No doubt about it, Christmas looked different in 2020. How Christmas in Omaha will be in 2021 remains to be determined. If you want to stick to Omaha holiday light displays, drive-thrus, and outdoor events, this is the list for you.
Update: This post was published in November 2020, and has been updated in September 2021 for current dates.
This list will be updated soon with more 2021 dates and times!
Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing
When: Nov. 14 through Feb. 14, 2022
Where: Midtown Crossing, 34th and Farnam streets.
Cost: FREE
Winterfest at Bayliss Park
When: Nov. 19, 5:30 to 8 p.m. (tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m.)
Where: Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, Iowa
Cost: FREE
Santa’s Rock N Lights
When: Nov. 19 through Jan. 2, 2022; hours are Sunday to Thursday 5:10 to 8:30 p.m., and Friday & Saturday 5:10 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Werner Park, 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, Neb.
Cost: $19.99 to $29.99
North Omaha Lighting Display
When: Nov. 22, 2021 through Jan. 3, 2022.
Where: Lights will be on display along a six-block area around 24th and Lake streets. Lights are part of the Holiday Lights Festival.
Cost: FREE
South Omaha Lighting Display
When: Nov. 22, 2021 through Jan. 3, 2022.
Where: Lights will be on display along 24th Street between L and Q streets. Lights are part of the Holiday Lights Festival.
Cost: FREE
Old Market Lighting Display
When: Nov. 22, 2021 through Jan. 3, 2022.
Where: Lights, garland, and festive decor will be on display from 10th to 13th streets, and from Harney to Jackson streets. Lights are part of the Holiday Lights Festival.
Cost: FREE
Christmas in Olde Towne
When: Nov. 25 through Jan. 8, 2022; Monday through Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m. (complete show), Friday through Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m. (complete show), and Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. (show that’s more sensory friendly)
Where: Washington Park, between East 19th and 20th Avenue and Franklin St., Bellevue, Neb.
Cost: FREE
Lights of Aksarben
When: Nov. 26, and Dec. 3, 10, & 17, 2021, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Aksarben Village, 67th and Center streets
What: Inside a heated tent located in Stinson Park there will complimentary coffee, hot cocoa and cookies and enjoy all of the beautiful lights throughout the park. There will be music, face painting, horse & carriage rides and special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Cost: FREE
Lights on Dundee
When: Dec. 2, 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: Dundee neighborhood along Underwood Avenue from about 50th Avenue to 52nd Avenue
Cost: FREE; several merchants are collecting donations
Christmas in Olde Towne Drive Thru Santa, Lights & Music Show
When: Dec. 4, 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Washington Park, between East 19th and 20th Avenue and Franklin St., Bellevue, Neb.
Cost: FREE, Bellevue Food Pantry will accept non-perishable food donations and monetary donations at the end of the route
Holiday Market
When: Dec. 4 and 5, 2021, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Aksarben Village, 67th and Center streets
What: The holiday shopping season at Aksarben Village will be in full swing inside a heated tent. Shop from local vendors, grab a bite to eat, warm drinks, and enjoy the season.
Cost: FREE
Winter Wonderland
When: Dec. 11 through Jan. 3, 2022 (closed Dec. 24, Dec. 25, and Jan. 1)
Where: Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N., Bellevue, Neb.
What: The Great Hall is decorated inside the Visitor Center, but the Trail of Lights is what you’ll want to see! The Riverview Boardwalk is aglow during this time. Hours are extended from Dec. 11-17 until 7 p.m. each night.
Cost: Included with forest admission.
More things to do outdoors around the holidays
Omaha has quite a few outdoor options that aren’t necessarily related to Christmas or other holidays this time of year. On this list of 30+ things to do in Omaha in the winter, you’ll find a number of outdoor options. A popular outdoor activity in the winter is ice skating, and there typically are one or two outdoor rinks.
If you’re up for a little road trip, here are some outdoor winter activities around Nebraska.