Best Christmas Light Shows Nebraska 2025: Dazzling Displays to See
People across Nebraska really look forward to Christmas, mostly because of the wild light shows that pop up all over the state. These displays pull families together and spark some of the best winter memories.
I help visitors find the best Christmas light shows in Nebraska for 2025, so planning a fun and festive night out is way less stressful. You’ll see where to catch the brightest displays, what’s in store, and a few tips to make the most of it.
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1) Nebraska Christmas Lights Show
I always recommend the Nebraska Christmas Lights Show in Lincoln if you want a straightforward holiday lights experience. This event runs every year from November 15 to January 2.
Each night, families can visit from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM. The show lights up Star City Shores, and you drive through displays that sync up with music.
You can snag tickets online or just grab them at the gate, but honestly, online is safer if you don’t want to miss out. Each ticket covers one vehicle.
Tickets cost $25 on weekdays and $30 on weekends. After you buy, they’ll send you a QR code by email or text for entry.
A portion of the proceeds supports local Lincoln community projects, which is a nice touch.
Rating: 4.9 (520 reviews)
Location: 4375 S 33rd Ct, Lincoln, NE 68516
Contact: (531) 510-8879
Website: Visit Website
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost (per vehicle) | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 15 – Jan 2 | 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM | 4375 S 33rd Ct, Lincoln, NE 68516 | $25 weekdays / $30 weekends | Hotels near Star City Shores | nebraskachristmaslightsshow.com |
2) Worms Christmas Light Show
I head out to Chapman, Nebraska every year for the Worms Christmas Light Show. Folks from nearby towns show up too, since the display mixes classic and modern holiday lights.
Big lighted scenes and decorations fill the area around the rural community center. Families can walk or drive through to check out the colorful lights and glowing figures.
I’ve noticed it feels way quieter than the city displays, which is perfect if you want a peaceful night out. The volunteers are super friendly, and the whole thing has that small-town charm you just can’t fake.
Parking sits close to the lights, so it’s easy for everyone, no matter the age. Getting there by car is simple since it’s right off a main road.
Local guides always suggest bringing a hot drink to sip while you wander.
Rating: 4.8 (45 reviews)
Location: 1467 4th Rd, Chapman, NE 68827
Contact: (308) 986-2460
| Dates (2025) | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Likely Nov-Dec | Evenings | 1467 4th Rd, Chapman, NE 68827 | Free | Holiday Inn Express Grand Island | N/A |
3) Steinauer Family Lights
I stopped by Steinauer Family Lights in Omaha to see one of the city’s standout private displays. Locals looking for a family-friendly outdoor activity during the holiday season flock here.
Every year, the house and yard transform into a festive destination, and you can see the bright lights right from the street. The lights usually sync up with music, so you just park, tune your radio, and take it all in from your car.
It’s tucked in a quiet neighborhood, so street parking is the norm. There’s no fee to visit—donations are welcome but definitely not required.
People come and go at their own pace. The spot shows up on almost every local holiday light tour guide, so it’s hard to miss.
Rating: 4.5 (16 reviews)
Location: 13468 Larimore Ave, Omaha, NE 68164
Website: Visit Website
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to stay nearby | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Late Nov – Dec 31 | Evenings (dusk – 10 pm) | 13468 Larimore Ave, Omaha, NE 68164 | Free | Booking Omaha Hotels | Steinauer Family Lights Instagram |
4) Magical Lights of Lincoln
I went to Magical Lights of Lincoln last year and found it’s a drive-through Christmas light show at the Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln.
The display features over 1.5 million lights, which is honestly wild for Nebraska. The event runs from late November through December.
You have to buy tickets online before you go—each vehicle needs its own ticket. Your ticket covers everyone in the car, and they check it at the entrance.
Tickets for a standard vehicle start at $25 on weekdays, $30 on weekends, and the same price for December 24th and 25th. The show is set to music, and you can just relax in your car and enjoy.
If you’re coming from out of town, the Sandhills Global Event Center is easy to reach from anywhere in Lincoln. Plenty of hotels sit nearby, so it’s easy to make a night of it.
