The holidays are upon us, and there is no shortage of local events to help make the season merry and bright!

Lights of Aksarben

Stinson Park, 67th & Center, Omaha
Fridays, Nov 25-Dec 16, 6-8 PM
FREE

Stinson Park will be transformed into a festive wonderland and will have fun activities for the kids including crafts with Mrs. Claus, face painting, and hot chocolate.

Horse & Carriage Rides at Village Pointe

Village Pointe Shopping Center, 17305 Davenport St., Omaha
Saturdays, Nov 26-Dec 17, 12-5 PM
FREE

Holiday shoppers can enjoy horse and carriage rides throughout the center this holiday season! Pick up and drop off will be in front of the fireplace by Marcus Cinema.

ArtisTREES

Harvester Artist Lofts & Gallery, 1000 S. Main St., Council Bluffs
Dec 10, 10 AM – 6 PM
FREE

The Harvesting brings you an artist-made holiday with a large collection of artist-decorated trees and a winter and holiday-themed art show. Come walk in the fun and artistic winter wonderland and purchase that special ornament, tree, decor and more.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)

Bluebarn Theatre, 1106 South 10th Street, Omaha
Nov 25-Dec 18, Times Vary
$37

Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told – plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop culture, and every carol ever sung.

A Drag Queen Christmas

Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St, Omaha
Friday, Dec 16, 8 PM
$44-$87

For the eighth consecutive year, Murray & Peter proudly present a holiday tradition, “A Drag Queen Christmas,” with performances from contestants of the Emmy-Award-winning television show, RuPaul’s Drag Race. The show is hosted by Nina West (currently on tour as Edna Turnblad in the long-running Broadway musical Hairspray) and Trinity The Tuck.

Holiday Hut at Kimpton Cottonwood

Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel, 302 S 36th St Omaha
Nov 12-Dec 30, Thursday-Sunday, 4-10 PM
FREE

Celebrate the holidays at The Holiday Hut, a pop-up bar in The Pool Club with over-the-top decor, seasonal cocktails, and Instagram-worthy photos!

Country Christmas at the Farm

Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Patch, 11001 S. 48th St., Papillion
Dec 9-18, Fridays 4:30-8:30 PM, Saturdays & Sundays 12-6 PM
$10, 2 and under are free

Warm up with hot cocoa, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, and take a picture with Santa. Kids’ play areas will be open, and they will have a wagon ride through the Holiday Trail of Lights (if weather permits).

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Film Streams at Dundee Theater, 5952 Dodge St, Omaha
Dec 17-25, Saturdays and Sundays 10 AM
$5

Get into the holiday spirit with The Muppet Christmas Carol as part of Film Streams’ Forever Young series. Charles Dickens’ much-loved tale gets full Henson treatment in this hilarious musical reimagining of the Scrooge story.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St, Omaha
Dec 22-23, 7:30 PM
$39-79

Nothing says Omaha like Chip Davis! See Mannheim Steamroller as they celebrate 35 years since their first Christmas album.

New Year’s Eve Events

Cocktail Class: Cheers to the New Year!

Hail Varsity Club, 12744 Westport Parkway, Omaha
Dec 29, 7-9 PM
$40

Learn how to make 3 New Year’s Eve cocktails during this interactive workshop! These cocktails are fun and festive and will leave your NYE party guests impressed. Tickets include 3 cocktails and an appetizer buffet.

Bubbly New Year’s Eve Party

Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S 20th St, Omaha
Dec 31, 9 AM-7 PM
Free with admission

Celebrate all day long at the Omaha Children’s Museum. Ring in the New Year with the Amazing Bubble Show, NYE crafts, characters, and bubble drops throughout the day.

New Year’s Eve Firework Spectacular

10th and Cass Streets, Omaha
Dec 31, 7 PM
FREE

For the last signature event of the Holiday Lights Festival, enjoy the spectacular firework show in the warmth and safety of your vehicle! The fireworks will be launched from Parking Lot D (no public parking) of the CHI Health Event Center.

“It Was All a Dream” New Year’s Eve Party

Throwback Arcade Lounge, 1402 Howard Street, Omaha
Dec 31, 7 PM-2 AM
$25

Join DJ Rebirth mixing your favorite from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s! There will be a huge confetti pop at midnight along with a complimentary bottle of champagne for each VIP Reservation.


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