OMAHA AREA
Family Fun Guide HOLIDAY 2020
Christmas Light
DISPLAYS GUIDE 6 HOLIDAY EVENTS NOT TO MISS!
Holiday Recipe:
GINGERBREAD COOKIE SHAKE
Family Fun
IN OMAHA
KEEP UPDATED ON FAMILY FUN!
Visit us at FamilyFunInOmaha.com
Family Fun IN OMAHA
KEEP UPDATED ON FAMILY FUN! Sign up for our FREE email newsletter. 2 FamilyFuninOmaha.com | Holiday 2020
WELCOME! It is hard to believe the Holidays are help you easily plan fun family almost here! outings, find activities for your kids, and experience things to do that are Such a special time of year, with cherished memories and traditions, right here in our community. spreading kindness and joy, and spending time with family.
Make some hot chocolate and jump in the car to check out the beautiful We are very excited to bring you the Christmas Light Displays in our area. Enjoy a variety of new and 2020 Holiday Issue of our Omaha Area Family Fun Guide with a fresh cherished Holiday events. Try out a new Christmas cookie recipe. new look! Our newly updated, seasonal magazine is another way we can
Looking forward to this special Holiday Season!
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: DISCLAIMER: Š2020 Family Fun in Omaha, All rights reserved. We are not responsible for Facebook.com/FamilyFuninOmaha errors and omissions, or changes Instagram.com/FamilyFuninOmaha since publication. Reproduction in whole or in part granted only by Join our Email Newsletter written permission of the publisher. FamilyFuninOmaha.com
Holiday 2020 | FamilyFuninOmaha.com
3
2020 Holiday Show!
Celebrate the holidays with the very first show ever presented at The Rose Theater in 1995! Meet George Bailey, whose guardian angel has to descend on Christmas Eve to save him from despair and to remind him that his has been, after all, a wonderful life. Featuring live music from the era and a virtuosic cast playing multiple roles, this production is the perfect homage to the power of community.
TICKETS ON SALE
NOW!
Based On The Lux Radio Theater Script. Adapted by Sarah Lynn Brown.
Nov 13 - Dec 20 Watch in person or stream online!
$30 STR EAM ING TIC KE TS $20 IN PERSON ★
L AG ES ★ ★ HO LI DAY CH EE R FO R AL
A gift from The Rose is always a perfect fit! ★ ROSE ★ ★ MEMBERSHIPS ★
★ DANCE & DRAMA ★ ★ CLASSES ★
★ SHOW TICKETS ★ HzW TO BUILD AN
ARK
Searching for Joel Sartore
Don’tLet
the
Pigeon Bus!
Drive
the
2001 Farnam Street · Omaha, NE 68102
WW W.ROSETHEATER .ORG
WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE
6
Amazing Christmas Light Displays Guide sponsored by Blythe Real Estate Team
8
Add Fruity Flavor and Fun to Holiday Desserts
13
6 Holiday Events Not to Miss
17
Gingerbread Cookie Shake
Holiday 2020 | FamilyFuninOmaha.com
5
AMAZING CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAYS GUIDE
Looking for Amazing Christmas Light Displays in the Omaha Area? Find the best Christmas Lights in Omaha full of beautifully decorated houses with bright lights, inflatables, decorations, and some with thousands of lights choreographed to music! Fill up on some hot cocoa, grab a warm blanket, and drive around looking at the Christmas lights with our Interactive Map! Homeowners: Would you like to add your house to the list? Please submit your information here.
Most people think of spring or summer when it comes to buying or selling a home, but did you know that winter offers many benefits to both buyers and sellers? Less competition, last-minute tax savings and an often times quicker process are just a few benefits to the winter season.
Contact us today to see how we can bring you home for the holidays!
Best of Omaha winner five years in a row!
6 FamilyFuninOmaha.com | Holiday 2020
FEATURED SPONSOR: BLYTHE REAL ESTATE TEAM As you are driving around looking at Christmas Lights, did you find a house or neighborhood where you’d love to call home? The Blythe Real Estate Team is a family owned team that helps families and individuals buy, build and sell residential homes. We consider ourselves a small boutique style team that focuses on putting our clients first to make the entire process as simple and fun as possible. We work all areas of the Omaha/Bellevue Metro and are very versed in the different cities and towns within about an hour drive radius of Omaha. With over 100 years of combined experience, we believe we have the best Real Estate Professionals in the business and are excited to assist you with your next move! Contact Blythe Real Estate Team today!
