It’s the Annual 12 Dates of Christmas Giveaway! This list is full of fun things to around Omaha this holiday season and lucky for you, if you win, you don’t have to spend a thing to enjoy a night out. Tickets and admission is available to all of the events and places listed – so use this list as a way to plan the holidays, too.
Disclosure: Most giveaway items were provided by the businesses mentioned, and were hand-selected by me because I think they’re awesome. A couple items I purchase myself for the giveaways. Even if you don’t win, you should totally support them this holiday season — and really, any time of year.
Things to know before entering the giveaways:
- Each giveaway lasts a day. Once the clock strikes midnight, one giveaway ends and the next one begins. Winner’s name will be added once they’ve been notified they won.
- The winner of the giveaway will be connected via the email used to sign into Rafflecopter, the official giveaway widget used for 12 Dates of Christmas.
- Important: A few of these prizes are time-sensitive. For all giveaways, I will contact the winner within 24 hours of drawing a random entry. Winners will need to respond to the email I send within 48 hours. A new winner will be drawn after 48 hours.
Date 1 (COMPLETED)
UPDATE: A winner has been drawn! Congrats to Lindsay N.!
The best way to get through the holidays is laughter. And lots of it. And with that in mind, here’s the first giveaway up for grabs!
The Date Night 1 Package: Win two tickets to the opening weekend performance of “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” at BLUEBARN Theater. End the evening at the Little Bohemia gem, Tiny House, where you spend your $50 gift card on cocktails like Mezcal Mocha, a spiked hot chocolate and Chai White Russian.
About “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)”: Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told – plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season, this laugh-out-loud comedy offers a hilarious alternative to anthropomorphic Nutcrackers and singing Victorian children.
The show runs Nov. 25 though Dec. 18. Winner of this giveaway will be able to choose which nights to attend: Nov. 25, Nov. 26 or Nov. 27.
About Tiny House Bar: Tiny House serves seasonal craft cocktails featuring local and regional spirits, wine, and beer in a 110-year-old house in Little Bohemia. The interior has turned many heads in the design world mixing local art and one of a kind furnishings and wallpaper.
Starting this weekend, the bar’s outdoor igloo goes up this week and open for reservations, too! The gift card can be used toward a reservation of the igloo.
Value of this giveaway: $124 (tickets only valid for a performance on opening weekend, Nov. 25-27)
Date 2 (COMPLETED)
UPDATE: A winner has been drawn! Congrats to Kristin H.!
You have 24 hours to enter this next Family Date Night giveaway and then at the stroke of midnight, it will turn into a pumpkin. Just kidding. But it does end at midnight.
The winner of this giveaway will receive four tickets to The Rose Theater’s production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” on choice of day on opening weekend Nov. 25-27, as well as a $25 gift card to Ted & Wally’s!
About “Cinderella”: Celebrate the season with The Rose Theater’s fantastically frosty take on Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.” This new holiday production of the beloved Broadway musical will whisk you away to a wintery wonderland, where your family will find the familiar fable of Cinderella; a young woman who overcomes the frozen hearts of her family with the warmth of her hope and determination – and of course, a little help from her Fairy Godmother!
With sparkling sets, cozy costumes, and snowy special effects, this princess tale will prove to be the perfect present for everyone on your nice list this holiday season. “Cinderella” is on stage at The Rose from Nov. 25 through Dec. 18.
About Ted & Wally’s: Ted & Wally’s is a small, family-owned business that has been serving Nebraska since 1984. They use real, authentic ingredients sourced from local farmers, chefs, and artisans. Their old school process produces ultra-premium 20% butterfat ice cream that is perfectly rich and has a one-of-a-kind personality.
Value of this giveaway: $153 (tickets are only valid for choice of performance on Nov. 25 at 7 p.m., Nov. 26 at 2 p.m. or Nov. 27 at 2 p.m.
Date 3 (COMPLETED)
UPDATE: A winner has been drawn! Congrats to Gayla H.!
The Durham Museum truly decks the halls each year at Christmas time for ” Christmas at Union Station” and I want one family to experience it in person by winning this Family Date Night package!
About Christmas at Union Station: Enjoy all the magic of Christmas at Union Station this! The winner of this giveaway receives a Family Day Pass AND four free Soda Fountain treats at The Durham Museum. This admits two adults and all dependent children living in one household or up to four grandchildren.
This annual tradition starts Nov. 24 and runs through Jan. 8, 2023 (so the winner needs to visit by Jan. 8).
Value of this giveaway: About $70 (pass only valid through Jan. 8, 2023)
Date 4 (COMPLETED)
UPDATE: A winner has been drawn! Congrats to Barbara S.!
Beatles fans, and those hoping to raise Beatles fans, this next giveaway is for you! The winner of this Family Date Night giveaway wins a Family 4-pack of tickets to the Sunday, December 4 performance of “Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience” at the Slowdown as well as a signed poster from the band. And to sweeten the night out, the winner also receives a $25 gift card to Ted & Wally’s!
About “Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience”: Every show is different, every show is interactive, and every show Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience proves that The Beatles music truly is the soundtrack to our lives.
About Ted & Wally’s: Ted & Wally’s is a small, family-owned business that has been serving Nebraska since 1984. They use real, authentic ingredients sourced from local farmers, chefs, and artisans. Their old school process produces ultra-premium 20% butterfat ice cream that is perfectly rich and has a one-of-a-kind personality.
Value of this giveaway: $175 (tickets are valid only for the Dec. 4 performance)
Date 5 (COMPLETED)
UPDATE: A winner has been drawn! Congrats to Ashley W.!
This next Family Date Night gives you the chance to see Lauritzen Gardens in a whole new light. Literally. This giveaway is for four passes to Bright Nights PLUS four S’mores kits to use while you’re there. If you’re not into evening outings, these passes can be used to visit during the day and see the Holiday Poinsettia Show, Merry & Bright.
About Bright Nights: Whether it’s a visit to the iconic 20’ tall poinsettia tree, a tour through the lush conservatory to see the holiday express, roasting marshmallows on the festival garden patio, or finding the perfect gift in the gift shop, there is a natural magic at Lauritzen Gardens that makes the season Merry & Bright.
This year’s show is inspired by the sights and sounds of Rockefeller Center and the holiday traditions in New York City. You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to the Big Apple, even though you’re still in Nebraska!
During Bright Nights, festive lighting installations show off the architecture and landscapes of the indoor gardens. Make memories with your family as you gather around the crackling fire, write letters to Santa, enjoy the family-friendly activities in the Family Chill Zone, create art in the Lite-Brite Forest, and take plenty of holiday card-worthy photos!
Bright Nights is held Nov. 19-20, 23, 25-27 or Dec. 2-4, 9-23, 26-30 from 4:30 to 8 p.m.
Value of this giveaway: $84.20 (Valid for the winner’s choice of Bright Nights event from Nov. 19-20, 23, 25-27 or Dec. 2-4, 9-23, 26-30 from 4:30 to 8 p.m OR valid for daytime admission from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 19 through Dec. 31, 2022; closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day)
Date 6 (COMPLETED)
UPDATE: A winner has been drawn! Congrats to Luana A.!
This Date Night is a feast for the senses: A pair of tickets to American Midwest Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, December 3, at 7:30 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater, plus a $30 gift card to Stories Coffee Co. (which has a new location opening soon at Midtown Crossing).
About “The Nutcracker”: Fresh, lively, and thoroughly entertaining, “The Nutcracker” highlights the versatility of American Midwest Ballet’s international cast of professional artists, backed by a polished ensemble of student dancers from across the metro area. “The Nutcracker” features lavish sets and more than 250 beautiful costumes.
American Midwest Ballet will have performances of this classic ballet in Council Bluffs as in Omaha. Performances at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center in Council Bluffs are Nov. 19 & 20. Performances at the Orpheum Theater in Omaha are Dec. 3 & 4.
About Stories Coffee Co.: Stories Coffee Co. has operated as a beloved coffeehouse, bakery, and small restaurant with a mission for helping the community for several years. Their newest location will be at Midtown Crossing, with an anticipated open date in early December. For the holidays, don’t miss Midtown Crossing’s Season of Lights display in Turner Park from Nov. 13 through Feb. 14, 2023.
Value of this giveaway: $164 (tickets only valid for December 3 at 7:30 p.m.)
Date 7 (COMPLETED)
UPDATE: A winner has been drawn! Congrats to Hayley S.!
This is a first for the 12 Dates of Christmas giveaways: A Me Time Giveaway. A Me Date. Whatever you want to call it, it’s designed to spoil the winner with a little alone time and pampering.
The winner of this Me Date giveaway will receive a relaxing facial customized to his or her particular needs at Harmony Med Spa! A customized facial takes you through the steps of cleansing, exfoliate, customized mask, massage and hydration in a relaxing 45-minute session. Leave with your skin glowing and feeling refreshed.
And, as a bonus, I’ve added a $25 gift certificate to Aksarben Nails, a salon near Harmony Med Spa (both are at Aksarben Village). Get yourself a manicure or add it to a larger pampering package.
About Harmony Med Spa: Harmony Med Spa provides premier medical spa service in Omaha, taking a comprehensive approach to treating all clients. The goal is to embark with you on your journey to your best self, with services as a support and a staff as your assistant along the journey.
I’ve had a customized facial at Harmony Med Spa and it is so refreshing. If you need a self-care break this holiday season, this is the place to go.
Value of this giveaway: $145
Date 8 (COMPLETED)
UPDATE: A winner has been drawn! Congrats to Kari J.!
How’s this for a date: A tasty brunch for two at Sofra and catching a new or classic film at Film Streams? The winner of this Date Night will receive a $30 gift card to the new Sofra at Midtown Crossing and a two tickets to Film Streams (either location – Dundee and Ruth Sokolof Theater), plus two free popcorns and 25% off other concessions.
About Sofra: Sofra is a purveyor of a unique European dining experience, with both fast-casual and full-service dining experiences. Since opening in 2018, Sofra Creperie has brought the sweet and savory tastes of crepes to the Omaha food scene.
And now, Sofra Kitchen is a full-service restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. Unique dishes include the Truffle Shrimp roll made with a French brioche, Lox Avocado toast and the BLT Benedict, as well as classic items such as the Sofra Burger, which is our take on the famous ‘Big Mac’. Dishes are curated by Mikel Fane, a European chef and good friend with over a decade of experience working in regions such as Italy, Greece, and the Mediterranean coast.
About Film Streams: Film Streams is a 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization dedicated to enhancing the cultural environment of the Omaha-Council Bluffs area through the presentation and discussion of film as an art form. They oversee two beautiful cinemas: the Ruth Sokolof Theater, the two-screen venue we opened in 2007 in North Downtown Omaha, and the historic Dundee Theater, Omaha’s longest surviving neighborhood cinema.
Value of this prize: $64 (Sofra gift card is valid for Sofra Kitchen at Midtown Crossing)
Date 9 (COMPLETED)
UPDATE: A winner has been drawn! Congrats to Sara O.!
Omaha’s only themed cafe is bringing you this next Family Date Night Prize. The winner of this giveaway will receive a gift certificate good for drinks and treats for two adults and two kids at Edge of the Universe!
Edge of the Universe’s menu is inspired by the current theme, which is Witches Brew, and includes gourmet hot chocolate and latte drinks, as well as boozy options like themed cocktails and wine. The cafe sells baked treats as well as charcuterie boards.
About Edge of the Universe: The unique concept involves changing the theme of the cafe every few months. With every new theme, they feature a new local artist who will contribute to the vision of that theme and its execution.
Special events are planned throughout the theme’s run. This season’s special events includes Harry Potter Day on Dec. 3.
Value of this giveaway: $40
Date 10 (COMPLETED)
UPDATE: A winner has been drawn! Congrats to Kristine S.!
If this next giveaway isn’t already a part of your family’s holiday tradition, it will be after this! The winner of this Family Date Night receives four tickets to “A Christmas Carol” on Dec. 1 and to complete the night, a $25 gift card to Zio’s Pizza.
About “A Christmas Carol”: Experience Omaha’s favorite holiday tradition, “A Christmas Carol,” as Ebenezer Scrooge takes us on a life-changing journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas. The winner of this giveaway will receive a 4-pack of tickets to the Thursday, Dec. 1, performance of “A Christmas Carol” at Omaha Community Playhouse!
This is a must-see holiday event for the entire family, filled with stunning Victorian costumes, festive music and crisp, wintry sets. The production runs Nov. 18 through Dec. 23.
Value of this giveaway: Up $185 (adult tickets are $40 each; student tickets are $26 each; tickets only valid for the December 1 at 7:30 p.m. performance)
Date 11 (COMPLETED)
UPDATE: A winner has been drawn! Congrats to Derek!
This giveaway is HUGE, like Elsa and Anna HUGE. Omaha Performing Arts is bringing the Broadway touring production of “Disney’s Frozen” to Omaha and the winner of this Family Date Night giveaway will win four tickets to “Disney’s Frozen” The Musical” on April 25! Plus, what goes better with “Frozen” than ice cream? The winner also get a $25 gift card to Ted & Wally’s.
About “Frozen”: An unforgettable theatrical experience filled with sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances, “Frozen” is everything you want in a musical: It’s moving. It’s spectacular. And above all, it’s pure Broadway joy. From the producer of “The Lion King” and “Aladdin,” “Fozen “the Tony®-nominated Best Musical, is now on tour across North America, and the critics rave, “It’s simply magical!” (LA Daily News).
“Frozen” features the songs you love from the original Oscar®-winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters, Oscar-winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT-winner Robert Lopez. Oscar-winner Jennifer Lee (book), Tony- and Olivier Award-winner Michael Grandage (director), and Tony-winner Rob Ashford (choreographer) round out the creative team that has won a cumulative 16 Tony Awards.
About Ted & Wally’s: Ted & Wally’s is a small, family-owned business that has been serving Nebraska since 1984. They use real, authentic ingredients sourced from local farmers, chefs, and artisans. Their old school process produces ultra-premium 20% butterfat ice cream that is perfectly rich and has a one-of-a-kind personality.
Value of this giveaway: $413 (tickets are only valid for the April 25 performance at 7:30 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater)
Date 12 (Giveaway starts November 23)
I can vouch for this final giveaway being a fantastic date spot: Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel’s The Committee Chophouse! The winner of this Date Night will receive lunch for two at The Committee Chophouse and one custom cake or pie to take home.
About The Committee Chophouse’s new lunch menu: Indulge in Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel’s seasonal dining experiences! For the first time, the fine dining premier steakhouse, The Committee Chophouse is offering a new lunch menu from Executive Chef Ryan Arensdorf, as well as customized holiday cakes and pies by Executive Pastry Chef Leah Meyer.
Start celebrating the holidays early with lunch for two at The Committee Chophouse and a custom cake or pie to take home.
Value of this giveaway: $250 (prize must be redeemed by December 24)