23 Festive Things To Do During Christmas In Omaha

Wondering what to during Christmas in Omaha this year?

Fun events, Christmas markets, and tons of light displays can be found around Omaha this time of year!

My dad is originally from the Omaha area and I visit once per year during the holidays. I love to see all the Christmas displays and find fun new things to do.

Read on for the best things to do during Christmas in Omaha.

Omaha skyline at night with giant Christmas tree and crowds of people at outdoor park in foreground. RiverFront Park Gene Leahy Mall, tree lighting, Omaha, Nebraska. — Christmas in Omaha, Nebraska

The Best Things To Do During Christmas In Omaha

Go Ice Skating

Heartland Of America Park’s Skate Ribbon transforms into an outdoor ice skating track in the winter months.

This RiverFront favorite is free to anyone bringing their own skates, and skate rentals are available on-site for a small fee.

Be sure to reserve your spots online in advance: RiverFront Skate Ribbon.

Durham Museum

In 1931 Omaha’s Union Station was one of the busiest in the nation, seeing an average of 10,000 passengers a day.

Today the beautiful, art deco building has been restored to its original glory and is now a museum showcasing the history of the region.

During the holidays Union Station displays a huge Christmas tree and hosts special events like photos with Santa Claus and a holiday concert series.

Christmas at Union Station is a great place to snap some holiday photos during Christmas in Omaha.

durham museum christmas tree union station omaha nebraska — Durham Museum during Christmas

durham museum union station christmas tree omaha nebraska — Durham Museum during Christmas

Bright Nights At Lauritzen Gardens

The Lauritzen Gardens provide an oasis from the city with 3 miles of trails inside their 100 acre property.

You’ll find plants from around the world within outdoor gardens and an indoor conservatory.

During the holiday season the floral display hall and the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory will be covered in a beautiful light display.

The illuminated indoor gardens are a must-see during the holiday season.

Plan some extra time here as you’ll also want to see the 20 foot tall poinsettia tree, roast marshmallows on the patio, and more.

Advance tickets are required, there are no walk-up tickets for the Bright Nights display.

Lauritzen Gardens host a number of events through the holiday season, keep an eye on their event calendar: Lauritzen Gardens Events & Exhibits.

Visit A Christmas Market

Ready for some holiday shopping?

The local makers, designers, and creators found at holiday markets in Omaha present a one-stop-shop for all of your gifting needs.

In addition to unique gifts and decor, many also have live entertainment, Christmas music, holiday cocktails, hot cocoa, and savory sweets.

Popular holiday markets in Omaha include:

Omaha Farmers Market’s Holiday Market (Physicians Mutual Holiday Market)
Midtown Merry Market
Maker & Baker Holiday Market
Winter Wonderland Craft Fair at Oak View Mall
Hot Shops Winter Open House

Holidays At The RiverFront

During the holiday season RiverFront Park is draped in thousands of lights and displays a giant, 70 foot tall Christmas tree.

Decorations can be found throughout Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park, and Lewis & Clark Landing.

Special displays and food trucks are common on weekends throughout December.

The RiverFront also hosts events throughout the month like Holly Days, Holiday Lights Festival, and the RiverFront Food Drive.

For more information, head over to Holidays At The RiverFront.

RiverFront Gene Leahy Mall tree lighting christmas holly days at the RiverFront omaha nebraska — The giant tree in the Gene Leahy Mall at RiverFront

Joslyn Castle Candlelights Tour

The Joslyn Castle was built in 1903 by George and Sarah Joslyn.

The 35-room Scottish Baronial-style home is built entirely of limestone and includes a reception hall, music room, ballroom, library, and gold drawing room.

During the holiday season the castle is adorned in Christmas decor and open for Holiday Candlelight Tours.

See the castle amid the soft glow of candle lights, while sipping spiced mulled wine.

Zoolightful At Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo is home to unique exhibits spread out over a huge, 160 acre facility.

This is one of the best zoos in the country, and Nebraska’s most popular attraction.

During the holidays, the zoo transforms into Zoolightful at Henry Doorly Zoo.

Grab a hot drink, like hot chocolate or cider, and see the zoo adorned in lights and cheer.

The event offers tons of family-friendly activities like a Gingerbread Village, Reindeer Game Zone, and Santa’s North Pole, which includes photos with Santa Claus.

Cactus desert landscape in huge dome. Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, Nebraska. — Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

christmas-lights-tiger-denver-zoo-lights — Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Christmas Carol

Essential to the holiday season in Omaha, A Christmas Carol is a joyous musical adaptation based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel.

Follow the heartwarming Christmas story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey to redemption and the transformative power of love and charity.

Check pricing and availability for A Christmas Carol at Omaha Community Playhouse: Omaha Playhouse.

Hope for the Holidays

Watch nearly 180 singers take stage to perform Hope for the Holidays at the Holland Performing Arts Center.

The holiday show features modern arrangements of classic holiday themes to the best holiday hits of today performed by The River City Mixed Chorus and a full orchestra.

The upbeat show is sure to be enjoyed by all!

Christmas Pop-Up Bar

Christmas pop-up bars are a favorite holiday activity in recent years.

Imagine a festive bar with an explosion of holiday decorations and lights.

Couple that with themed cocktails and upbeat holiday tunes, and you’ve got yourself a Christmas bar.

The Grinch might call them cheesy and overpriced, and he’s not completely wrong, but something about them will make your heart grow three times its size.

