Celebrating the holidays on a budget is easy in Omaha – there are dozens of free events, markets, and chances to meet Santa in November and December. Here’s a rundown of all budget-friendly Christmas events in Omaha in 2022.
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Looking for the ultimate list of holiday events in Omaha? I’ve got you covered.
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Free holiday events in November & December
Santa’s Wonderland
When: Nov. 5 through Dec. 24, 2022
Where: Bass Pro Shops, 2901 Bass Pro Drive, Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Cabela’s, 12703 Westort Parkway, LaVista, Neb.
What: Santa arrived extra early this year. Reserve a time to see Santa online starting Oct. 30, and get a free picture with him.
Cost: FREE
Holiday Popup Series
When: Saturdays, Nov. 5 through Dec. 17, noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Mulhalls, 3615 N. 120th St.
What: Local makers and other small businesses will set up pop-up shops throughout the holidays. List of vendors here.
Cost: FREE
Season of Lights
When: Nov. 13 through Feb. 14, 2023
Where: Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 31st and Farnam streets, Omaha
What: Thousands of lights will adorn trees at Turner Park and along Farnam Street.
Cost: FREE
“The Giving Snowman” StoryWalk
When: Nov. 20 through Dec. 31
Where: 100 block of West Broadway in Council Bluffs, Iowa
What: Kids and families are invited to take a walk through the 100 block as they read pages from a book displayed in business windows. More details here.
Cost: FREE
Holiday Lights Festival Lighting Displays
When: Nov. 24 through Jan. 2, 2023
Where: 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).
What: Gorgeous light displays in three iconic areas of Omaha.
Cost: FREE
Christmas in Olde Towne Holiday Lights & Music Show
When: Nov. 24 through Jan. 7, 2023; Sunday-Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m. (complete show), Friday-Saturday, 5 to 10 p.m. (complete show), and a show for people with light and sound sensitivities Sunday-Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Where: Washington Park on Franklin Street in Bellevue, Neb.
What: Bellevue’s annual drive-thru holiday lights show
Cost: FREE
Lights of Aksarben
When: Nov. 25 through end of December on Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m.; lighting ceremony will be on Nov. 25
Where: Stinson Park at Aksarben Village, 2232 S. 64th St.
What: Stinson Park will be transformed into a festive wonderland filled with fun, excitement, and activities for all ages. Cocoa With a Cop is on Dec. 9.
Cost: FREE
Holiday Miniature Village Display
When: Nov. 25 through Jan. 7, 2023
Where: Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, 1001 S. Sixth St., Council Bluffs, Iowa
Cost: FREE
ArtisTREES
When: Dec. 10 and 17, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Harvester Artist Lofts & Gallery, 1000 S. Main St., Council Bluffs, Iowa
What: An artist-made holiday with a large collection of artist-decorated trees and winter- and holiday-themed art show. Come walk in the fun and artistic winter wonderland and purchase that special ornament, tree, decor and more.
Cost: FREE
Trivia: The Ghost of Christmas Preset – Hit Me With a F***ing Toaster
When: Dec. 15 starting at 7 p.m.
Where: Full Fledged Brewing Co., 40 Arena Way, Council Bluffs, Iowa
What: Trivia night at the brewery with prizes for the winners.
Cost: FREE
Santa and Reindeer
When: Dec. 16, 2:30 to 6 p.m.
Where: Hy-Vee, 16418 Westside Drive, Plattsmouth, Neb.
What: Meet Santa and reindeer as well as enjoy decorating cookies and crafts.
Cost: FREE
Interactive movie screening of “The Grinch”
When: Dec. 16, doors open at 5 p.m. and movie starts at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Saddlebrook branch of Omaha Public Library, 14850 Laurel Ave.
What: Bring a blanket and a picnic, and enjoy the movie.
Cost: FREE
Sounds of The Season Holiday Concert Series
When: Dec. 16-18; performances are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Where: Bellevue East High School Auditorium, 1401 High School Drive, Bellevue, Neb.
What: The United States Air Force Heartland of America Band presents free concerts featuring a variety of classic holiday tunes and new arrangements.
Cost: FREE (reserve online here)
Christmas Storytime
When: Dec. 17, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Where: Barreras Farm Market, 14449 F St.
What: The farm market’s monthly storytime this month is all about Christmas – fun books and a Santa craft! Storytime is geared towards 3-6 years old, but all ages are welcome.
Cost: FREE (RSVP here)
A Christmas Story, S’mores & Sweaters
When: Dec. 17, 7 p.m. (s’mores roasting starts at 6 p.m.)
Where: Edge of the Universe, 6070 Maple St.
Cost: FREE
Christmas Movie Trivia
When: Dec. 20, 7 p.m.
Where: Edge of the Universe, 6070 Maple St.
Cost: FREE
DU Xmas Happy Hour
When: Dec. 21, 5 p.m.
Where: Down Under, 3530 Leavenworth St.
What: It’s the annual Xmas potluck, plus live music with Punchclock Martyrs performing “The Very Hairy Carey Merry Xmas Show”
Cost: FREE
Christmas Movie Bingo
When: Dec. 21, 7 p.m.
Where: Edge of the Universe, 6070 Maple St.
Cost: FREE
Yule Night Event
When: Dec. 22, 7 p.m.
Where: Edge of the Universe, 6070 Maple St.
What: Yule is a celebration of the winter solstice and is celebrated Dec. 21 through Jan. 1 this year. There will be spiced foods and ale, burning negative energies and making traveling yule logs out of pinecones.
Cost: FREE