Holiday Events

from Momaha December 2022

Hot Cocoa

The Lauritzen Gardens Merry & Bright poinsettia display draws thousands of visitors annually. Here, people walk through the 2020 display.

ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD

CELEBRATE THE SEASON

WITH THESE HOLIDAY EVENTS

RACHEL GEORGE

Nonpareil Staff Writer

‘CINDERELLA’

Celebrate the season with The Rose Theater’s fantastically frosty take on Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.”

This new holiday production of the beloved Broadway musical will whisk you away to a wintery wonderland, where your family will find the familiar fable of Cinderella; a young woman who overcomes the frozen hearts of her family with the warmth of her hope and determination — and of course, a little help from her fairy godmother.

With sparkling sets, cozy costumes, and snowy special effects, this princess tale will prove to be the perfect present for everyone on your nice list this holiday season.

“Cinderella” runs through Dec. 18 at the Rose Theater. ASL services and audio description services will be offered Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. and a sensory-friendly show will be Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit rosetheater.org.

WINTER WONDERLAND

Deck the (Great) Hall with holiday cheer! Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, will transform its Great Hall into a Winter Wonderland for the holiday season. From Dec. 10 to Jan. 2, members and guests can visit the festive holiday display of decorated trees and wreaths before bundling up and heading outside to enjoy the lighted Riverview Boardwalk. The display is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N. Free for members or with daily admission for nonmembers.

From Dec. 10 to 16, the Forest will stay open until 7 p.m. to celebrate its Holiday Festival. Step into the Winter Wonderland, warm up with complimentary hot coca and enjoy the day’s festive activities. There will be an ornament decorating self-serve station.

On Dec. 10 and 11, activities will include holiday with the raptors, Santa, a holiday concert and carol hiking. Find a list of times at fontenelleforest.org.

Whether it’s a visit to the iconic 20-foot tall poinsettia tree, a tour through the lush conservatory to see the Holiday Express, roasting marshmallows on the festival garden patio or finding the perfect gift in the gift shop, there is a natural magic at Lauritzen Gardens that makes the season Merry & Bright.

Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St., will host its annual holiday poinsettia show through Dec. 31. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas day. Standard garden admission rates apply. Members are admitted free during the day.

This year’s show is inspired by the sights and sounds of Rockefeller Center and the holiday traditions in New York City. You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to the Big Apple, even though you’re still in Nebraska!

Certain nights will be Bright Nights, when all is aglow in the gardens. Find more information at lauritzengardens.org.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’

Experience Omaha’s favorite holiday tradition as Ebenezer Scrooge takes us on a life-changing journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas. The must-see holiday event for the entire family, filled with stunning Victorian costumes, festive music and crisp, wintry sets.

The Omaha Community Playhouse again offers “A Christmas Carol” through Dec. 23.

Special events include a shadow interpreted performance Dec. 11 and an audio described performance Dec. 17.

Find tickets and more at omahaplayhouse. com.

SANTA’S MILK & COOKIES FAMILY FUN WEEKEND

Visit the Omaha Children’s Museum Dec. 16 to 18 for cookies and hands-on activities, including games, crafts and more. And, of course … meet Santa!

For more information, visit ocm.org.

SEASON OF LIGHTS

The annual holiday tradition shines on at Midtown Crossing daily at dusk through Feb. 14.

Tens of thousands of white LED lights are strung throughout Turner Park and along Farnam Street.

CHRISTMAS AT UNION STATION

It’s time to trim the tree, bake some cookies, wrap those presents — and, of course, visit The Durham Museum at 801 S.10th St.

The magic of Christmas continues at The Durham Museum with Omaha’s official Christmas tree, holiday concerts and Santa himself.

Holiday displays include Holiday Memories at Brandeis Department Store and Holiday Cultural Tree Display.

Santa visits six days a week, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.; and Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. through Dec. 23.

Holiday concerts will be held Saturdays at noon and Tuesday evenings through Dec. 20.

EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD Darran Holst, left, and Bailley Liddick place poinsettias in an iron frame for the 2022 Merry & Bright show at Lauritzen Gardens.

OMAHA COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE

“A Christmas Carol” at the Omaha Community Playhouse.

2022 HOLIDAY LIGHTS FESTIVAL

The Holiday Lights Festival celebrates its 23rd season this year.

Lighting displays will also be set up in the Old Market from 10th to 13th streets and Harney to Jackson streets); in North Omaha along North 24th Street from Burdette to Ohio streets; and in South Omaha along South 24th Street from L to Q Streets. Lighting displays will remain up through Jan. 2.

HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES

Holiday shoppers at Village Pointe can enjoy complimentary horse and carriage rides throughout the center on Saturdays, Dec. 10 and 17, from noon to 5 p.m. Pick up and drop off is in front of the fireplace by Marcus Village Pointe Cinema.

SANTA’S MAGIC

Santa has returned to the Omaha Children’s Museum, bringing a little holiday magic with him. Santa’s Magic is a short, live performance featuring Santa Claus, elves and animatronic Rudolph. There will be indoor snowfall, silly moments and a message from the Snow Queen.

Following each performance, children can share their wish lists with Santa and get their picture taken with him.

Santa’s Magic runs through Dec. 23. For more information, visit ocm.org.

From Page 19

BUBBLY NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

Don’t let bedtimes burst your bubble. Celebrate New Year’s Eve from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Omaha Children’s Museum.

Put on some swag and ring in the New Year with the Amazing Bubble Show, New Year’s Eve crafts, characters and bubble drops throughout the day.

All activities included with admission, while supplies last.

NOON YEAR’S EVE

The Durham Museum will host its biggest party of the year from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 31. Children of all ages will enjoy this funpacked bash with live music from Dino O’Dell and the T-Rex All-Stars, special crafts and activities.

Ring in the “Noon Year” in your handmade party hat while enjoying the celebratory bubble wrap stomp and a spectacular balloon drop at noon.

Cost is $13 for adults, $10 for seniors (62 and up), $7 for children ages 3 to 12 and free for children 2 and under. Due to the popularity of this event, advance registration is required at durhammuseum.org.

NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR

The last signature event of the Holiday Lights Festival, the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 31. The launch and viewing location is near CHI Health Event Center and TD Ameritrade Park, near 10th and Cass Streets. Arrive early and park for free to view the show.

All downtown parking meters will be free after 5 p.m. that day, courtesy of Park Omaha.

Produced by J&M Displays, each shell is choreographed to open on cue to a musical score developed specifically for this event. Spectators are encouraged to tune into 104.5 FM in the warmth and safety of their vehicle to listen.

Find more at holidaylightsfestival.org.