Christmas Pop-Up Bars In Omaha

Under The Mistletoe Pop-Up
Naughty or Nice Christmas Pop-Up Bar
Mercury Holiday Pop-Up
Blitzen: A Holiday Pop-Up
Holiday Hut Pop-Up at Kimpton Cottonwood
Sips on 10th’s One Perfect Christmas
Frosty’s Christmas Pop-Up

christmas pop up bar holiday decor tinsel — Things to do in Omaha during the holidays? Visit a Christmas pop-up bar

christmas pop up bar holiday cocktail — Things to do in Omaha during the holidays? Visit a Christmas pop-up bar

Glow At Kiewit Luminarium

The Kiewit Luminarium is a popular science museum year-round.

It’s full of bright colors and highly immersive displays the whole family will love.

During the holidays they host Glow at Kiewit Luminarium, an excellent indoor light exhibit.

Expect glowing, colorful art from local and international artists, and as always, plenty of interactive exhibits and activities.

Omaha Symphony

The Omaha Symphony offers a wide variety of shows from the Holland Performing Arts Center and Joslyn Art Museum.

During December they host the beloved Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration.

Enjoy Christmas classics with the Omaha Symphony, conductor Maestro Ernest Richardson, and a magnificent cast of singers and dancers.

Tickets sell fast, so be sure to book this one in advance: Omaha Symphony Tickets.

Midtown Crossing Season Of Lights

Another on the many impressive light display in Omaha is the Midtown Crossing Season Of Lights.

Lights are strung throughout Turner Park, along Farnam Street, and Farnam Court displays a beautiful Christmas tree.

In the area, shop small businesses, dine out, and more. This is a great spot for a night out during the holiday season.

Also, keep an eye on the event calendar, Midtown Crossing often hosts popular events, such as the Midtown Merry Market: Midtown Crossing Season Of Lights.

Shopping Old Market

Old Market is the core of downtown Omaha and a must-visit during the holidays.

The entertainment district is made up of historic buildings and charming cobblestone streets of the past.

Here you’ll find local boutique shops, galleries, candy shops, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a really cute Christmas store, Tannenbaum Christmas Shop.

This is a great spot to get some holiday shopping done this year.

Since it’s located right next to RiverFront Park, it’s easy to explore the park and Old Market all in one day.

Woman smiling and standing in front of large brick building on cobblestoned street. Old Market, Omaha, Nebraska. — Omaha’s Old Market during the holidays

Cobblestone sidewalk next to brick building covered in ivy on sunny day. Shops in Old Market, Tannenbaum Christmas Shop. Tannenbaum Christmas Shop, Old Market, Omaha, Nebraska. — Omaha’s Old Market during the holidays

Go For Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is a much-loved tradition, but especially so during the holiday season.

Enjoy a variety of teas, sandwiches, soups, and sweets with one of Omaha’s tea venues.

You can find tea at The Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel’s Orleans Room, Candyland Christmas Tea with The Bubbly Tart, or with High Tea Omaha, which is a pop-up tea service.

Candy Cane Course 5K/ 12K Run

Looking to do a fun Christmas-themed race this December?

The Candy Cane Course is for you!

The race included fun themes and contests, like the ugly sweater contest, and treats at the finish line.

There are 5k and 12k courses, plus kid-friendly options like the 1 mile run and kid’s dash.

Omaha Children’s Museum

The Omaha Children’s Museum is a great place for your little ones to learn while they play.

The museum has permanent exhibits designed to educate and inspire the next generation on subjects like animals and nature, space, science, engineering, even car care!

During the holidays they always have special events like Santa’s Workshop or Santa’s Magic, where kids can meet Santa himself.

Christmas Light Displays

There’s no shortage of Christmas lights in Omaha.

Official light displays include the likes of:

Gene Leahy Mall at RiverFront
Old Market Entertainment District
Village Pointe Shopping Center
Santa’s Rock N Lights Drive Through
Lights of Aksarben
Shadow Lake Towne Center

But there’s also many, many impressive home displays throughout the city as well.

Touring the light displays is always among Omaha’s favorite holiday traditions.

Silhouette child next to giant ornament and giant Christmas tree, lit up at night. RiverFront Park Gene Leahy Mall, tree lighting, Omaha, Nebraska. — Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront: Christmas lights in Omaha

The Nutcracker

See the magical tale of Clara the Nutcracker and the Mouse King live on stage at downtown’s Orpheum Theater.

The spectacular show features the American Midwest Ballet backed by student dancers from the Omaha area.

The Nutcracker runs on select dates and should be booked well in advance: The Nutcracker Omaha.

This is one of the most beloved things to do in Omaha during Christmas.

Holiday Beerfest

The Crescent Moon hosts the annual Holiday Beerfest each December.

Partake in the holiday-themed tastings with local brewers.

The spaces are decked out in Christmas decor and playing festive music, it’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

The event takes place each year in early December.

Fontenelle Forest Winter Wonderland

With 2,100 acres of land and 24 miles of trails, Fontenelle Forest provides a setting for outdoor fun in Omaha.

Inside this expansive park you’ll find a nature center, zip lining course, hiking trails, and climbing park.

During the holiday season they transform their Great Hall into a Winter Wonderland.

Experience the festive indoor holiday display, decorated with colorful trees and wreaths. Then bundle up and head outside for a stroll along the lighted Riverview Boardwalk.