HELLO EVERYONE!
Holiday time is upon us!👋
Hey there, Omaha! The holidays are here, and our city is bursting with festive fun from now through Thanksgiving (November 27). This special guide—the first of four holiday editions from Omaha Go—features the best local events happening right now. Whether you're craving free ice skating, dazzling concerts, or magical light displays, we've got your November covered.
EDIT - Links to the other holiday guides here:
Omaha Holiday Guide November 27th - December 5th
Omaha Holiday Events Guide 2025: December 6th-13th
OMAHA WINTER EVENTS
Upcoming Holiday Events
Santa's Wonderland
Nov. 1 through Dec. 24, 2025; Santa photos start Nov. 2
Price: Free; reserve a time online for free picture with Santa
Location: Bass Pro Shops, 2901 Bass Pro Drive, Council Bluffs, IA; Cabela's, 12703 Westport Parkway, La Vista, NE
Santa arrived extra early this year at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's! Santa's Arrival was on Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. Reserve a time to see Santa online and get a free picture with him.
Free Event Indoor
Winterland at Heartwood Preserve
Nov. 1 through Feb. 26, 2026
Price: Free ice skating; free skate rentals
Location: The Ice Rink at Heartwood Park, 301 N. 145th St., Omaha, NE
Enjoy free ice skating at Heartwood Preserve. Skate rentals are also free.
Free Event Outdoor
Crook House Museum Christmas
Nov. 13, 2025 through Jan. 11, 2026; closed on Christmas and New Year's Day
Price: $10 for adults; $9 for seniors, non-MCC students and military; $5 for children ages 4-12; members admitted free
Location: Crook House Museum, 5730 N. 30th St., Building 11B, Omaha, NE
The early Italianate style home of Gen. George Crook on the National Register of Historic Places. Each room is extravagantly decorated for the holidays. Cookies and cider included with admission.
Paid Event Indoor
Tree of Lights Family Festival
Nov. 13, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: American National Bank, 8990 Dodge Road, Omaha, NE
Every year, the giant Salvation Army Tree of Lights towers over the intersection of 90th and Dodge streets. The free festival features live music and Santa. The tree lighting happens just after sunset.
Free Event Outdoor
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
Nov. 13, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Price: Starting at $69
Location: Mid-America Center, 1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs, IA
A rock holiday concert guaranteed to be one of the most extravagant shows with pyrotechnics and theatrical performance.
Paid Event Indoor
Straight No Chaser: Holiday Road Tour
Nov. 14, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Price: Starting at $58
Location: Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St., Omaha, NE
The nine-man a cappella act has served as a festive blend of harmonious voices for more than two and a half decades. An all-you-can-eat buffet of holiday music.
Paid Event Indoor
Pentatonix: Christmas in the City Tour
Nov. 15, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Price: Starting at $47
Location: CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St., Omaha, NE
A cappella group known for their pop-style arrangements and cover versions of modern pop works and Christmas songs.
Paid Event Indoor
A Motown Christmas
Nov. 15, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Price: Starting at $58
Location: Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St., Omaha, NE
Holiday show blending Christmas classics with hits from groups Ali Woodson's Temptations, The Miracles, The Contours, and more.
Paid Event Indoor
Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing
Nov. 16, 2025 through Feb. 14, 2026; daily at dusk
Price: Free
Location: Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 3110 Farnam St., Omaha, NE
One of the earliest displays to go up in the Omaha Metro. The magical display is throughout Turner Park and along Farnam Street. Prime photo opportunities include the decorated tree in Farnam Court and Santa's comfy sleigh positioned with glimmering Turner Park in the background.
Free Event Outdoor
Zoolightful
Nov. 19 through Jan. 11, 2026 (excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve); 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Price: $26 for ages 12+; $16 for those under 12; Members receive 25% off tickets
Location: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Omaha, NE
Evening event at the zoo featuring displays of archways and sculptures aglow, activities like sliding down 120-foot slides and decorating gingerbread sweets. Santa will also be at the event.
Paid Event Outdoor
Tannenbaum Festival
Nov. 20, 2025 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Price: Free; some activities like Soup Supper and Hot Cocoa may have additional cost
Location: 218 S. 16th St., Blair, NE
Highlights include Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m., Santa and live reindeer, Christmas Market at the Art Alley, Kids Craft Tent and balloon animals, fire pits for making s'mores, horse-drawn hayrack rides, live music by the Community Band, Library Story Time, and Elf Drop.
