Omaha is the best place for a family to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in 2019. You can find free activities, every kind of live performance from ballet to orchestra to rock, and a ton of chances to meet Santa around town.
Note: This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated to include 2019 holiday events. More events will be added as dates are known. If you have an event or see an error in the schedule, please leave a comment or email me!
Got a kid-free night ahead of you? Good, I also included some activities that are perfect for a holiday date night.
Pin this post because I will add to this list often!
Omaha Holiday Events in 2019
“A Christmas Carol”
When: Nov. 15 though Dec. 23; performances are Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays-Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 and 6:30 p.m.
Where: Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St.
What: This is an annual tradition on stage in Omaha. Read What To Expect If You Bring Kids “A Christmas Carol.”
Cost: Tickets go on sale Nov. 1
“Drumline Live: Holiday Spectacular”
When: Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St.
What: The show takes you on an unforgettable journey through the most beloved holiday classics. The show combines the sounds of gospel, jazz, soul, Motown rhythms with the driving force of a marching band.
Cost: Tickets go on sale Sept. 1
Holiday Lights Festival -Thanksgiving Lighting Ceremony
When: Nov. 28 through Jan. 5, 2020, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. nightly (Thanksgiving Lighting Festival event is Nov. 28, 6 to 7 p.m.)
Where: Gene Leahy Mall, 14th and Farnam streets
What: Trees around the Old Market and mall are lit up for Christmas.
Cost: FREE
Holiday Poinsettia Show
When: Nov. 23 through Jan. 5, 2020 (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day); the Holiday Poinsettia Aglow is 5 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 23, 24, 27, 30, and Dec. 1, 7 & 8, 14-23, 26-30 and Jan. 2-5.
Where: Lauritzen Gardens, First and Bancroft streets
What: This indoor flower show is perfect for the holidays, plus the indoor model train is always a hit with kids.
Cost: Included with admission, which is $10 adults, $5 children 6-12). Members are admitted FREE.
“Elf: The Musical”
When: Nov. 29 through Dec. 22; performances are Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays & Sundays at 2 p.m.
Where: The Rose, 2001 Farnam St.
What: This fun-filled musical adaptation of the favorite holiday film that became an instant classic is a stuffed stocking full of song and dance that your family will most definitely want on your Christmas Wish List!
Cost: Main floor tickets are $20 for members and $27 for non-members; balcony tickets are $15 for members and $22 for non-members. Tickets go on sale Aug. 1.
“Santa’s Magic”
When: Nov. 29 through Dec. 23, multiple shows daily
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St.
What: An interactive exhibit featuring Santa, the Snow Queen, elves and indoor snow. Be sure to come with your wish list.
Cost: Included with regular Museum admission, which is $14 for ages 2+, $13 for seniors, and FREE for children younger than 24 months and members
Canadian Brass Christmas Show
When: Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St.
What: Deck the halls with Canadian Brass! The world’s most famous brass group brings festive Christmas carols and Yuletide tunes to the Holland Center in an energetic, entertaining performance that will put the whole family in the holiday spirit.
Cost: Tickets on sale Aug. 19
“Joyful Noise: A Gospel Christmas featuring Salem Baptist Church”
When: Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.and Dec. 8 at 4 p.m.
Where: Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St.
Cost: Ticket on sale date TBD
Omaha Symphony’s “Physicians Mutual Christmas Celebration”
When: Dec. 19-22; performances are Thursday & Friday at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday & Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p..
Where: Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St.
What: It’s the merriest way to celebrate the season! Ernest Richardson, the Omaha Symphony, and a stellar cast of Broadway singers and dancers send your spirits soaring with festive favorites and Christmas classics.
Cost: Tickets on sale Aug. 19
Home Free “Dive Bar Christmas Tour”
When: Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St.
What: Experience the rich Southern harmonies of Home Free this holiday season. It’s an evening of upbeat Nashville-dipped pop hits, country standards and quick-witted humor.
Cost: Tickets on sale Aug. 2
Mariachi Herencia de México “The Posada: A Christmas Tradition”
When: Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St.
What: In a special holiday show, the ensemble brings the Latin American tradition of the posada to life. The celebration includes Mexican and American holiday favorites! Enjoy the songs of the season such as “Feliz Navidad,” “Los Peces en el Rio,” “Ave Maria” and “Jingle Bells.”
Cost: Ticket on sale date TBD
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
When: Dec. 21 and 22; performances are Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m.
Where: Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St.
What: The group’s Christmas concert is full of multimedia special effects and has become an annual holiday tradition at the Orpheum Theater.
Cost: $38.25-$78.25
Holiday Lights Festival – New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular
When: Dec. 31, 7 p.m.
Where: Gene Leahy Mall, 14th and Farnam streets
What: The show will feature a mesmerizing display of fireworks designed by J&M Displays and choreographed to a special Iconic 60s musical accompaniment broadcasted on STAR 104.5; viewers are encouraged to tune in. The official viewing site is the Gene Leahy Mall.
Cost: FREE
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I'm a mom, wife, writer & coffee addict. I love my hometown, Omaha, but cannot resist the thrill of travel. Life is best spent discovering the extraordinary at home and on the road. With any luck, I'll inspire you to think the same. Inquiries at ohmyomaha@gmail.com
hi Kim i was wondering if you knew of some hotels in Omaha that decorate for Christmas? I am wanting to come and stay in Omaha Christmas weekend, and would like to be surrounded by beautiful decorations and great food. thanks…
Hi Mitzi – Good question! The one place I know for certain is Magnolia Hotel downtown. It has a large gingerbread display each year. I’m fairly certain that Embassy Suites in the Old Market will be decorated too, or at the very least, it’s right by all the gorgeous downtown lights. I’m going to ask around though. If you follow Oh My Omaha on Facebook or Twitter, I’ll see what people respond with.