Christmas Kick-Off: Tree Lighting Ceremonies Around Omaha In 2025

Some places don’t simply turn on their Christmas lights for the season. No. They like to go all out with a grand ceremony, and perhaps, a parade. If you’d like to attend one of the tree lighting ceremonies, you’re in luck. There are quite a few in 2025!

Every year, the giant Salvation Army Tree of Lights towers over the intersection of 90th and Dodge streets. The ceremony to light it, the Tree of Lights Family Festival is one worth attending at least once. This year, the free Tree of Lights Family Festival takes place at Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. at American National Bank, 8990 Dodge Road, Omaha. There will be live music and Santa. The tree lighting happens just after sunset.

The City of Blair’s Christmas Tree Lighting takes place during the Tannenbaum Festival on Nov. 20 at 218 S. 16th St., Blair, Neb. The lighting is at 6 p.m., and lots of events are planned from 5 to 7 p.m.

Winterfest at Bayliss Park is one of Council Bluffs’ most anticipated holiday events each year. In 2025, Winterfest will take place on Nov. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, Iowa. The best part is: It’s all free. Activities begin with the holiday lighting ceremony promptly at 6 p.m. Expect Santa, Mrs. Claus and reindeer, as well as activities like face painting, a screening of “Frozen 2” (plus character meet & greets), ice sculpting, art activities, a market, bike ride with the Grinch, and free hot cocoa.

Shadow Lake Towne Center’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade is Nov. 22 at 6 p.m. Santa will be in the parade, as well as other characters. The tree lighting is immediately after the parade. The event is free. The shopping center is located at 72nd Street and Highway 370, Papillion, Neb.

Village Pointe Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration is Nov. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 17151 Davenport St. The free event starts with the Peppermint Elves performance at 6 p.m. on the amphitheater stage, followed by Santa’s arrival by parade at 7 p.m. along Davenport Street. He’ll be joined by storybook and holiday characters, and he’ll also help light the tree. Get photos with Santa after the event inside the Marcus Village Pointe Cinema lobby until 9 p.m. You can also get photos with the holiday characters after the lighting ceremony in the amphitheater until 8 p.m. There will be free carriage rides following the tree lighting until 9 p.m. (pickup/drop-off is in front of the Movie Theater fireplace).

Lights of Aksarben: Making Spirits Bright is held over three nights at Aksarben Village, 67th and Center Road. The 2025 dates are Nov. 28, Dec. 5, and Dec. 12, all running from 6 to 8 p.m. The free events include Santa visits, dazzling lights, live music, sweet treats, a petting zoo, and festive crafts.

Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St., is Nov. 28, with festivities running from 4 to 8 p.m. and the Tree Lighting at about 7 p.m. There will be live music from Jordi and the Jitterbugs, cookie decorating, a scavenger hunt and holiday crafts, and Santa. Advanced registration encouraged, online or by calling (402) 444-5071 by Nov. 26. It’s included with museum admission.

Holiday Lights Lighting Ceremony is Nov. 30 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Gene Leahy Mall (the lighting should be at around 6 p.m.). NOTE: This is a rescheduled date. The original date was Nov. 29, but the weather forecast is pushing it to the 30th. The Holiday Lights Festival features hundreds of illuminated trees and joyful decorations spread seasonal cheer across Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing.

The La Vista tree lighting ceremony takes place on Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. at Central Park. It’s the festive conclusion of a day featuring Santa’s sleigh ride through neighborhoods from 1 to 5 p.m. The park is home otherwise Santa’s Workshop, which opens at 4 p.m. that day. There will be live animals, Christmas carols, free cookies, cocoa and glow sticks. Note: This is the rescheduled date. The original date was Nov. 30.

City of Gretna’s annual Greenery and Glitter includes a tree lighting ceremony in Peterson Park on Dec. 7 at 5:45 p.m.