Rating: 4.7 (169 reviews)
Location: 4100 N 84th St, Lincoln, NE 68507
Contact: (402) 603-0905
Website: Visit Website
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to stay nearby | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 29, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024 | Evenings (check website for times) | 4100 N 84th St, Lincoln, NE 68507 | $25-$30 per vehicle | Lincoln Hotels – Booking.com | https://christmaslightsinlincoln.com/ |
kris kringle Tips
Layer up! Nebraska Christmas weather is usually cold and can be snowy or windy. Wear thermal underwear, a warm sweater, an insulated coat, hat, gloves, scarf, and waterproof boots to stay comfortable indoors and out.
5) Santa’s Rock N Lights
I checked out Santa’s Rock N Lights in Papillion, Nebraska last season. The drive-thru display is just over a mile long, so you get to stay warm in your car while soaking up all the lights.
This setup is perfect for families with little ones or anyone who’d rather not brave the cold. The lights sync to music and each section along the route has a different theme, which keeps things interesting for everyone.
Organizers keep updating the route, so there’s always something new to see. Tickets for 2024 go on sale in early November.
The event gets busy, so I’d suggest buying tickets online ahead of time, especially if you’re shooting for a weekend.
Rating: 3.8 (46 reviews)
Location: View on Google Maps
Contact: (224) 757-5425
Website: Visit Website
| Dates (2025) | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 22 – Dec 31* | 5:30-10:00 PM* | 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion NE | $34+car | Hotels in Papillion | https://santasrocknlights.com/ |
*Check website for updated dates and times.
6) Magical Lights at Lake Cunningham
I’ve found that Magical Lights at Lake Cunningham is a drive-through light show where the holiday lights dance along with music. The show started in Lincoln but now Omaha gets in on the fun too.
This season, the show opens November 29, 2024. You’ll need to buy tickets online before you arrive, and one ticket covers everyone in your vehicle.
Standard vehicle tickets run $20 Monday through Thursday and $30 on weekends. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day tickets are also $30.
When you pull up to Lake Cunningham, staff will scan your ticket at the gate. The show is meant for families or groups to enjoy together, all from the comfort of your car.
The light displays sync up with festive music for a full holiday outing. It’s a simple, fun way to get in the spirit.
Rating: 3.6 (16 reviews)
Location: 8305 Rainwood Rd, Omaha, NE 68122
Contact: (402) 901-4201
Website: Visit Website
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com) | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 29, 2024–Dec 25, 2024 | Not listed | 8305 Rainwood Rd, Omaha, NE 68122 | $20 Mon–Thu, $30 Fri–Sun and Dec 24–25 per vehicle | Booking Hotels Nearby Lake Cunningham | https://omahachristmaslightshow.com/ |
7) Bortol Family Christmas Display
I checked out the Bortol Family Christmas Display in Waterloo, Nebraska, and honestly, it’s easy to see why people around here love it. You’ll find it tucked inside a quiet neighborhood, so families just roll through in their cars and soak up the lights.
Locals really seem to appreciate the detailed decorations and playful figures. When I stopped by, I saw most folks coming in the evening.
The whole vibe felt friendly and laid-back. People lingered for photos, and some slowed down just to take in each part of the yard.
You won’t have trouble finding the place, and you can park on nearby streets without much hassle.
This isn’t some huge commercial event—it feels personal, maybe even a bit nostalgic. The Bortol family actually updates the lights every year, which keeps things fresh and interesting.
No one charges admission, so anyone can come by and enjoy the display.
Rating: 4.4 (7 reviews)
Location: 25011 Capitol Cir, Waterloo, NE 68069
Website: Visit Website
| Dates (2025) | Times | Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Late Nov–Dec 31* | Dusk to 10 PM* | 25011 Capitol Cir, Waterloo, NE 68069 | Free | Hotels near Waterloo, NE | Bortol Christmas Display |
*Dates and times may vary; check the display’s Facebook page for the latest updates.
Christmas Market Closures
Due to econonic conditions and tariffs, some Christmas Markets may cancel their events due to lack of vendors. If you are aware of a closed market,or find errors on a listing or an image, please reach out on our Contact Us page so that we may update this post.