FIND THE AMAZING CHRISTMAS LIGHTS + MAP HERE! FAMILYFUNINOMAHA.COM/CHRISTMAS-LIGHT-DISPLAYS-OMAHA/
Holiday 2020 | FamilyFuninOmaha.com
7
ADD FRUITY FLAVOR AND FUN TO HOLIDAY DESSERTS (Family Features) Making the holiday season special is an important tradition for many families, and it’s likely to take on heightened importance this year with gatherings, celebrations and festivities taking on a different look than years past. One family-favorite way to create holiday magic is through delicious desserts that can be made and enjoyed together. Don’t be afraid to try something new this year by turning to foods typically associated with warmer weather. For example, watermelon is available year-round and makes a surprisingly nutritious, flavorful addition to your seasonal spread, whether it’s the main ingredient or included in recipes from entrees to sides and drinks to desserts. For a kid-friendly, tasty treat, ask your little ones to help make these Holiday Watermelon Cutouts. Because they only require a few ingredients and plenty of creativity, they’re perfect for getting the whole family involved. Or try this Watermelon and Blueberry Cheesecake as the highlight at your dessert table with its creamy, fruity flavor and eyepopping looks. To find more holiday dessert solutions and other sweet recipe ideas, visit watermelon.org.
8 FamilyFuninOmaha.com | Holiday 2020
HOLIDAY WATERMELON CUTOUTS Recipe courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board 1/2 watermelon, cut into 1/2inch thick disks vanilla frosting or yogurt sprinkles, for decorating Using holiday cookie cutters, cut shapes out of watermelon disks. Decorate watermelon shapes with yogurt. Top with sprinkles.
MORE ON PAGE 10 >
Holiday 2020 | FamilyFuninOmaha.com
9
10 FamilyFuninOmaha.com | Holiday 2020
WATERMELON AND BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE Recipe courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board Servings: 12
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon peel, finely grated 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cheesecake:
1 1/2 cups liquid egg substitute (equivalent of 6 eggs)
Nonstick cooking spray
Watermelon-Blueberry Sauce:
1/3 cup graham cracker crumbs (2 graham crackers)
3 cups watermelon juice, with pulp
24 ounces fat-free cream cheese, at room temperature
6 teaspoons cornstarch
8 ounces low-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
3 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons no-calorie sugar substitute
3/4 cup no-calorie sugar substitute
1-1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract
3/4 cup fat-free half-and-half
2 cups diced watermelon 3 cups blueberries
To make cheesecake: Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray bottom and sides of 9-inch springform pan. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs in pan and tilt to spread evenly over bottom and sides, leaving extra crumbs on bottom. Using electric mixer, beat fat-free cream cheese, low-fat cream cheese, sugar and sugar substitute until creamy and well-blended. Slowly add half-and-half, lemon juice, lemon peel and vanilla; continue beating. Add egg substitute until mixture is thoroughly blended and creamy. Pour into crumb-lined pan. Place springform pan in large roasting pan. Pour enough water into roasting pan to come halfway up sides of springform pan. Bake cheesecake until firm, slightly golden and top is cracked, about 1 hour, 25 minutes. Remove springform pan from water and refrigerate, uncovered, until cold, about 3 hours or overnight. To make watermelon-blueberry sauce: In blender, whip watermelon juice, cornstarch, lemon juice, sugar and sugar substitute until smooth. Pour into small saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to gentle boil until topping begins to thicken. Remove from heat and place in refrigerator to cool. Just before serving, add lemon extract, diced watermelon and blueberries; stir to thoroughly blend. To serve, run knife around sides of cheesecake and remove springform pan sides. Top each slice with generous helping of watermelonblueberry sauce. Holiday 2020 | FamilyFuninOmaha.com
11
Most people think of spring or summer when it comes to buying or selling a home, but did you know that winter offers many benefits to both buyers and sellers? Less competition, last-minute tax savings and an often times quicker process are just a few benefits to the winter season.
Contact us today to see how we can bring you home for the holidays!
12 FamilyFuninOmaha.com | Holiday 2020
Best of Omaha winner five years in a row!
6 HOLIDAY EVENTS NOT TO MISS! OLD MARKET & NORTH/SOUTH OMAHA LIGHTING DISPLAYS
Nov. 20 – Jan. 4 (nightly), FREE •
Old Market Display – White lights, garland, and festive decor will illuminate the brick streets of the Old Market and surrounding areas. The display will run from 10th St. to 13th St., and from Harney St. to Jackson St.
•
North Omaha Display – The North Omaha lighting display will be showcased along a 6-block area around 24th St. and Lake St.
