Holiday Events

EXPERIENCE THE SEASON WITH

There’s nothing better than spending time together with loved ones during the holidays. Let these fun events around Omaha get you into the spirit this holiday season.

For our most up-to-date list of holiday events, visit bit.ly/3mZauAg.

SEASON OF LIGHTS AT MIDTOWN CROSSING

The annual Season of Lights at Midtown Crossing will take place Nov. 14 through Feb. 14, 2022. Come stroll through Turner Park and enjoy tens of thousands of LED lights strung throughout and along Farnam Street. There will be a decorated tree in Farnam Court as well. The season will kick off at 4 p.m. on Nov. 14. www.midtowncrossing.com

GO SEE ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’

The Omaha Community Playhouse will once again show the classic holiday tale — “A Christmas Carol” — this season. Shows will run Nov. 19 through Dec. 23 on the Hawks Mainstage Theatre. www.omahaplayhouse.com

HOLIDAY LIGHTING AT WINTERFEST

The Bayliss Park Holiday Lighting during Winterfest will take place Nov. 19 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The event is free and will include plenty of activities starting at 5:30 p.m. The lighting ceremony and countdown will start at 6:30 p.m. Bayliss Park is located at 100 Pearl St. in Council Bluffs. www.facebook.com/ events/820781901949728

HOLIDAY POINSETTIA SHOW

Lauritzen Gardens floral display hall will be transformed into a comfy, cozy space that is full of joy, cheer and plants. In the

middle will be a 20-foottall tree made from more than 700 poinsettias. There will also be various holiday decor throughout the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory. Families can toast marshmallows together at the fire pits in the Family Chill Zone. The annual event will take place Nov. 20 through Jan. 3, 2022. This year’s show will be designed as a one-way experience to allow for social distancing. Proper facial masks or coverings must be worn in specific areas. www.lauritzengardens.org

SEE ‘THE NUTCRACKER’

“The Nutcracker,” staged by the American Midwest Ballet, will return to the metro area this holiday season. See it at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, 1001 S. Sixth St. in Council Bluffs, on Nov. 20 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 21 at 2 p.m.

See it at the Orpheum Theater Dec. 4 at 2 to 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. www.amballet.org

CHRISTMAS AT UNION STATION

The Durham Museum will host its annual Christmas at Union Station Nov. 23 through Jan. 9. The longstanding tradition will feature a giant Christmas tree, holiday concerts and Santa himself. Santa will be there Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.; Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.; and Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. The fun is included in the price of admission. The Durham Museum is located at 801 St. 10th St. www.durhammuseum.org

OMAHA TURKEY TROT

Work up an appetite for Thanksgiving dinner. This annual event will take place Nov. 25 at 8 a.m. in North Downtown Omaha. www.omaharun.org/events/ omaha-turkey-trot

VISIT SANTA AT ROCKBROOK VILLAGE

Visit Santa at Rockbrook Village Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families can also take a horse and carriage ride, enjoy a holiday hunt around the village, meet Elsa from “Frozen” and more. Rockbrook Village is located at 2800 S. 110th Court. www.facebook.com/ events/406908027655450

LEARN ABOUT HANUKKAH

Come to the Omaha Children’s Museum between Nov. 28 and Dec. 6 to learn about the Jewish holiday and why it’s called the Festival of Lights. All activities included with admission. www.ocm.org

SEE ‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’

The Rose Theater will host showings of “It’s a Wonderful Life” Dec. 3 through Dec. 19. The show was the first show ever presented at The Rose Theater in 1995. The Rose Theater is located at 2001 Farnam St. www.rosetheater.org

SANTA GOES TO SPACE

The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum will host its annual event on Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Included with admission is the chance to visit with Santa and experience a space-filled day. During the event, kids can write a letter to Santa, enjoy a make-and-take activity and check out tons of fun holiday gifts in Santa’s workshop. The museum is located at 28210 W. Park Highway in Ashland. www.sacmuseum.org

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN GERMANY

The German-American Society will host Christmas in Germany on Dec. 4 beginning at noon. Come celebrate the rich traditions of German Christmas and Advent with music, dance, food, drink and a Christkindlmarkt. The German-American Society is located at 3717 S. 120th St. www.facebook.com/ events/255008116315350

CHECK OUT THE HOT SHOPS

Hot Shops Art Center will host a free Winter Open House. Visitors can meet current artists, learn more about their tools and processes, see demonstrations and view the latest work. Hours will be Dec. 4 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1301 Nicholas St. www.hotshopsartcenter.com/openhouse

MILK AND COOKIES WITH SANTA

The Omaha Children’s Museum will host a Milk & Cookies with Santa Family Fun Weekend Dec. 10-12. The festivities will go from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The museum is located at 500 S. 20th St. www.ocm.org

DRIVE THROUGH HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Grab some hot chocolate, jump into the car and drive through the Illuminate Inclusion holiday light display at Zorinsky Lake on Dec. 10 and 11 from 5 to 9 p.m. The event is a fundraiser to build an accessible and inclusive playground at Lake Zorinsky. The light display is located at Zorinsky Lake Park’s water park entrance, 3808 S. 154th St. www.imagineinclusion.org