Part 3: Holiday Happenings in the Omaha Area!
Everybody loves doing something fun and unique for the holidays! I have decided to create a running event list of select Omaha-area holiday events that I’ve either been to in the past or look like fun. As each event is over, I will take the item off the list. I will update the list and publish a new one on Thursday evening each week. So keep checking back every week!
Please note: My photos are from previous years. These venues may not look anything like the photos in this blog.
New Venue for This Week!
Omaha 25th Anniversary Holiday Lights Festival
The Old Market and the Riverfront area in downtown Omaha is sure to delight everyone in the family with their holiday decorations. A visit to this area during December is an almost magical experience.
The lighting ceremony starts at the Gene Leahy Mall on Saturday, November 30 at 5 pm with music and the lighting ceremony at 6 pm. While I have never attended the ceremony, I hope to attend this year if it is warm enough and I can find decent parking. I’m looking forward to it!
The Gene Leahy Mall and Heartland of America Park displays will include hundreds of lighted trees, a short multimedia show projected in three locations every hour on Fridays and Saturdays until the new year, and a 70-foot-tall decorated tree in Heartland of America Park. Festive decorations and family events will be featured through the month of December. For more information and some photos, check out the links below.
The Old Market will be decked out again this year in white lights, snowflakes, and garland, which gives the area such a festive aire. The Old Market will host special events in December as well. For more information, check out the Old Market’s Facebook page.
—————————————————————
Winter Wonderland- Papillion’s holiday celebration happens on November 27 this year. The festivities run from 4-8 pm and feature a parade, Santa, a hot chocolate truck, library story times, a holiday market, several musical performances and more. Additional information is found at the link below. ⬇️
————————————————————————
Zoolightful - the winter celebration at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo. Last year I attended this event several times and found it fabulous! My family reserved an individually decorated igloo one night for a little celebration. It was a blast and I loved the special decorations around the entrance and in the children’s area of the zoo. It was certainly “Zoolightful” for the whole family! If you wish to reserve an igloo for the evening, book it NOW, as availability is very limited. The festivities take place from November 22 to December 30.
More information below. ⬇️
Lauritzen Gardens Merry and Bright - the annual holiday celebration at Lauritzen Gardens. The garden conservatory and Great Hall are decorated in beautiful lights and there is a giant poinsettia display. It is a gorgeous place to take family photos. Special events are held many nights (called Bright Nights) between November 22 and December 31. Prior online reservations are required for the evening events and there are discounts for garden members. It is a lovely holiday celebration sure to make your heart both merry and bright! Plus, the gift shop is stocked with many beautiful and unique gifts for all ages.
More information below. ⬇️
Omaha Durham Museum - The Durham Museum really decorates their main hall each holiday season. Each year a GIANT forty-foot Christmas tree adorns the main hall. It is a beautiful backdrop for family photos. Last year my family went here and we got some great photos compliments of a kind person we traded photo duties with. (Hint. Hint. People are usually happy to do this.) The Durham’s old fashioned soda fountain and candy shop is a wonderful place for a quick meal or a special treat. There are usually holiday-themed exhibits and activities for kids and families including a cultural festival, visits with Santa, and a concert series. The gift shop is well-stocked with unique items during the holidays too. This year the Durham has a special exhibit called “The Lost World of Dragons” until December 31. Other exhibits are available, both temporary and ongoing. The festivities take place from November 29 to January 12. More information below. ⬇️