•
South Omaha Display – The South Omaha lighting display will be showcased on 24th St. between L St. and Q St.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE AT THE ROSE THEATER
Nov. 20 – Dec. 20, 2020 (various times) Tickets $20 •
Celebrate the holidays with the very first show ever presented at The Rose Theater in 1995! Meet George Bailey, whose guardian angel has to descend on Christmas Eve to save him from despair and to remind him that this has been, after all, a wonderful life.
•
Featuring live music from the era and a virtuosic cast playing multiple roles, this production is the perfect homage to the power of community.
MORE ON PAGE 14 >
Holiday 2020 | FamilyFuninOmaha.com
13
HOLIDAY POINSETTIA SHOW AT LAURITZEN GARDENS
Nov. 21, 2020 – Jan. 3, 2021 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Included in regular admission • This holiday season, step into the floral display hall, transformed into a comfy, cozy space that is full of joy, cheer, and plants. Adding a bit of nostalgia, guests can enjoy the whir and whistle of a model garden train as it goes around and around the majestic 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree. Plus, thousands of vibrant poinsettias, amaryllis, and other festive florals and foliage deck the hall. • Family Chill Zone gives families a place to relax, warm up, and to enjoy the winter weather. S’mores kits will be available for purchase. • Included with regular admission. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. •
Location: Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St., Omaha, NE
CHRISTMAS AT UNION STATION
Nov. 26 – Jan. 10
• This long-standing tradition features Omaha’s official Christmas tree, holiday concerts, and Santa himself. •
Participate in the Virtual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Santa Visits, Strings of the Season Concert Series, Virtual Holiday Cultural Conversations, and more! •
While there, enjoy The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited - Now - January 10, 2021
•
Location: The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE.
14 FamilyFuninOmaha.com | Holiday 2020
SANTA GOES TO SPACE + STAR WARS AT STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND & AEROSPACE MUSEUM
Dec. 5 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) Included with admission •
Santa Claus and Star Wars Stormtroopers from the Central Garrison 501st Legion join forces for a fun-filled family day. Young guests will have the opportunity to visit with Santa from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm. and experience a space filled day. Space-related booths, free pictures with Santa and Star Wars characters, free activities, and holiday music are part of the day! Don’t forget to visit our local makers inside our Makers Market. Shop local and support our community. Reservations are not required to attend this event.
•
Location: Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, 28210 W. Park Hwy., Ashland, NE.
KETV DRIVE-THRU FAMILY FESTIVAL
Dec. 6 (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.) •
Though different from previous years, hands-on activities will still be part of the event. Craft kits will be handed out to vehicles to complete at home as a family and there will be festive holiday entertainment, Santa, and, police riding their horses! The first 500 vehicles will receive one complimentary Paddington Bear book, courtesy of the Omaha Public Library.
•
Location: Omaha Police Mounted Patrol Barn, 615 Leavenworth St., Omaha, NE.
FIND MANY MORE HOLIDAY EVENTS HERE: FAMILYFUNINOMAHA.COM/HOLIDAY-EVENTS-OMAHA/
Holiday 2020 | FamilyFuninOmaha.com
15
Eloise 5 years old “The Harvest”
KIDS, WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Parents, would you like to see your kids’ artwork in an upcoming issue of the Omaha Area Family Fun Guide? Email the artwork to familyfuninomaha@gmail.com with the subject line: Just For Kids. Please include your child’s name and your name. Then watch future issues for it to be published. When you email your child’s artwork to FamilyFunInOmaha, LLC, you are giving permission for Family Fun in Omaha to publish the artwork and your child’s name in an issue of the Omaha Area Family Fun Guide.
16 FamilyFuninOmaha.com | Holiday 2020
GINGERBREAD COOKIE SHAKE Try this healthy spin on a classic cookie treat. For more recipes go to culinary.net.
GINGERBREAD COOKIE SHAKE 1 1/2 cups vanilla protein shake 1 tbsp. molasses 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground ginger 1 frozen banana 1 tbsp. chia seeds 1/2 cup ice Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Serve.
Holiday 2020 | FamilyFuninOmaha.com
17
Family Fun
IN OMAHA ©MUPPETS/DISNEY.
COME VISIT NOW THROUGH JANUARY 10!
Explore Jim Henson’s groundbreaking work and impact on popular culture in this comprehensive exhibition. Don’t miss your spot to see this popular exhibit. Reserve your timed tickets today!
18 FamilyFuninOmaha.com | Holiday 2020
FIND MANY MORE IDEAS OF THINGS TO DO DURING THE HOLIDAYS HERE: FAMILYFUNINOMAHA.COM/OMAHAHOLIDAY-GUIDE-CELEBRATEHOLIDAYS-OMAHA/