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!
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!
Santa’s Wonderland
When: Nov. 4 through Dec. 24, 2023
Where: Bass Pro Shops, 2901 Bass Pro Drive, Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Cabela’s, 12703 Westport Parkway, LaVista, Neb.
What: Santa arrived extra early this year. Reserve a time to see Santa online starting Oct. 29, and get a free picture with him. You can show up without a reservation but expect a wait. There is typically some sort of craft or activity available to do while you wait, though.
Cost: FREE
Zoolightful
When: Nov. 17 through Dec. 30, 2023; hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The event will not be held on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as Thursdays, Dec. 7 and 14. ** Santa will be at Zoolightful nightly through Dec. 22.
Where: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
What: Visiting Santa is just one of many activities during Zoolightful. Find him at Santa’s North Pole (AKA, the Mutual of Omaha Pavilion), where you can get pictures with him and drop off your wish lists.
Cost: Visiting Santa is included with your ticket to Zoolightful.
Santa visits at Christmas at Union Station
When: Christmas at Union Station opens Nov. 24, 2023. Santa will be at Santa’s Cabin Nov. 24 -Dec. 17 (Fridays-Saturdays, 10AM-Noon & 1-3PM; and Sundays from Noon-3PM) and Dec. 19-23 (Tuesday-Saturday, 10AM-Noon & 1-3PM). Santa also visits during the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 24, the Holiday Cultural Festival on Dec. 1 and Tuesday evenings for Family Nights with Santa (Tuesdays, 5-8PM: Nov. 28 and Dec. 5, 12 & 19).
Where: The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St., Omaha, Neb.
What: Visit Santa’s “cabin” located inside the Truhlsen Lecture Hall and talk with him from a distance on one of our “old-fashioned telephones or sit on his lap…you choose! If using the phone, Santa’s elves will be at the switchboard to make sure you get connected to the big guy himself. Then children have time to talk to Santa and tell him their wish list on their private phone call with the jolly old elf himself.
Cost: Included with museum admission. During the popular Christmas season, it’s highly encourage guests to reserve or buy a ticket in advance online or over the phone, including museum members.
Santa’s Magic
When: Nov. 24 through Dec. 23, 2023
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St., Omaha, Neb.
What: Santa’s Magic is an immersive, short show followed by a chance to visit with Santa and get a picture taken with him. It’s an annual temporary exhibit at the museum.
Cost: Included with admission; pictures are an additional fee
Santa at Regency
When: Nov. 24 through Dec. 24, 2023; Santa’s hours are Monday – Friday, 2 to 8 p.m. (break at 4:30 p.m.); Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. (break at 3:30 p.m.); Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. (break at 3:30 p.m.); and Saturday, Dec. 23, noon to 4 p.m. (no break)
Where: Regency Shopping Center, 120 Regency Parkway, Omaha (center court outside of Borsheims)
What: Photos with Santa, of course. Cameras are allowed with a minimum purchase.
Cost: Varies
Pictures With Santa
When: Nov. 24 through Dec. 24, 2023
Where: Westroads Mall, 10000 California St., Omaha, Neb., on the mall’s lower level, Von Maur Court
What: Visit with Santa and get photos with him.
Cost: Varies per package
Santa Visits at Ollie & Hobbes
When: Mondays, Dec. 4, 11 & 18, 2023 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. On Dec. 4, Santa will also have a reindeer outside.
Where: Ollie & Hobbes in Papillion (84th Street & Highway 370) on Dec. 4 & 18, and at the Ollie & Hobbes One Pacific Place location (105th & Pacific streets) on Dec. 11.
What: Bring a camera to meet Santa and get a picture with him at Ollie & Hobbes.
Cost: FREE (food and drinks are extra)
Photos with Santa
When: Dec. 9, 10 & 16, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: NFM, 700 S. 72nd St.
Cost: FREE (kids also get a free gift, while supplies last)
Christmas at the Farm
When: Dec. 9 & 10 and Dec. 16 & 17, 2023; Fridays from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Saturday & Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Patch, 11001 S. 48th St., Papillion, Neb.
What: Warm up with hot cocoa, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, and take a picture with Santa. Kids play areas will be open, and take a wagon ride through the Holiday Trail of Lights (if weather permits). Ornament decorating self serve and for additional cost face painting and balloons are available.
Cost: Admission is $10 and includes hot chocolate, cookie and Christmas craft bag. Kids ages 2 and under are free.
Family Nights With Santa
When: Dec. 12 and 19 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St.
What: The Durham stays open late on Tuesday nights, making it easy for families to meet Santa! There will also be the Craft Corner and live performances. Indoor “snowfall” is held at 7:50 p.m.
Cost: Included with admission
Santa at DJ’s Dugout
When: Dec. 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: DJ’s Dugout Millard, 17666 Welch Plaza
Cost: FREE
Breakfast with Santa
When: Dec. 16, 2023 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Where: Quaker Steak & Lube, 3320 Mid America Drive, Council Bluffs, Iowa
What: Breakfast with Santa will include a waffle bar, cocoa bar, bacon, eggs, toast, fresh fruit, coffee and more. There will be a craft table and photos with Santa, as well.
Cost: $20 per adult and $8 for kids 10 and younger
Breakfast with Santa
When: Dec. 16, 2023 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Where: Fala’s Treasures and Coffee House, 2627 N. 205th St., Elkhorn, Neb.
Cost: Breakfast is $8.95 for kids and $12.95 for adults
Cookies With The Clauses
When: Dec. 16 from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Where: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
What: Bring the family to Santa’s North Pole and listen to a story from Santa, decorate delicious cookies and learn how to make gifts for the animals in your own backyard.
Cost: $20 per attendee (kids 2 and under are FREE); includes admission to the zoo
Santa at “Candy” Canes
When: Dec. 16 from noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Raising Canes at Papillion Landing
What: Take photos with Santa, visit the Raising Cane’s table for a chance to win some awesome swag, and then play some soccer with friends on the open fields. Please consider bringing a box of diapers to support the Hornbaker Brother’s Ninth Annual Diaper Drive to Help the Babies to receive a Free Lemonade Card from Raising Canes.
Cost: FREE
Santa Stravaganza
When: Dec. 16 and 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: NFM, 700 S. 72nd St., Omaha, Neb.
What: See Santa and live reindeers, plus make crafts with Mrs. Claus.
Cost: FREE
Santa at Lanoha
When: Dec. 16 & 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Lanoha Nurseries, 19111 West Center Road, Omaha, Neb.
What: Take photos with Santa (pets welcome).
Cost: FREE
Kids’ Christmas Party
When: Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Canoyer Garden Center, 11240 S. 66th St., Papillion, Neb.
What: The party includes kids’ crafts, sweet treats, and to see the big man himself. Santa arrives at 11 a.m. Kids can enjoy making crafts like salt dough ornaments and holiday paper chains showing how tall they are this year. There will be cookies available for them to decorate! Activities for $10.
Cost: Kids crafts are $10
Selfies With Santa Paws
When: Dec. 23, noon to 1 p.m.
Where: Omaha Dog Bar, 1231 S. 14th St., Omaha, Neb.
What: Santa visits the Omaha Dog Bar for pictures with pups.
Cost: FREE, but Dog Bar policies are still in place
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:
