I love Omaha in November and December, when the city is decorated with lights and garland, and the annual holiday shows are performed in front of packed audiences. Do you remember that? The Omaha holiday season is back…well sorta. Things look different with masks and social distancing, but they’re back! I want to celebrate the Omaha arts venues, restaurants and attractions that have survived 2020 and 2021, and so, here is a mega giveaway.
12 Dates of Christmas Giveaways
Here’s how it’s going to work: Each day, a new giveaway begins. Each lasts just 24 hours, so don’t wait to enter. The first giveaway is on Nov. 27 and the final one is Dec. 8.
Important: Winners are contacted via the email they used to sign up for Rafflecopter. If you use Facebook to sign up for Rafflecopter, make sure that email connected to your Facebook account is one you regularly check.
What sort of dates are there? I reached out to my favorite places around Omaha – ones I’ve worked with or reviewed or have supported over the years – and invited them to be a part of this giveaway. So, there are plays, musicals, indoor entertainment centers, forests…a little bit of everything! There are family dates and date night options.
Good luck!
12 Dates Of Christmas
12 days. 12 different giveaways.
We made it to the holidays! Let's celebrate and experience the best of what Omaha has to offer.
Today's Giveaway is Date 12!
{COMPLETED} A Very Die Hard Date
The prize: Grab your Twinkies and favorite explosive device, the winner of this prize will receive two tickets to nearly-sold-out “A Very Die Hard Christmas,” on stage at BlueBarn Theatre, 1106 S. 10th St.
The live theatrical performance pairs John McClane versus Hans Gruber and runs from Nov. 26 through Dec. 19. The winner’s tickets are good for the 7:30 p.m. performance on Thursday, Dec. 9.
And while it's not an armful of Twinkies, the winner also will get $25 to spend on ice cream at Ted & Wally's (1120 Jackson St. and 6023 Maple St.).
Special thanks to BlueBarn Theatre for providing the tickets and to Ted & Wally's Premium Ice Cream for the gift card.
Giveaway details: This 24-hour giveaway was Nov. 27 from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. CST. Congrats to Traci W.!
{COMPLETED} It's A Wonderful Family Date x 2
The prize: The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St., wants your family to have a most wonderful date this holiday season AND another one in 2022! The winner of this date receives four tickets to "It's a Wonderful Life," on stage Dec. 3-19 as well as four tickets to "Giraffes Can't Dance," which runs April 8 through May 1, 2022.
The only thing better than taking your kids to a great show is taking your kids to a great show and then taking them to get great ice cream! The winner of this package also receives a $25 gift card to Ted & Wally's (1120 Jackson St. and 6023 Maple St.).
Special thanks to The Rose Theater for providing the tickets and to Ted & Wally's Premium Ice Cream for the gift card.
Giveaway details: This 24-hour giveaway is Nov. 28 from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. CST. Congrats to Patrick C.!
{COMPLETED} A Tiny Tim Approved Family Date
The prize: If attending Omaha Community Playhouse’s production of “A Christmas Carol” isn’t a family tradition yet, maybe this year is the start for you. The winner of this prize will receive four tickets to “A Christmas Carol” at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St.! Tickets are good for the either the Dec. 1 or Dec. 8 evening peformance (starts at 7 p.m.)
Experience Omaha’s favorite holiday tradition as Ebenezer Scrooge takes us on a life-changing journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Filled with stunning Victorian costumes, festive music and crisp, wintry sets, "A Christmas Carol" is a beautiful reminder of the power of redemption and the generosity that lies at the heart of the Christmas holiday. The show runs Nov. 19 through Dec. 23.
Special thanks to Omaha Community Playhouse for providing tickets.
Giveaway details: This 24-hour giveaway is Nov. 29 from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. CST.
{COMPLETED} A Fab Four Kind of Date
The prize: Hey Beatles fans, you’ll love this prize. The winner will receive two tickets to Rave On Productions’ performance of “Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience” - valid for any show except New Year's Eve! “Yesterday and Today” runs from Nov. 26 through Dec. 31 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St.
Before the show, get dinner at Hook & Lime, 735 N. 14th St., with the $30 gift card that's included with this prize!
The winner of this prize will also receive the book "100 Things to Do in Omaha Before You Die in Omaha" by Tim & Lisa Trudell. Whether you grew up in Omaha, call yourself an Omahan now, or are just passing through, this book will make you stop and say, "I didn't realize that was in Omaha." Use it to plan future dates!
"Yesterday and Today" is the nation’s most innovative and unique show utilizing the works of the Beatles. This amazing band, anchored by brothers Billy, Matthew and Ryan perform as themselves and leave the song choices completely in the hands of the audience. This is done through request cards that audience members fill out prior to the show. On those cards, the audience member only needs to fill out three things: their name, their favorite Beatles Song and the reason why they chose that song. The cards are collected a few minutes before the show beings and a set list is created based upon the songs chosen by that audience.
As an added treat, the reasons why each song was chosen becomes the narrative for the evening. Every show is different, every show is interactive and every show proves that the Beatles music truly is the soundtrack to our lives.
Special thanks to Rave On Productions for providing tickets to the show and Tim & Lisa Trudell, authors of "Unique Eats and Eateries of Omaha," "100 Things to Do in Omaha Before You Die in Omaha" and "100 Things to Do in Nebraska Before You Die," for providing the gift card and book.
Giveaway details: This 24-hour giveaway is Nov. 30 from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. CST.
{COMPLETED} Merry & Bright Family Date
The prize: This family date can be enjoyed day or night! The winner receives six guest passes to Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Passes are good to visit during the holiday exhibit, Merry & Bright OR the evening Bright Nights events. Plus, to sweeten the experience, the winner will receive four s’mores kits for tasty treats while at the garden.
Note: S’mores kits are only available through Jan. 3.
Merry & Bright features thousands of poinsettias, a 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree, festive foliage, and the whir and whistle of the holiday express during this family-friendly event that has become an Omaha holiday tradition. It runs now through Jan. 3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).
During Bright Nights, families can explore the illuminated indoor gardens on select nights. See festive installations that glow and shine, and showcase nature in a new light. Bright Nights is held on Nov. 26-28, Dec. 3-5, 10-23, 26-30, and Jan. 2-3 from 5 to 8 p.m. each evening.
Special thanks to Lauritzen Gardens for providing the passes and s’mores.
Giveaway details: This 24-hour giveaway is Dec. 1 from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. CST.
{COMPLETED} Santa & Ice Cream Family Date
The prize: The holidays are a special time for young kids and no place makes it more magical than Omaha Children’s Museum! The winner of this prize receives a pass for four to visit the museum! Visit now through Dec. 23 to attend the show “Santa’s Magic,” featuring Santa, Rudolph, indoor snow and more surprises. After the show, kids will get to share their wish list with Santa. The pass admits up to four people to the museum and is good for one year.
To make it a complete afternoon out, enjoy ice cream at Ted & Wally’s afterward! Winner will receive a $25 gift card to the local ice cream shop. The closest location to the museum is in the Old Market.
Special thanks to Omaha Children’s Museum for the Family Four Pass and Ted & Wally’s for the gift card.
Giveaway details: This 24-hour giveaway is Dec. 2 from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. CST.
{COMPLETED} Christmas at Union Station Family Date
The prize: Enjoy all the magic of Christmas at Union Station with a Family Day Pass to The Durham Museum 801 S. 10th St. While there, enjoy four free soda fountain treats.
See the region’s largest indoor Christmas tree, and if you visit Tuesday through Sunday, Nov. 26 through Dec. 23, the kids can talk to Santa. Holiday concerts are held Saturdays, noon-1 p.m., and Tuesday evenings, Nov. 27 – Dec. 21. And don't miss the holiday display, "Season’s Greetings, Omaha!" Nov. 26 – Jan. 9, 2022.
The Family Day Pass admits two adults and all dependent children living in one household or up to four grandchildren, and is good for any time now through Jan. 10, 2022.
Special thanks to The Durham Museum for donating the pass and certificate for soda fountain treats.
Giveaway details: This 24-hour giveaway is Dec. 3 from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. CST.
{COMPLETED} Date Night at Midtown Crossing
The prize: Midtown Crossing has a fabulous night out planned for the winner of this prize. Enjoy dinner for two with a $50 gift card to Pa Mas Taqueria & Grill, 220 S. 31st Ave., Suite 3107, a new restaturant that takes street tacos to a new level.
Afterward, head to nearby Whiskey at Proof Whiskey Bar & Craft Cocktails, 200 S. 31st Ave., to enjoy a night cap with a $50 gift card. Proof is Omaha's premier whiskey and bourbon bar.
End the night strolling around the Season of Lights. Tens of thousands of white LED lights are strung throughout Turner Park and along Farnam Street now through Feb. 14, 2022.
Special thanks to Midtown Crossing for the gift cards.
