The holiday season is upon us, and soon, a familiar jolly figure makes his way through the city’s events. Yes, Santa Claus himself has marked his calendar with a series of stops in Omaha, ensuring that kids of all ages get a chance to share their Christmas with him. Whether you’re looking to capture that picture-perfect moment with Santa, enjoy a hearty breakfast alongside him, or partake in fun-filled activities, Omaha has something special in store. Keep reading for the ultimate guide to the best Santa sightings, photo opportunities, and when he’ll be at festive events in the city this year!
Note: This post was first published in 2023, and is being updated for 2024. Want to add your Santa event? Leave a comment here with the details or email me at Kim (at) ohmyomaha (dot) com with the following details: When, Where, What, and Cost. Thanks!
2024 events and photo opportunities with Santa Claus
- Santa’s Wonderland is Nov. 2 through Dec. 24, 2024 at Bass Pro Shops, 2901 Bass Pro Drive, Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Cabela’s, 12703 Westport Parkway, LaVista, Neb. You can get a photo with Santa for free; you can show up without a reservation but expect a wait. There is a free weekday giveaway, while supplies last. Special activities include Christmas Tales With Santa & Mrs. Claus on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. from Nov. 4 through Dec. 17 and Yuletide Breakfast on Nov. 16 & 23 and Dec. 7 at 9 a.m. Reservations are required for special activities.
- You can take photos with Santa at Westroad Mall, 10000 California St., starting Nov. 21. Photo package must be purchased. Reservations can be made, but walk-ups are welcomed. Hours are Nov. 21 & 22, 2 to 7 p.m.; Nov. 23, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Nov. 24, noon to 6 p.m.; Nov. 25-27, 2 to 7 p.m.; Nov. 29 & 30, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 1, noon to 6 p.m.; Dec. 2-7, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 8, noon to 6 p.m.; Dec. 9-14, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 15, noon to 6 p.m.; Dec. 16-21, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 22, noon to 6 p.m.; Dec. 23, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Dec. 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pet Nights are from 4 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 25 & 26, Dec. 2 & 3, and Dec. 9 & 10.
- Santa will visit The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St., during Christmas at Union Station on the weekends (and some weekdays) from Nov. 29 through Dec. 22 with this schedule: Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 3 p.m. Family Nights With Santa are Tuesdays, Dec. 3, 10 & 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. He’ll also visit on Dec. 17-18 and Dec. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Included with museum admission.
- Santa’s at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St., this season from Nov. 29 through Dec. 22. See him in the annual holiday show, Santa’s Magic, a mix of theater and a chance for kids to talk one-on-one with Santa, sharing their wish list and getting a picture taken. There are multiple shows a day, and it’s included with museum admission.
- Santa will be a Mangelsen’s, 3457 S. 84th St., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following days: Nov. 29 & 30, and Dec. 1, 8, 15, 21 & 22.
- Get photos with Santa at Regency Shopping Center, 120 Regency Parkway (center court outside of Borsheims) from Nov. 29 through Dec. 24, 2024; Special Hour Days are Nov. 29 through 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Dec. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Regular hours are Mondays through Fridays from 2 to 8 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Santa takes a 30-minute break each day. Cameras are allowed with a minimum purchase.
- Santa will be at Lauritzen Garden’s Bright Nights event on Dec. 1, 6-8, and 11-23 from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Price varies by night. Lauritzen Gardens is located First and Bancroft streets, Omaha, Neb.
- Santa At Christmas at the Farm is Dec. 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2024 from noon to 6 p.m. at Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Patch, 11001 S. 48th St., Papillion, Neb. This festive event will have kids play areas and decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus. Santa will, of course, also be there for photos. Admission is $12 and includes hot chocolate, cookie and Christmas ornament. Kids ages 2 and under are free.
- Santa Visits Kros Strain Brewing Co., 10411 Portal Road, Suite 102, La Vista, Neb., on Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be free craft area for the kids while you wait, as well as food trucks and Freedman Baking Co. selling baked goods. No pre-registration; you’ll sign up when you arrive. Bring your own camera. FREE
- Pet photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on Dec. 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Town and Country Animal Rescue, 14110 S. 84th St., Papillion, Neb. Free-will donation; proceeds support T & C rescue animals.
- Santa Stravaganza is Dec. 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nebraska Furniture Mart, 700 S. 72nd St. FREE
- Cookies With The Clauses is Dec. 14 & 21, 2024 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium at the Robert B. Daugherty Education Center. The morning event includes story time with Santa, cookie decorating, and and learning how to give a gift to the animals in your own backyard. Tickets are $30; children 1 and under are free but must be included in the group count when ordering.
- Signing Santa will be at Raising Cane’s, 7060 Dodge St., on Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in partnership with UNO group, Allies for Sign Language, to bring an all-inclusive holiday event for the Deaf, Deaf Blind, and Hard of Hearing Community while raising funds for the organization. 15% of all sales at the restaurant will be donated back to Allies for Sign Language when the fundraiser is mentioned at the register.
- Santa will be at the Holiday Market at Sheelytown Market, 3522 Center St., on Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. FREE
- Get your pet’s photo with Santa Paws on Dec. 15 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Omaha Dog Bar, 1231 S. 14th St. Pictures are $20, and 100% of the proceeds go to ShelterMe Nebraska.
- Santa will be at Peak Performance, 519 N. 78th St., on Dec. 15 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Come for pictures, cookies and hot cocoa. FREE
- Dinner with Santa and Mrs. Claus is Dec. 15 starting at 4 p.m. at Kikkers, 1503 Ave. C, Council Bluffs, Iowa. The meet & greet, free photo, and giveaways included with the pasta buffet, which is $10 for ages 8 and over, $5 ages 3 to 7, and under 3 free. Full menu also available.
- Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Blue Gems ABA’s free Annual Holiday Event on Dec. 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. There will also be pizza, drinks, train rides, carousel rides, and the Bubble Show. FREE
- Santa will be at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, 3607 Metro Drive, Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Dec. 16 from 5 to 8 p.m.
- Dinner With Santa is Dec. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Quaker Steak and Lube, 3320 Mid America Drive, Council Bluffs, Iowa. Kids eat for 99¢ with the purchase of an adult entrée.
- Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Children’s Christmas Party on Dec. 21, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tangier Shrine, 2823 S. 84th St. The free event includes breakfast with Santa Claus is from 9 to 10 a.m., as well as games, crafts, clowns, Keystone Kops, Omaha area mascots, and cookie decorating. FREE
- Santa will be at The Book Nook, 114 N. Washington St., Papillion, Neb., on Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. FREE
- Santa will visit each Ted & Wally’s location in December. He’ll be at the Old Market location, 12th and Jackson streets, on Dec. 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. and the Benson location, 6023 Maple St., on Dec. 22 from 2 to 4 p.m.
More holiday fun in Omaha
Story times and photos with Santa Claus are just the beginning of holiday festivities in Omaha. For more things to do this November and December, check out these posts:
