In search of the best light displays in the Omaha area this Christmas season? Check out these awesome light spectaculars, from Zoolightful at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to neighborhood displays that showcase the joy of the holiday season. Whether you want to explore town under the glow of twinkling lights or you’d prefer to remain in your vehicle while you drive through light tunnels — there’s something for everyone this holiday season!
25th Annual Holiday Lights Festival
When? November 30th-January 1st
This iconic annual display is typically set up across three Omaha neighborhoods each year: the Old Market, North Omaha, and South Omaha. This trio of gorgeous displays features thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights. The Holiday Lights Festival will also include stunning lighting displays and seasonal decor throughout all 72-acres of the Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park, and Lewis & Clark Landing, produced by The RiverFront.
The lighting ceremony for the festival will kick off this multi-week event on November 30th! The free ceremony begins at 6:00 PM at Gene Leahy Mall at 11th and Farnam Streets so mark your calendar so you don’t miss it!
Old Market Display
Where? 10th St to 13th St, Farnam St to Jackson St
The Old Market Display will feature lights, garland, and a range of festive decor that illuminates the brick streets of Omaha’s Old Market.
North Omaha Display
Where? North 24th St, from Burdette Dt to Ohio St
The North Omaha lighting display is set to showcase along a six-block area in Omaha. The trees will be delightfully aglow with Christmas lights, making this the perfect spot to take a romantic stroll!
South Omaha Display
Where? South 24th St, from L St to Q St
South Omaha’s lighting display will be delightful for visitors of all ages. Whether you want to take an evening stroll or snap a few pics in front of the lights, make sure to check all of the Holiday Lights Festival displays off your list this year.
Holiday Lights at The RiverFront
Where? 900 Farnam Street #100
Get ready to celebrate the holiday spirit at The RiverFront. The festive season in 2024 is sure to shine brighter than ever before. Visitors can stroll through Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park, and the Lewis & Clark Landing where they’ll discover hundreds of illuminated trees and joyful decorations that have been designed to spread seasonal cheer across all 72 acres of the park. On Friday and Saturday nights, enjoy the magic of a jubilant multimedia show that will be projected onto the Performance Pavilion at the mall, the Burlington Building, and the 10th Street Bridge video wall. You won’t be able to miss the nearly 70-foot-tall holiday tree placed at the 8th Street Arrival Plaza at the park either! This centerpiece is the perfect spot to grab a photo with your friends and family. This event is in partnership with the City of Omaha and the Holiday Lights Festival producers.
Zoolightful
Where? 3701 South 10th Street
When? November 22nd-December 30th
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is excited to welcome the holiday season with the return of the beloved bright tradition of Zoolightful! This event is presented by Chesterman Co. Coca-Cola. Visitors to Zoolightful will experience the zoo in a whole new light — literally! The property will be transformed into a world of immersive lands filled with enchantment and dazzling light displays. You can even make your evening extra memorable by renting a private igloo! Adult non-member tickets are priced at $20 and children’s tickets are $16. Children under the age of 2 are free and don’t require a ticket of their own. If you wait to purchase your ticket on-site, the price increases by $3. New for the 2024 season is the Polar Plaza, where guests can play Snowball Toss in town surrounded by a sparkling winter wonderland atmosphere. Tickets are priced per game and include one bucket of snowballs. The Gingerbread Village will also have a new location where visitors can get creative by decorating their houses in their own unique way.
Season of Lights
Where? 3110 Farnam Street
When? November 17th-February 14th
Season of Lights is a holiday tradition at Midtown Crossing. Daily at dusk, Turner Park becomes alight with beautiful holiday lights that invite visitors of all ages to become entranced by the beauty. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of a chilly winter night as you stroll around the park and view tens of thousands of white LED lights strung throughout the park and along Farnam Street. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with loved ones or reflect on the past year while you look ahead to the new one, Season of Lights is a prime opportunity to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season at your own pace. Don’t miss the beautifully adorned tree in Farnam Court that makes for the perfect Insta photo or take a selfie inside of Santa’s sleigh in the park. There are multiple neighborhood eateries in the area, so you can also pair your light stroll with a meal out. Whether you’re craving wood-fired pizza or a savory pad Thai, you can find something to excite your taste buds in Midtown Crossing! November 17th’s kickoff event begins at dusk and visitors are encouraged to come early for the Midtown Merry Market held in the Empire Room from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Magical Lights at Lake Cunningham
Where? 8305 Rainwood Road
When? November 29th-December 31st
The Magical Lights at Lake Cunningham are just that — magical! Whether you’re 4 or 40, there’s something special about the holiday season when the world becomes aglow with sparkling Christmas lights and festive decorations. Hailing as Omaha’s biggest Christmas light show (with over 1 million lights!), this is a must-see event for families across the city. In fact, the show has big dreams of becoming the biggest Christmas light show in the country! You’ll enjoy a breathtaking Christmas light show synced to music that is truly dazzling in a brilliant and unique way. Tickets are priced at $20 per vehicle and can be purchased online. The price increases on the weekends to $30, as well as on December 24th and 25th. Vehicles are permitted to pass through once per visit and if you’re driving at a steady pace, the route takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.
Lights of Aksarben
Where? 2285 South 67th Street
When? November 29th-December 13th
Mark your calendar for Friday, December 13th so you don’t miss the fun this holiday season in Omaha’s Aksarben Village. This date marks the end of the holiday festivities in Aksarben. Lights of Aksarben will be transforming Stinson Park into a Whoville celebration for all ages. Pack up the family and come out to enjoy the sights and the sounds of the season with Omaha’s largest illuminated tree, a visit from Santa Claus, face painting, and even cookies and hot cocoa! Jam out to live music by Cindy Lou and the Who Who Done It and keep an eye out for Mr. Grinch to make his appearance. The event is slated for 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, so arrive early to make the most of this exciting holiday experience. Other fun holiday activities happening in Aksarben Village include Lights of Aksarben — Cocoa with a Cop on the evening of December 6th. This event features visits from Omaha’s finest men and women in blue as well as live music and appearances by your favorite Christmas characters.
Santa’s Rock N’ Lights
Where? 12356 Ballpark Way
When? November 22nd-December 31st
Get ready to drive through over a mile of spectacular holiday lights that dance to the music at Werner Park in Papillion this Christmas season. Santa’s Rock N’ Lights is Omaha’s largest light show, so you won’t want to miss the variety of displays, larger-than-life light sculptures, and more. Visitors will enjoy 700 feet of dancing light tunnels, giant emoji sculptures, a world of snowflakes, and even dinosaurs, reindeer, and polar bears! Purchase your tickets for $29.99 to $37.99 per vehicle with up to 6 people. No cash is accepted and no onsite ticket sales will be available, so purchase yours online! Tickets are valid for one use and all sales are final. Popular time slots do sell out, so plan your visit in advance. The show takes approximately 20-25 minutes to drive through at 3 miles per hour. You can hear the music by dialing your radio to 90.3 FM.
Lights on Dundee
Where? 50th and Underwood
When? December 5th
Lights on Dundee is sure to be a festive evening on Thursday, December 5th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Situated in the vibrant heart of Dundee, this holiday event will showcase the joy of the season with photos of Santa and Mrs. Claus in front of the mural off of 50th and Underwood and photos with Santa’s helpers at the North Pole near 50th and Dodge. Families will love the enchanting sounds of Christmas carols as they’re being performed by local students and filling the neighborhood with holiday cheer. Lights on Dundee will also feature the beloved Gingerbread Contest, as well as special activities and promotions from local merchants. Swing by All Smiles Family Dentistry & Dundee Pediatrics for free hot cocoa from Dundee Double Shot or Brownell Talbot for complimentary face painting at Dark Horse Salon. You can enjoy a warm fire pit and mini donuts while you visit Santa’s reindeer or you can discover the new holiday flavor reveal at eCreamery Ice Cream & Cookies! Pick up free fun-sized popcorn at Film Streams or enter the Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest at Ooh De Lally.
Illuminate Inclusion
Where? Zorinsky Lake
When? December 13th & 14th
Grab a thermos of hot chocolate and load up the kids into the car and hit the road towards Zorinsky Lake. There will be a drive-thru holiday light display across two days in December that you won’t want to miss. Illuminate Inclusion is a family-friendly and socially distant fundraiser to build the first accessible and inclusive playground at the lake, west of 84th Street. From 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on both nights, enter through the waterpark entrance off 156th Street to view the magic. The fundraiser will be accepting donations to help make the playground a reality, featuring an in-ground merry-go-round, two access ramps, flat rubber surfacing, and more. 2024 presenting sponsors for this event include Northern Natural Gas, Blingle Premier Lighting, and Kiewit.
Christmas in Olde Towne Holiday Lights & Music Show
Where? 101 West Mission Avenue
When? November 28th-January 5th
The 2024 Christmas in Olde Towne Holiday Lights & Music Show is scheduled to kick off Thanksgiving night and run through January 5, 2025. The Light Up Bellevue Committee has been designed to beautify the community with lights throughout the year and the group of volunteers is excited to present this spectacular holiday event, complete with a drive-thru experience and Santa Clause himself at the light show in Washington Park on December 14th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. What’s more convenient than never having to leave your car? There will even be free holiday goodies provided by local businesses and organizations to the first 1,000 cars. As you’re driving, turn your radio to 91.9 FM to hear the music choreographed for the light show. Visitors can walk through the displays on the sidewalks underneath the arches. The park is under 24-hour surveillance for the duration of the event, which ends promptly at 10:00 PM each evening to remain respectful of the neighbors around the park.
There will be a special show for people with sensitivities to flashing lights and sounds from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sundays through Thursdays. The Light Up Bellevue Project is only possible due to donations from individuals, area businesses, foundations, and more. If you can, tax-deductible donations are always welcome.
Enjoy the Magical Lights of Christmas in Omaha!
With so many lights to see and displays to drive-thru, what are you waiting for? Get into the holiday spirit and check out these brilliant displays all across Omaha! Whether you want to enjoy a winter trip to the zoo or you’d prefer to stay cozy in your vehicle, there are numerous ways to enjoy tens of thousands of sparkling Christmas lights this season.