Merry and Free: Can’t-Miss Christmas Events In Omaha In 2025

Celebrating the holidays on a budget is easy in Omaha – there are dozens of free events, markets, and festive nights out in November and December. Here’s a rundown of all the FREE Christmas events in Omaha in 2025. There’s a lot more going on this holiday season, including many ticketed events, so be sure to check out the ultimate list of holiday events in Omaha.

UPDATED: This post was first published in 2022, and updates have begun for the 2025 season. Want to add an event? Leave a comment with the details or email me at Kim (at) ohmyomaha (dot) com.

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People stand in front of the large decorated tree at the German-American Society during their annual event, Christmas in Germany. — Christmas In Germany

Totally free holiday events in Omaha in 2025

Santa’s Wonderland is Nov. 1 through Dec. 24 at Bass Pro Shops, 2901 Bass Pro Drive, Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Cabela’s, 12703 Westort Parkway, LaVista, Neb. Santa arrived extra early this year at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s! Santa’s Arrival is on Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. and photos start on Nov. 2. Reserve a time to see Santa online and get a free picture with him.
Enjoy free ice skating during Winterland at Heartwood Preserve from Nov. 1 through Feb. 26, 2026 at The Ice Rink at Heartwood Park, 301 N. 145th St. Skate rentals are also free.
La Vista Public Library, 9110 Giles Road, La Vista, Neb., will host the following free events this season: Adult Holiday Card Marking on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m.; Elf Academy for ages 4-12 on Dec. 13 at 10:30 a.m.; Holiday Songs and Meanings on Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. (families welcome); and Christmas Colorland Drop-In on Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Music Bingo is Dec. 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Heavy Brewing, 20333 Patton St., Gretna, Neb.
Selfies With The Grinch is Dec. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nebraska Furniture Mart, 7309 Jones St. There’s a free gift, while supplies last.
Cookies With Cops is Dec. 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Hy-Vee, 11650 S. 73rd St., Papillion, Neb. It’s a free cookie decorating party with the Papillion Police Department, that will also have coloring pages and hot cocoa.
Holiday Music Bingo is Dec. 22 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Omaha Tap House (Pepperwood location), 579 N. 155th Plaza. They’re also having a toy drive.
Holiday Music Bingo is Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Twisted Vine, 123 N. Washington St., Papillion, Neb. Reserve a table by emailing [email protected]. There will also be an ugly sweater contest. Must be 21+.

Free holiday lights displays in Omaha

A large Christmas tree on display at Heartland of America Park — Holiday Lights Festival tree at Heartland of America Park

Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing is one of the earliest displays to go up in the Omaha Metro each year. This year, it starts on Nov. 16! You can see it each night through Feb. 14, 2026. The magical display is throughout Turner Park, as well as along Farnam Street, and it’s free to visit. Prime photo opportunities at Season of Lights include the decorated tree in Farnam Court and Santa’s comfy sleigh positioned with glimmering Turner Park in the background.
Holiday Lights Festival Lighting Displays – Nov. 29 through Jan. 1, 2026. Gorgeous light displays in four iconic areas of Omaha: Omaha RiverFront (Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park & Lewis & Clark Landing), Old Market (10th to 13th streets, and from Harney to Jackson streets), North Omaha (six-block area around 24th and Lake streets) and South Omaha (24th Street between L and Q streets).
Christmas in Olde Towne Holiday Lights & Music Show starts each year on Thanksgiving night at Washington Park, 1943 Franklin St., Bellevue, Neb. This year’s hours have not been announced yet, but in the past, they’ve been on display nightly until about 10 p.m. What’s unique about this show is that they offer an experience for people with sensitivities to flashing lights and sounds.