'Tis the Season: 8 Events to Get You in the Holiday Spirit

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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! 

November

Ashland Holiday Festival

Ashland
Head to Camp Carol Joy Holling to shop gifts and holiday items from local makers and small businesses at the Ashland Holiday Festival. 

Light of the World Pageant

Minden
Residents perform the Christmas story under the illumination of over 12,000 bulbs adorning the courthouse and the square.

Omaha Holiday Lights Festival

Horse-drawn carriage, part of Omaha Holiday Lights Festival
Courtesy of Visit Omaha

Omaha
Starting with a Thanksgiving Lighting Ceremony and ending with New Year’s Eve fireworks, downtown Omaha captures the holiday spirit with a full season of festive, family-friendly activities. 

WJ Ranch Cowboy Christmas

Fordyce  
Experience Christmas on the ranch with buggy and pony rides, Model T rides, trick-roping shows, kids crafts and a visit from Santa Claus.

December

Christmas at the Codys'

Buffalo Bill's mansion decorated in Christmas lights at dusk.
Courtesy of Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

North Platte
Enjoy caroling, horse-drawn rides, hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts on the grounds of Buffalo Bill’s decorated Victorian mansion.

SantaLand

Creighton
View this small town decked out in lights and holiday decorations. Visitors can stop into Santa’s Workshop and see Mrs. Claus’ Gingerbread House.

Zoo Lights

Lincoln
The Lincoln Children’s Zoo transforms into a holiday display with lit animal silhouettes, holiday train rides, a tree canopy light walk and more.

Christmas Past & Present

Holiday decor at the Stuhr Museum.
Nebraska Tourism

Grand Island
Among the historic buildings of the Stuhr Museum’s 1890s railroad town, view the Fantasy of Trees exhibit and enjoy cookies, holiday shopping and visits with Santa.