Christmas Markets Nebraska 2025 Guide to the Best Holiday Fairs and Events

11) Candlelight Holiday Gathering at Buffalo Bill Ranch

Every December, Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park takes on a whole new glow. Volunteers decorate the 1886 mansion and the grounds with twinkling lights, trees, and old-fashioned holiday décor.

Each room in the historic home gets its own theme, and the walkways are all lit up for a relaxed stroll. Families who love a bit of nostalgia really enjoy this event.

The candlelit setting feels peaceful and perfect for photos or just soaking up the atmosphere. North Platte locals and visitors alike look forward to this tradition every year.

Event Details Table

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 8, 2025	2921 Scouts Rest Ranch Rd, North Platte, NE 69101-8444	5:30 PM – 8:00 PM	Varies	Hotels near North Platte on Booking.com	Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park

You can plan your visit pretty easily, and there are plenty of nearby places to stay if you want to make a night of it.

12) El Dorado Hills Winter Market

At the El Dorado Hills Winter Market, you’ll find a festive scene packed with local vendors selling handmade crafts, unique gifts, and plenty of seasonal food. Live music and special kids’ activities keep things lively.

The event really does welcome everyone—families, friends, and visitors of all ages. Many people love wandering between booths, tasting local treats, and hunting for the perfect decoration.

This market has a reputation for bringing the community together and making the holidays feel extra special. You get to shop, snack, and soak up the entertainment all in one place.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dates	Address	Times	Entry Fee	Where to Stay Nearby	Event Website
Dec 7-8, 2025	El Dorado Hills Town Center, El Dorado Hills, CA	10am – 5pm	Free	Find hotels near El Dorado Hills Town Center	Event information at Folsom Times

You can easily spend a couple of hours—or even the whole day—just enjoying the festive buzz and the community feel.

13) Millard Business Association’s Tree Lighting Celebration

Every year as the holidays roll in, Omaha’s Millard Business Association hosts a tree lighting event. Locals and visitors gather in late November or early December, hoping to kick off winter with something cheerful.

When you show up, you’ll spot free food and a bunch of family-friendly activities right away. Kids can snap a photo with Santa, and local musicians fill the air with live music.

All these touches give the festival a lively, easygoing community vibe. The big moment is the lighting of a huge Christmas tree.

Bright lights and excitement sweep through the crowd. You’ll have plenty of chances for fun photos with family or friends.

If you’re thinking about going, check out the details below for time, place, and key info. Want more? Nebraska has other tree lighting events worth a look if you’re in the mood for more holiday spirit.

Date	Time	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November 19, 2025	4:00 PM – 6:00 PM	American National Bank Parking Lot	Free	Book local lodging	Millard Business Association

14) Bakers Candies Christmas Market and Factory Store

When you walk into the Bakers Candies Factory Christmas Store in Greenwood, Nebraska, you’ll find a festive little shop packed with local sweets. The chocolate meltaways here? Locals love them—especially around the holidays.

Shelves brim with holiday-themed boxes and chocolates made nearby, so it’s easy to pick out gifts for anyone. The store decks out for Christmas and brings in extra seasonal treats.

You’ll see classic chocolates, limited-edition candies, and gift-ready packaging. If you like to support Nebraska businesses, you’ll spot some unique local artisan gifts too.

That makes this place more than just a candy stop—it’s a chance to find something special and regional. Bakers Candies sits just off I-80 in Greenwood, so it’s a breeze to reach.

They keep long hours, which makes last-minute gift runs less stressful. Entry is free, so you’re only paying for what you pick out.

Need a hotel? You’ll find plenty of options on booking.com in the Ashland-Greenwood area.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Nearby Lodging	Website
November – December	831 S Baker St, PO Box 88, Greenwood, NE	Mon-Sat: 9am-6pm, Sun: 12pm-5pm	Free Entry	Hotels in Greenwood	Bakers Candies Christmas Market 2025

Travelers who like simple shopping, local finds, and easy highway access will probably enjoy this stop.

15) Tannenbaum Holiday Store

You’ll spot Tannenbaum Holiday Store in Omaha’s Old Market. This place has been around since 1985.

Holiday decorations fill the shelves all year, so you can browse ornaments, wreaths, and gifts no matter when you visit. Step inside and you’ll see festive displays everywhere.

The shop feels friendly and welcoming. Whether you’re shopping or just looking, the holiday spirit is hard to miss.

It’s a favorite for souvenirs and unique gifts. The displays make it easy to find something special for your home or friends.

If you’re building a holiday collection, this spot is definitely worth a look.

Here’s what you need to know to plan a visit:

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Official Website
Year-round	1007 Howard St., Omaha NE	11:00 AM – 8:00 PM	Varies	Omaha hotels on Booking.com	Tannenbaum Christmas Shop

16) Holiday Lights at Shadow Lake Towne Center

If you visit Shadow Lake Towne Center in Papillion during the holidays, you’ll see a massive LED tree with more than 30,000 lights. The tree lighting ceremony happens November 22, 2025, at 6:00 PM.

