Where To Visit Santa Near Me? Omaha’s Top 2026 Events With Santa

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 2026. 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!

2026 events and photo opportunities with Santa Claus

• Santa’s Wonderland is open through Dec. 24, 2026 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 or buy a package. You can show up without a reservation but expect a wait.
• Look for Santa at Falconwood Frosty Nights Christmas Village & Lights at Falconwood Park, 905 Allied Road, Bellevue, Neb. The event runs Nov. 13 through Dec. 27. Daily passes and season passes available. There is no additional charge to get pictures with Santa.
• Santa will be at the Omaha Holiday Boutique from Nov. 13-15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a storytime and to talk with kids. Box office admission is $9; online only cost is $8. Children 12 and under are free at the door.
• Visit with Santa at the North Pole during Zoolightful at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. It runs Wednesday through Sunday nights from Nov. 18 through Jan. 10, 2027. Special Monday and Tuesday openings are on Dec. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, and 29. Hours are 6 to 9:30 p.m. Members receive 25% off tickets.
• Santa will play a big role in the Village Pointe Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration on Nov. 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Village Pointe Shopping Center, 17305 Davenport St. The Holiday Parade kicks things off, and afterward, you can get photos with Santa in the Movie Theater. Holiday Celebration is free.
• Santa, Mrs. Claus and reindeer will be at Winterfest at Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Nov. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. The tree lighting is promptly at 6 p.m. Head to Santa’s Workshop to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Winterfest is free.
• Breakfast with Santa, presented by Florentine Players & Florence Community Theater, is Nov. 21 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Florence City Hall, 8415 N. 29th St. The free event includes crafting with the elves, storytime, free breakfast and photos with Santa (bring your own camera).
• Santa will be at the 19th Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade on Nov. 21 at Shadow Lake Towne Center, 7775 Olson Drive, Papillion, Neb. The parade starts at 6 p.m. with fireworks immediately following.
• Santa will be at Mulhall’s, 3615 N. 120th St., from Nov. 27 through Dec. 20. Hours are Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays & Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. He’ll also be there on Thursdays, Dec. 10 and 17, from 4 to 6 p.m. Cost is $10 for members and $20 for non-members.
• See Santa in “Santa’s Magic,” the holiday show that runs multiple times daily from Nov. 27 through Dec. 23 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. Family Fun Weekend – Santa’s Arrival is Nov. 27-29. It’s included with admission.
• Santa will be at Oak View Mall, 3001 S. 144th St., from Nov. 27 through Dec. 24 for photos. Pet Night is Dec. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. Reservations are open.
• Santa will be at Westroads Mall, 10000 California St., from Nov. 27 through Dec. 24. Find him at the Lower Level Von Maur Court. Walk-ups are welcome, though you can also reserve a time. Pet photos with Santa will be offered on Nov. 30, and Dec. 1, 7 and 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. 
• Of course Santa will be at Santa In The Village, which is is Nov. 28 from noon to 3 p.m. at Rockbrook Village at 108th and Center streets. This is a free event.
• You’ll be able to get photos with Santa at Christmas in Olde Towne Elkhorn on Nov. 28 from 3 to 5 p.m. It’s a free event.
• Santa will be at the Historic Portal Schoolhouse during Winter Wonderland on Nov. 28 from 4 to 8 p.m. in downtown Papillion. It’s a free event.
• Visit Santa at Regency Court from Nov. 28 through Dec. 24. Find him at the center court outside Borsheims, 120 Regency Parkway. Photo packages are available through Mary Kay Photography. Cameras are allowed with a minimum purchase. This is the first year they’ll have reservations.

• Santa’s Sleigh Ride & Tree Lighting is Nov. 29 from 1 to 7 p.m. in La Vista. Tree lighting is at 6 p.m. at Santa’s Workshop located in Central Park, 8305 Park View Blvd., La Vista, Neb. Santa will be there but he will not be taking individual photos that night.
• Find Santa at The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St., at Santa’s Cabin during Christmas at Union Station, including during Family Nights with Santa held on Tuesdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15, and 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. Hours for Santa’s Cabin are available at The Durham’s website. Included with museum admission.
• Santa’s Workshop is open Dec. 3, 4, 8 and 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Central Park, 8305 Park View Blvd., La Vista, Neb. Bring your camera for photos. Photos are free.
• Kids can meet Santa during the Yule Log Festival on Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Platte River State Park, 14421 346th St., Louisville, Neb. Enjoy making pine cone bird feeders, roasting marshmallows, a Yule Log Quest, a kindling hunt, lighted hayrack rides, games, decorated cookie contest, a bonfire and more. All Yule Log activities take place at Walter Scott Jr. Lodge. A Nebraska state park vehicle permit is required for park entry.
• Santa will be at Midwest Fest’s Holiday Market, which is Dec. 5 & 6, Dec. 12 & 13, and Dec. 19 & 20 at The Barn at Heartwood Preserve, 479 S. 145th St. The free market runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Photos with Santa will be available from noon to 4 p.m. (bring your own camera). Pet photos with Santa Paws will be available Dec. 13, and a Sensory Santa photo experience takes place from 8 to 10 a.m. on Dec. 5 and 19. Families interested in the Sensory Santa experience can email info@heartwoodomaha.com to request a reservation.
• Brunch With Santa is Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Indian Creek Experience, 3825 N. 202nd St., Elkhorn, Neb. Choose from four seating times: 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, and 12:30 p.m. Cost is $38 for adults and $10 for kids.
• Kids can usually visit Santa during the KETV Family Festival on Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. Admission is free that day.
• Get photos of your dog with Santa during Santa Paws at Lauritzen Gardens on Dec. 6 & 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pet parents are welcome to walk the outdoor gardens with their pups during this time, but please note that dogs are prohibited from entering Sofia’s Play Garden or the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory. Digital copies of photos will be sent to each pet parent via email. This event is included with garden admission or membership and no registration is required.
• Santa Storytime is Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. at La Vista Public Library, 9110 Giles Road, La Vista, Neb.
• Papillion La Vista Parks and Recreation hosts Breakfast With Santa on Dec. 12 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Papillion Landing, 1046 W. Lincoln St., Papillion, Neb., and includes crafts and storytime. Tickets are $15.
• Meet Santa during Merry Main Street, Olde Towne Elkhorn’s annual Christmas Festival, on Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Selfies With Santa is Dec. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Loft 22, 134 N. Washington St., Suite 2, Papillion, Neb. Reservations are in 3- to 5-minute blocks of time. Cost is $25 and you use your own phone or camera.
• Santa will be at Classic Christmas on Dec. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Mahoney State Park, 28500 W. Park Highway, Ashland, Neb. FREE, but a state park vehicle permit is required.
• Breakfast with Santa is Dec. 19 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St., with seatings at 8, 8:30, 9, 9:30, 10, 10:30 and 11 a.m. The Pancake Man will be serving pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee in the great hall. Santa Claus will be available for guests to share their wishes and take photos from 8:30 a.m. to noon (bring your own camera). Tickets are $25 for ages 13+, $15 for ages 3-12 and FREE for ages 2 and under. Garden members receive 20% off.

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: