Hard to believe it’s the last month of the year already! Hopefully you’ll have some time this month to enjoy all the wonderful events in Omaha this December. There’s something for everyone to enjoy this magical season – from the Holiday Lights Festival to Christmas at Union Station. Get out and have a wonderful holiday season!
Events in Omaha this December
32nd Annual Gingerbread Festival
When: Now through December 31st, 2017
Where: Mormon Trail Center
3215 State Street
Omaha, NE
Gingerbread houses fill the Mormon Trail Center. View 150+ gingerbread and candy displays along with beautifully decorated trees. A roster of live music appearances accompanies the festive atmosphere, and children may enjoy scavenger hunts and Christmas movies.
Holiday Lights Festival
When: Now through January 1st, 2018
Where: 14th and Farnam Streets
Omaha, NE
The Holiday Lights Festival is produced by Mayor Jean Stothert and the Downtown Omaha Inc. Foundation and presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, KMTV 3 News Now and STAR 104.5, The Christmas Station.
The Festival showcases Downtown Omaha and celebrates the spirit of the holidays by providing a full season of festive, family-friendly activities. More than 40 blocks of dazzling lights will illuminate Downtown Omaha and add that extra shine to each Festival event.
Holiday Poinsettia Show
When: Now through January 4th, 2018
Where: Lauritzen Gardens
100 Bancroft Street
Omaha, NE
Thousands of poinsettias bursting with rich, vibrant color fill the floral display hall in a glowing tribute to the holidays during the spectacular holiday poinsettia show. In the center of it all, a magnificent and majestic 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree stands tall. Surrounded by a cascade of twinkling white lights, glittering ornaments and the whir and whistle of model garden trains, this show evokes the warmest greetings of goodwill and cheer.
More than 5000 poinsettias in 25 different varieties were grown for the 2017 display. See varieties of multi-hued, deep red, sparkling white and speckled poinsettias that vary in hue, texture, height and bloom time. Varieties will be replaced as needed to provide an ever-changing display.
Christmas at Union Station
When: Now through January 7th, 2018
Where: Durham Museum
801 S 10th Street
Omaha, NE
The best way to spread Christmas cheer…is to visit to The Durham Museum, of course! Christmas at Union Station is back for another year of festive fun. This long standing tradition has become one of the top holiday destinations in the region and this year, is an official event of the Nebraska 150 Celebration. From the forty-foot-tall twinkling tree to holidays around the globe to Santa himself, you won’t want to miss it!
Rooftop Rink and Midtown Crossing
When: Now through February 25th, 2017
Where: Midtown Crossing
147 S 33rd Street
Omaha, NE
Midtown Crossing and The Salvation Army are elevating family fun and philanthropy this winter with an exhilarating new attraction – The Rooftop Rink at Midtown Crossing, presented by The Salvation Army.
The 60’ x 80’ rink, seating, fire features and food vendors will transform a rooftop near Wohlner’s Neighborhood Grocery & Deli into an avenue for activity, togetherness and outreach, December through February. Admission (including skate rental) is just $5. All proceeds benefit the important work of presenting sponsor The Salvation Army.
A Christmas Carol
When: Now through December 23rd, 2017
Where: Omaha Community Playhouse
6915 Cass Street
Omaha, NE
It just isn’t Christmas without A Christmas Carol. Experience Omaha’s favorite holiday tradition as Ebenezer Scrooge takes us on a life-changing journey filled with lovely costumes, exquisite music, beautifully crafted sets and special effects second to none. Perfect for the whole family!
Santa’s Reindeer on the Plaza
December 16th, 2017
Where: Bel Air Plaza
West Center Road and South 120th Street
Omaha, NE
Two of Santa’s reindeer will be at Bel Air Plaza on the two Saturdays before Christmas for our annual Santa’s Reindeer at the Plaza holiday event! The reindeer will be in the parking lot of Bel Air Plza 12100 W. Center Road on December 9 and December 16 from 10am to 2pm. The event is free and open to the public.
Children will be able to see the reindeer up close in their pen. Santa’s reindeer don’t travel alone, of course, so his elves dressed in holiday garb will be there too! Parents are welcome to bring a camera and take pictures of their children petting the reindeer through the pen.
Boys Town Christmas Family Festival
When: December 9th, 2017
Where: Boys town
14100 Crawford Street
Boys Town, NE
You’re invited to Boys Town’s Christmas Family Festival, an afternoon filled with the magic and wonder of Christmas! There are many wonderful FREE activities for you and your family to enjoy on our campus. Pick and choose what works best for your family’s schedule.
Las Posadas Celebration
When: December 13th, 2017
Where: El Museo Latino
4701 S. 25th Street
Omaha, NE
Bring your family for an evening of fun, including activities for children and traditional refreshments. Las Posadas is a holiday tradition celebrated in December with traditional caroling for “asking for Posada, ” which makes reference to the journey of Mary and Joseph asking for lodging.
