'Tis the Season: 8 Nebraska Events to Get You in the Holiday Spirit
The holidays are just around the corner, so it's the perfect time to plan a trip around one of Nebraska's unique holiday extravaganzas. Get into the spirit with light festivals, holiday markets, frontier traditions and so much more!
Zoo Lights
Lincoln
Visit the Lincoln Children’s Zoo in November–December 2026, when the zoo transforms into a holiday display with light shows, 30 lit animal silhouettes, holiday train rides, light tunnels, a hot cocoa station and more.
SantaLand
Creighton
View this small town decked out in lights and holiday decorations from Nov. 26–Dec. 31, 2026. Visitors can stop into Santa’s Workshop and see Mrs. Claus’ Gingerbread House.
WJ Ranch Cowboy Christmas
Fordyce
Experience Christmas on the ranch with pony and hayrack rides, trick-roping shows, kids' crafts, a visit from Santa Claus and so much more in late November 2026.
Christmas City Festival
Minden
This year's Christmas City Festival theme is "Minden — The Christmas Movie." Visit on Thanksgiving weekend 2026 for a full day of holiday cheer, including the Christmas City 5K, visits with Santa, a pancake feed, the Miss Christmas City Pageant, a parade and the annual Light of the World Pageant, when residents perform the Christmas story under the illumination of over 12,000 bulbs adorning the courthouse and the square. Stick around after the pageant for candy canes and hot chocolate. Be sure to check Minden's calendar for more holiday events throughout November and December.
Omaha Holiday Lights Festival
Omaha
Omaha is capturing the holiday spirit with a full season of festive, family-friendly activities. See the city aglow in dazzling light displays as part of the annual Holiday Lights Festival, from Nov. 28, 2026 – Jan. 1, 2027.
Christmas Past & Present
Grand Island
Among the historic buildings of the Stuhr Museum’s 1890s railroad town, view the Fantasy of Trees exhibit (November 27–December 31, 2026) and enjoy holiday shopping, Christmas treats and visits with Santa — all on December 4, 5, 11 and 12, 2026.
Hometown Christmas
Ashland
Celebrate the holidays with a light parade, visits with Santa, the 6th annual Holiday Craft Festival and more on Dec. 12, 2026.
Christmas at the Codys'
North Platte
Enjoy caroling, horse-drawn rides, hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts on the grounds of Buffalo Bill’s decorated Victorian mansion, December 11–13 and 18–20, 2026.