Giveaway details: This 24-hour giveaway is Dec. 4 from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. CST.
{COMPLETED} A Year Of Forest Dates
The prize: Since the scenery always changes at Fontenelle Forest, it's only fair to give the winner of this prize a whole year of family dates to experience it. And by a year of dates, I mean a Household Memberships!
Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N, Bellevue, Neb., has more than 24 miles of trails. A Household Membership is good for two adults living in the same household and up to ten (10) children or grandchildren (under the age of 18). Members also have free acccess to Neale Woods. Note: Membership must be activatetd by April 1, 2022.
Fontenelle is a wonderland to explore in the winter, so the winner of this prize will also receive one free Family Snowshoe Rental! Call-ahead reservations are highly encouraged to ensure availability.
Special thanks to Fontenelle Forest for the membership and certificate for snowshoe rentals.
Giveaway details: This 24-hour giveaway is Dec. 5 from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. CST.
{COMPLETED} Family Date Night On Broadway
Prize: One of the most beloved Broadway musicals is on tour and coming to Omaha Feb. 8-13, 2022, and Omaha Performing Arts wants one family to go see it for their Family Date Night! One winner will receive four tickets to the Broadway touring musical "Fiddler on the Roof" when it is performed at the Orpheum Theater 409 S. 16th St.
Rich with musical hits you know and love, including “Tradition,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “If I Were A Rich Man,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “To Life (L’Chaim!),” "Fiddler on the Roof" is the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives and life, love and laughter.
Tony Award®-winning director Bartlett Sher brings his fresh take on a beloved masterpiece to life as it comes to Omaha direct from Broadway. Featuring a talented cast, lavish orchestra and stunning movement, "Fiddler on the Roof" will introduce a new generation to the uplifting celebration that raises its cup to joy! To love! To life!
Special thanks to Omaha Performing Arts for providing the tickets.
Giveaway details: This 24-hour giveaway is Dec. 6 from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. CST.
{COMPLETED} An Amazing Family Date
The prize: This Family Date Night is guaranteed to be a blast! Enjoy a night out at Amazing Pizza Machine, 13955 S Plaza, with a $100 gift card to spend on arcade games, laser tag, and a huge buffet. There are different admission packages to choose from so you can spend as much time as you want or pack it all into a few hours.
Amazing PIzza Machine has more than 170 games, rides, and attractions, including go-karts, virtual reality, and a play area for little ones.
Special thanks to Amazing Pizza Machine for the gift card.
Giveaway details: This 24-hour giveaway is Dec. 7 from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. CST.
Family Date In Midtown
The prize: It's a very merry prize for the whole family! The winner of this prize will have a memorable family date at Midtown Crossing. Enjoy pizza at Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza, 220 S. 31st Ave., suite 3103 ($50 gift card). Save room for dessert with a $25 gift card for tasty ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery, 3220 Farnam St., suite 2107.
Then it's time to get creative! The winner receives a gift certificate to Corky Canvas for four sessions, 3157 Farnam St., suite 7108. Check their calendar ahead of time for Family Day sessions.
Capture the family memories in front of the giant tree in Farnam Court (near Cold Stone Creamery). Turner Park and Farnam Street is decorated for the holidays with tens of thousands of white LED lights through Feb. 14, 2022.
Special thanks to Midtown Crossing for the gift cards.
Giveaway details: This 24-hour giveaway is Dec. 8 from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. CST.
How are winners announced?
I’ve had some people ask how they can find out if they won. I email the winner of each giveaway. If you want to double check, in case you may have missed the email, check the Rafflecopter giveaway page. Each giveaway is ran trough Rafflecopter and when a giveaway ends, the winner’s first name and last name initial are added to the Rafflecopter page. If you click the “Enter the Giveaway” button, you’ll find that giveaway’s winner name there.
Troubles with Rafflecopter?
Each giveaway form is housed on the site Rafflecopter.com. While it’s great way to run a giveaway and helps draw random winners, it isn’t perfect. If you have problems logging into the site to enter the giveaway, these two things:
- Using a different web browser
- Clearing your browser’s cache
Please reach out to me in a comment below or via email at ohmyomaha (at) gmail (dot) com. if you’re still having troubles.
Gretchen Garrison
Thursday 2nd of December 2021
Thanks for taking the time to do these giveaways!
Lesly Christensen
Sunday 28th of November 2021
How fun! I love the experience giveaways. Making memories is my favorite. They all sound amazing and hoping to take our family to some of these, some of them I hadnt heard about. Thanks!