Santa will be there for photos and quick hellos. Local marching bands and groups bring music and energy, parading through the center.

The whole event lasts about an hour. Shadow Lake Towne Center is easy for families or groups to check out.

The light display, parade, and performances are all free. Both adults and kids can enjoy this short, festive Nebraska evening.

Looking for a place to stay? Papillion has several hotels nearby.

You can find current listings on booking.com for spots close to the shopping center.

Date	Time	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 22, 2025	6:00–7:00 PM	7775 Olson Drive, Suite 205, Papillion, NE 68046	Free	Hotels near Papillion, NE	Shadow Lake Towne Center Holiday Parade

17) Santa’s Rock n Lights – Werner Park

Santa’s Rock n Lights brings a drive-through light show to Werner Park in Papillion, Nebraska. As you drive the mile-long route, you’ll pass light displays synced to holiday music.

Just tune your car radio to 88.7 FM and enjoy the show. You need to buy tickets online—there’s no buying them at the gate.

The event runs from November 17 to December 31, 2025, and they stay open later on weekends. It’s good for families, groups, or even a date night.

Werner Park turns into a festive destination with animated lights. You get to enjoy the whole thing from your car, which is honestly pretty convenient.

Pricing is per vehicle, with an extra charge if you have more than six people. The show transforms the park into a temporary holiday attraction.

If you’re staying overnight, Fairfield Inn & Suites Omaha Papillion is less than a mile away.

Dates	Address	Times	Price	Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 17–Dec 31	Werner Park, 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, NE 68046	4:50 PM–9 PM (10 PM Fri–Sun)	$25.99–$34.99 per car (up to 6 people), $7 for each extra person	Fairfield Inn & Suites Omaha Papillion	Santa’s Rock n Lights

18) Holidays in the Haymarket District – Lincoln

In December, Lincoln’s Haymarket District turns into a lively holiday hub. Special events and decorations pop up everywhere, giving the place a real festive feel.

Shops and stands at the Haymarket Farmers’ Market offer handmade gifts and local foods—lots of options for holiday shopping. You can join Haymarket Unwrapped, which fills the streets with lights, music, and quirky activities.

Horse-drawn carriage rides add a classic vibe. Events like Breakfast with Santa let kids meet the big guy, eat breakfast, and try simple crafts.

If you love chocolate, you can sample treats from local businesses at the Chocolate Lovers event. Live music and public art make the atmosphere even better.

Most activities are close together, so walking around is easy. Here are the main details for planning:

Event	Date	Location	Time	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Event Website
Wax Buffalo’s Winter Market	December 2, 2025	Under O Street Bridge	11 am – 5 pm	Free	The Kindler Hotel	Wax Buffalo’s Winter Market
Haymarket Farmers’ Market	May 4 – October 12, 2025	Historic Haymarket	8 am – 12 pm	Free	Graduate Lincoln	Haymarket Farmers’ Market
Haymarket Unwrapped	Please Check Website	Historic Haymarket	Please Check Website	Varies	Hyatt Place Lincoln	Haymarket Events

If you want more info about the Haymarket District’s holiday season and market schedule, check out this festive guide to Lincoln’s holiday attractions. Lincoln’s Haymarket has convenient lodging, walkable streets, and plenty of winter activities—definitely a solid pick for your seasonal travels.

19) Meeting Santa at Howard County Heritage Village

At the Santa Station in Howard County Heritage Village, you and your family can meet Santa and share holiday wishes face-to-face. The place glows with sparkling lights, simple decorations, and a laid-back vibe.

They set up a welcoming spot for families and kids to have a memorable holiday moment. Bring your camera—you’ll want to catch your child’s excitement when they talk with Santa.

There’s no admission fee, so you can just show up. You’ll find hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies right there, making the wait a little more fun.

Howard County Heritage Village sits in Ellicott City, Maryland. If you’re coming from out of town, you can easily find hotels on Booking.com.

For event updates or more info, check the Santa Station event information.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay	Website
Dec 1-24, 2025	Heritage Village, Ellicott City, MD	Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun: 9am-7pm	Free	Booking.com	Santa Station at Heritage Village

20) Norfolk’s Holiday Festival of Decorated Trees

When you walk into Norfolk’s Christmas Festival of Trees, you’ll see a huge display of decorated holiday trees. Every tree pops with color, bright lights, and a unique touch from local artists or groups.

You can wander around at your own pace and maybe pick up a few ideas for your own holiday decorating. The event welcomes visitors of all ages, so you’ll spot families with young kids, parents, and even grandparents.

There are crafting workshops, live music, and the chance to grab a photo with Santa Claus. Local musical groups often perform, which adds a nice festive soundtrack as you stroll past the trees.

Food stands sell treats like hot cocoa, pastries, and cookies. You can grab a snack while you check out the displays.

The best part? They don’t charge an entry fee. Anyone in the community can enjoy the festival.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you plan:

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 1-3, 2025	4200 W. Norfolk Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68701	10am-8pm	Free	Hotels in Norfolk	Norfolk’s Christmas Festival of Trees