Seven Places to See Holiday Lights in the Omaha/CB Metro

I have so many fond memories of loading up the family in the car when my kids were young and heading out to spot Christmas lights. Occasionally my parents would join us and there would be a thermos full of hot chocolate and packages of M &Ms to share. It was so much fun trying to spot the good houses and neighborhoods and then watching the kids’ faces light up. The first year we bought those silly paper glasses that enhance the lights was also a hoot. There was lots of laughter that year.

These days we do things a bit differently, as the kids have gotten older. We still enjoy looking at lights, but tend to go to a particular event or location. While we no longer make a whole night of it, it is always fun. Here’s hoping you make some fun holiday memories at these locations below.

1. Gene Leahy Mall

   This downtown Omaha park has been completely redone and it is absolutely fabulous! It’s about to get even more fabulous tonight as thousands of lights are turned on. The lights will stay on every evening until January 1.

2. The Old Market - Omaha

   The Old Market has gorgeous lights and decorations as well! Start by walking or slowly driving down Howard Street from your he corner of S. 10th street.

3. Bayliss Park - Council Bluffs, Iowa

   The Bayliss Park fountain is lit up once again. I drove past the park this week and it was a dazzling display of light and color. Just driving by made me feel like a kid again. Check it out!

4. Midtown Crossing Season of Lights - Omaha, Nebraska

   The gorgeous white lights have been lit for the 2023-2024 holidays! Note that they will stay on each night until February 14. I love walking among the beautiful trees and lights each year. It makes for great family photos! Just sayin!’ 😉

5. Zoolights - Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo - Omaha, Nebraska

   I went to the Omaha zoo recently on a gorgeous day and got to see many of the decorations for this event. They are FANTASTIC! I can’t wait to see them at night! Stay tuned!

6. Christmas at Union Station - Durham Museum - Omaha, Nebraska

   If you’ve ever wanted to take family photos in front a GIANT Christmas tree, this is your place! Special holiday entertainment, events and exhibits round out the festivities at the Durham. I plan to get there soon myself!

7. Santa’s Rock N Lights - Visitors can drive through one million plus colorful moving lights incorporated into numerous themed displays. While my family has enjoyed this event for several years, our dog, Mei Mei, is always completely mesmerized by them. She loves the music, the synchronized dancing lights, and the car ride through it all. I can’t begin to tell you how many kids spot Mei Mei enjoying the display and blurt out how cute she looks. This year we will introduce our slightly crazy new pup to the event. We hope she likes it too!

   This is by no means an exhaustive list - actually just a beginning. There are many more places with holiday lights in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro. I will keep adding to this list and add photos as I experience these places myself! Happy Holidays!