Don’t wrap up your holiday season without experiencing the magic of Omaha’s many holiday light shows and displays. Strolling through neighborhoods and taking in the festivities is a classic (and free) way to make your season bright. No matter where you live in Omaha, there’s going to be a spectacular holiday lights display near you. Here are some of the ones you won’t want to miss. Bundle up, grab some hot cocoa and enjoy Omaha as it transforms into a city of lights.
Downtown Holiday Lights
Omaha’s favorite holiday lights show! Downtown Omaha gets dressed up with over 40 blocks of strung lights turning the sprawling metropolis into a winter wonderland. Make your experience even brighter by going on a Saturday between 7-8 pm — local choral groups will be caroling in different locations throughout the Old Market and the Gene Leahy Mall.
And of course, it wouldn’t be the holiday season in Omaha without ConAgra’s Skating Rink! The rink is a time-honored tradition with all proceeds going to Food Bank for the Heartland. Skating is only $5 a person, which includes skate rental, and will be open until January 3.
Click here for more information on the Holiday Lights and skating rink http://bit.ly/1tbQmLt
Midtown Crossing
You won’t want to miss Midtown Crossing’s Nightly Show at Turner Park. The display features a choreographed blend of music and lights projected onto Turner Park’s condominiums. Be sure to view the show from the middle of the park, facing west for the best experience. While you’re there, be sure to get dinner at one of their hot spots to top off the magic.
The show runs every night until New Year’s Day, starting at 7 pm and lasting approximately 20 minutes.
Check out more information about the show and Midtown Crossing directory at http://bit.ly/1SOtNpd
Lights of Aksarben
While the main celebration is over, Aksarben will still be hosting different events every Friday from 7-9 pm. Otherwise, you can still enjoy the lights on your way to dinner and a movie! The pinnacle of the lights is the Aksarben obelisk draped with white lights to look like a tree.
Go onto the Aksarben website to discover more about the shops and sights of Aksarben and Stinson Park http://bit.ly/1SLt08M
Holidays Lights on Dundee
Although Holiday Lights on Dundee is over, there is still plenty to see (and do!) Stroll through historic Dundee while enjoying the softly lit lights hanging from lampposts and trees. Grab a coffee from Blue Line to stay cozy. Another plus? The Dundee neighborhoods (especially along Happy Hollow) are known for getting into the holiday spirit.
Connect with Dundee at http://on.fb.me/1MfhpZU to plan out your drip to Dundee.
Abide “Lights of Hope” Light Display
Be sure to check out the inaugural “Lights of Hope” Light Display on Fowler Avenue (between 34th Ave and 31st Street). The display is magical whether you drive or walk through. The Lights of Hope is in remembrance of children who lost their lives to violence. The display will be up until December 25 and can be viewed every evening from 6 to 8 pm.
Find out more about the display and Abide’s mission, or donate at http://bit.ly/1NRAUgw
Village Pointe
Stop by Village Pointe to do your last-minute shopping and enjoy the lights. Stroll down the street and be sure to warm up by the fireplace. Be sure to bring the kids, as Santa will be making multiple stops to various shops. Take it a step further and enjoy a free carriage ride, available every Saturday until December 19 from 1 to 5 pm, weather permitting. The carriage will pick up at the fireplace.
See all what Village Pointe has to offer at http://bit.ly/1IakLjM and be sure to track Santa down before you go!
North Omaha Holiday Lights
The Omaha Holiday Lights is expanding to North and South Omaha thanks to the generosity of the Sherwood Foundation. North Omaha will light up a six-block area with holiday lights starting at 24th and Lake Streets. North Omaha’s “Street of Dreams” is home to the Dreamland Plaza and Love’s Jazz and Art Center, so be take your time and check out Omaha’s burgeoning new hot spot.
Learn more about the Holiday Lights Festival at http://bit.ly/1iODkzM
South Omaha Holiday Lights
Continue to the festivities by capping off the Holiday Lights by moseying along 24th St between L and Q. While you’re out, enjoy the rich and vibrant traditions of South Omaha and be sure to check out the local outdoor art.
Visit Omaha’s Holiday Lights page for a list of all the lights and events at http://bit.ly/1iODkzM
Omaha Home for Boys
Omaha Home for Boys (4343 North 52nd Street) held their “Come ‘Home’ for the Holidays” on December 3, but will keep the campus wide display up until the end of the season. The Omaha Home for Boys was established in 1920 and works to support at-risk youth ages 12-24 as part of the its Strengthening Youth and Families mission.
Find out more about their mission and their display at http://bit.ly/1QqKGZn
Papillon Christmas Lights
Papillion (at 1012 Valleyview Dr.) will be hosting different shows every night featuring a mashup of songs set to the backdrop of computer-controlled lights. The show runs every night from 5 to 11 pm, and will run until January 6. Some notable themes include techno Christmas and winter wonderland. Set your radio to 91.9 FM before you head over.
Get more information and find out the light schedule at http://bit.ly/1QJWjsS
These gorgeous light displays almost make up for Nebraska’s unpredictable winters. Hopefully you and your loved ones get a chance to experience the all-dressed-up-for-winter Omaha before the season is over. But, wherever you decide to spend your holidays, we hope they are merry and bright!
What’s your pick for most stunning neighborhood?
After enjoying Omaha’s districts and neighborhoods to see holiday lights, get more personal by driving by these gorgeously decorated homes.
10407 Elm Hurst Drive, La Vista | Tune into 103.5 FM
Well worth the drive to see this 20 minute light show boasting more than 60,000 lights. The majority of the lights dance to the music you can listen to from your car.
Lammers Family Christmas 2524 N. 133rd St. | Tune into 95.5 FM
The Lammers go all out with an impressive mega-tree and over 10,000 lights. The family will also be accepting donations for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of NE, with 100% of the procedes going there.
11711 Raleigh Drive, a block south of 118th and Fort Streets and onto Raleigh Drive
“Holiday Blinky Light Show Christmas Edition” display will run every night from 5 to 10 pm.
48th and Red Rock to 52nd and Wood River Drive.
Several homes participate in Wood River Drive’s “City of Lights” with tons of festive displays, light shows, and massive inflatable figures.
7106 S. 140th St. in Stonybrook South
Come for the ferris wheel display and stay for the 10,000 dancing lights.
Happy Hollow Boulevard between Howard and Cuming Streets
This neighborhood is known for their extravagant holiday decorations. Bonus: the gorgeous historic houses themselves.
Vanek Christmas 15055 Meredith Avenue | Tune into 91.9 FM
This house is decked out with more than 30,000 L.E.D. lights, most of which are controlled by eight Light-O-Rama controllers. The display has a total of 128 computer-controlled channels.
15329 Davidson Street, Bennington
This year, the theme is “A Candle Lit Christmas” with five 15’ x 5’ flickering candles along the roof. The display includes dancing wreaths, animals, and Santa. Everything is set to over 30 Christmas carols.
14205 Tregaron Drive, Bellevue
This house boasts a computerized 25 minute light show every night from 5:30 – 10:30, and 11 pm Friday and Saturday. Over 30,000 lights are set to songs, plus a 20 ft tree, 8 arches and a line of mini trees.
Wood River Drive Christmas Street, Bellevue (51st & Harrison, behind Bag N Save)
Enter the neighborhood from behind the Bag N Save parking lot right off 51st and Harrison to be greeted with a “Merry Christmas” sign. Most of the houses are decorated with lots of figurines and a flying Santa and reindeer. As long as the weather doesn’t get too bad, you’ll catch Santa out every night from 6-8 pm
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