The holiday season is upon us, and Omaha, Nebraska is transforming into a winter wonderland. As the snowflakes start to fall, the city comes alive with festive cheer, offering a wide range of Christmas events and activities for all ages. From traditional holiday markets to magical light displays, and from merry parades to jolly old Saint Nick, Omaha has something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you're a local or just visiting, this guide will help you navigate the best Christmas events and activities in Omaha, ensuring a holiday season that's merry and bright. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, bundle up, and get ready to experience the magic of Christmas in Omaha!
Omaha Christmas Events
Omaha is home to a variety of Christmas events that cater to different interests and age groups. Here are some of the top events to mark on your calendar:
- Omaha Symphony Christmas Concert: Get into the holiday spirit with the Omaha Symphony's annual Christmas concert, featuring festive classics and modern favorites.
- Lauritzen Gardens Omaha: Visit the beautiful Lauritzen Gardens, transformed into a winter wonderland with over a million lights, festive decorations, and a stunning model train display.
- Omaha Holiday Market: Shop for unique gifts, try local food and drinks, and enjoy live music at the Omaha Holiday Market, located in the historic Old Market district.
Christmas Light Displays in Omaha
Omaha is famous for its dazzling Christmas light displays, which attract visitors from all over the country. Here are some of the most popular displays:
- Midtown Crossing's Christmas Light Display: Marvel at the breathtaking light display in the Midtown Crossing development, featuring over 100,000 lights and a giant Christmas tree.
- Fontenelle Forest's Light Display: Explore the enchanting light display at Fontenelle Forest, with over 500,000 lights and festive decorations throughout the forest.
Omaha Christmas Activities for Kids
Omaha offers a variety of Christmas activities that are perfect for kids, from meeting Santa to making holiday crafts. Here are some of the top activities:
- Santa's Workshop at the Omaha Children's Museum: Let your little ones' creativity shine at the Omaha Children's Museum, where they can make holiday crafts and meet Santa Claus.
- Polar Express at the Durham Museum: Take a magical journey on the Polar Express train, where kids can enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and a reading of the classic holiday story.
- Holiday Story Time at the Omaha Public Library: Gather around for a festive holiday story time at the Omaha Public Library, featuring classic tales and new favorites.
Omaha Christmas Ice Skating and Sledding
Get your skates and sleds ready! Omaha has plenty of outdoor ice skating and sledding spots to enjoy during the holiday season:
- Ice Skating at the Ralston Arena: Lace up your skates and enjoy a fun day of ice skating at the Ralston Arena, featuring public skating sessions and holiday-themed events.
- Sledding at Memorial Park: Grab your sled and hit the hills at Memorial Park, one of the best sledding spots in Omaha.
Omaha Christmas Shopping Guide
Omaha has a range of unique shopping districts and stores where you can find the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Here are some of the top shopping destinations:
- Old Market: Explore the historic Old Market district, featuring unique boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores.
- Midtown Crossing: Shop at the upscale Midtown Crossing development, featuring a range of high-end retailers and local boutiques.
- Village Pointe: Visit the Village Pointe shopping center, offering a variety of national brands and local stores.
Omaha Christmas Restaurants and Bars
Indulge in the festive flavors of Omaha at these top restaurants and bars:
- The Boiler Room: Enjoy a holiday-themed cocktail or dinner at The Boiler Room, a trendy restaurant located in the Old Market district.
- Nicola's: Savor the flavors of Italy at Nicola's, a cozy restaurant offering a range of holiday specials and menu items.
Omaha Christmas Events Calendar
Mark your calendars for these upcoming Christmas events in Omaha:
- December 1: Omaha Symphony Christmas Concert
- December 5: Lauritzen Gardens Omaha Holiday Lights
- December 12: Omaha Holiday Market
- December 19: Polar Express at the Durham Museum
We hope this guide has helped you plan a fun and festive holiday season in Omaha. From twinkling lights to merry markets, and from kids' activities to shopping and dining, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city.
What are the best Christmas light displays in Omaha?
+Some of the best Christmas light displays in Omaha include Midtown Crossing's Christmas Light Display, Fontenelle Forest's Light Display, and Lauritzen Gardens Omaha.
Where can I go ice skating in Omaha?
+You can go ice skating at the Ralston Arena, which offers public skating sessions and holiday-themed events.
What are some unique gift ideas in Omaha?
+Omaha has a range of unique shopping districts and stores where you can find one-of-a-kind gifts, such as the Old Market district, Midtown Crossing, and Village Pointe.