Inc – 7595 Main St, Omaha, NE 68127

Nov 30th – Visit Santa at Rockbrook Village – 12:00-3:00pm – FREE 

• Celebrate a family tradition Saturday, Nov. 30th from 12-3pm. Bring the little ones to visit Santa and share their holiday wishes, then the whole family can enjoy a complimentary horse and carriage ride around the village. Kids – stop by Doodle Art Studio and Great Harvest Bread Co. for a free cookie and hot cocoa. And don’t miss out on the amazing Christmas lights around the village come dusk. It is our way of saying thank you for supporting local on Small Business Saturday! Come join the fun!
• Location: Rockbrook Village – 2800 S. 110th Ct., Omaha, NE.

Nov 30th – Winter Wonderland 2024: Downtown Papillion – 4:00-8:00pm

Dec 1st – Santa Comes to Bennington – 1:00-3:00pm – FREE

• The jolly ole elf will be making his annual visit to Bennington Elementary the Sunday after Thanksgiving. There will be cocoa, Christmas carols, photo opps, and a whole lot of fun
• Location: Bennington Elementary – 11620 N 156th Street, Bennington, NE 68007

Dec 1st – Elkhorn Tree Lighting Party – 4:00-5:30pm – FREE