Free Event Outdoor
19th Annual Benefit Christmas Party
Nov. 20, 2025 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Price: $10 in advance; $15 at the door (limited availability); Free for kids ages 5 and younger
Location: Mulhall's, 3615 N. 120th St., Omaha, NE
An evening of live music, free wine and desserts, local popups, and more all in support of Lauritzen Gardens. For every ticket sold, $5 supports Lauritzen Gardens.
Paid Event Indoor
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)
Nov. 20 through Dec. 20, 2025; Thurs-Sat @ 7:30pm, Sun shows at various times
Price: $47 for General Admission; $42 for Educator/Healthcare/Military; $32 for BLUCREW members
Location: BLUEBARN Theatre, 1106 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE
Three actors race through a million Christmas stories in a wildly fast and hilarious mashup that's part A Christmas Carol, part The Grinch, and part Die Hard. Contains fog, flashing lights, and loud sound effects. Suggested for ages 16+.
Paid Event Indoor
A Christmas Carol: 50th Anniversary
Nov. 21 through Dec. 21, 2025; various showtimes
Price: Starting at $89 (varies by seat location)
Location: Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St., Omaha, NE
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Omaha's favorite holiday tradition. Ebenezer Scrooge takes us on a life-changing journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas in a glorious production filled with music and elaborate costumes.
Paid Event Indoor
Holiday Workshops
Various dates: Nov. 21, 22, 24; Dec. 6, 7, 8, 13, 20
Price: Cost varies by workshop; members receive discounts
Location: Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St., Omaha, NE
Festive workshops including Ceramics: Santa and Snowflakes, Holiday Card and Gift Tag Craft, Thanksgiving Centerpiece, Gingerbread Houses, Christmas Candles, and Winter Wreath. Pre-registration required at least one week before the workshop.
Paid Event Indoor
Santa's Rock N Lights
Nov. 21 through Dec. 31, 2025
Price: $29.99 to $44.99 depending on the day; must be purchased online in advance
Location: Werner Park Parking Lot, 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, NE
A one-mile drive-thru experience of lights dancing to music. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Paid Event Outdoor
Winterfest at Bayliss Park
Nov. 21, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, IA
One of Council Bluffs' most anticipated holiday events. Activities begin with the holiday lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Features Santa, Mrs. Claus and reindeer, face painting, screening of Frozen 2 with character meet & greets, ice sculpting, art activities, market, bike ride with the Grinch, and free hot cocoa.
Free Event Outdoor
Shadow Lake Towne Center Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade
Nov. 22, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Shadow Lake Towne Center, 72nd Street and Highway 370, Papillion, NE
Santa will be in the parade, as well as other characters. Holiday parade followed by tree lighting ceremony.
Free Event Outdoor
Breakfast With Santa
Nov. 22, 2025 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Price: Free-will donations accepted
Location: 2864 State St., Omaha, NE
The Florentine Players and Florence Historical Foundation host this annual event that includes pancakes, sausage, crafts and story time. Bring your camera.
Free Event Indoor
Merry & Bright: Holiday Poinsettia Show
Nov. 22 through Dec. 31, 2025; 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (last entry at 2:30 p.m.)
Price: Ages 13-64: $15 + tax; Senior (65+): $13 + tax; Ages 3-12: $9 + tax; Ages 2 and under: Free; Members: Free
Location: Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St., Omaha, NE
See the iconic 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree, tour through the lush conservatory to see the holiday express, or roast marshmallows on the festival garden patio. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Paid Event Indoor Outdoor
Falconwood Frosty Nights Christmas Village & Lights
Nov. 22 through Jan. 1, 2026
Price: $20 for adults; $10 for kids ages 3-12 (in advance); season passes also available
Location: Falconwood Park, 905 Allied Road, Bellevue, NE
A brand new event featuring light displays including a 150-foot tunnel of lights, a Holiday Market, Santa's Village, outdoor activities like snowless sledding, a chance to meet characters and reindeer, music, and food trucks.
Paid Event Outdoor
Grand Kyiv Ballet's The Nutcracker
Nov. 22, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Price: Starting at $51
Location: The Arts Center at Iowa Western, 2700 College Road, Council Bluffs, IA
The Grand Kyiv Ballet, including the most prestigious ballet dancers from Ukraine, presents the classic ballet about a young girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve.
Paid Event Indoor
American Midwest Ballet's The Nutcracker
Nov. 22 & 23, 2025 at Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center; Dec. 5-7, 2025 at the Orpheum Theater
Price: Starting at $31
Location: Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, 1001 S. Sixth St., Council Bluffs, IA; Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St., Omaha, NE
The region's only professional ballet presents the holiday classic The Nutcracker on two stages this holiday season.
Paid Event Indoor