Don’t Miss Omaha Area Holiday Delights
While the weather may look just a little frightful for the next day or two, there’s a bunch of fun stuff for folks to do in the Omaha area between Christmas and New Years. I’d highly recommend taking advantage of it!
I went with my family to the Durham Museum today and loved it! The Durham has recently refurbished the ceiling in the main entry/former ticketing area and it is gorgeous! Art deco design to the max! There is a gigantic decorated Christmas tree that makes the best backdrop for photos. The soda fountain serves delicious and fun food. There are small international Christmas trees to view and there’s a great new exhibit about the classic movie “White Christmas” with lots of movie props and memorabilia. I also saw some activity areas just for kids today. And that doesn’t even count the Julia Child exhibit and the rest of what the museum has to offer!
The Kiewit Luminarium has some great new activities and exhibits about light in its themed exhibition called “Glow.” These featured activities are available until January 11. I was there on Friday of this past week and enjoyed seeing what was available. I plan to come back on a Thursday night before January 11. Thursday nights are reserved for “big kids” (adults). See more photos and media below, as well as the Kiewit Luminarium website link.
There’s also the holiday exhibits at Lauritzen Gardens, which are beautiful and will enchant the whole family, including the kids and teens. See my earlier blog post below.
https://www.bucketlistsbooksandbackpackswithdeanna.com/blogposts/lauritzen-gardens-bright-nights
Omaha Zoo Zoolightful is a wonderful special exhibit with lots of whimsical lighted features, activities, and lovely photo ops. I’ll have an insider’s look at that later this week, weather permitting. 🤞🤞🤞 In the meantime, check out my previous blog post below.
Fontanelle Forest has a special holiday event called “Winter Wonderland.” Enjoy decorated indoor trees, photo ops, and a lighted outdoor river view boardwalk (accessible). This special event is available until January 2. More information can be found at their website below:
Santa’s Rockin’ Lights is a large drive thru light exhibit set to music. Werner Park in Papillon is the the location for this mile-long light extravaganza. Both our family and our pups enjoy it every year. We hope to go Christmas evening, again - weather permitting. More info and a few photos from years past below.
As far as holiday restaurant picks go, our favorite is M’s Pub in the Old Market. It’s always elegantly decorated with greenery and lights and makes for a special meal out.
And for just the adults…
Holiday pop-up bars are a new “thing” and Omaha has several. I haven’t been to any of them but check out this Omaha World Herald article for ideas:
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular
Looking for a fun family event for New Year’s Eve? Check out the fireworks in downtown Omaha! Bring treats and let the kids munch while watching the fireworks. I went last year and parked in the Gallup parking lot and had a fantastic view. For more info, see below:
And, there’s always opportunities to see light displays, both commercially and in neighborhoods. See my previous blog post for some ideas.
Also check out the Omaha area lights map promoted by Family Fun in Omaha as well. I recommend Papillon for neighborhood lights, as I saw many great displays there last Tuesday evening.
https://familyfuninomaha.com/christmas-light-displays-omaha/
Whatever you choose, have a great time. But just be sure to take advantage of these special events and activities this week!