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

21) Gingerbread Celebration – Jamestown

The Gingerbread Celebration in Jamestown is a fun spot for families to dive into local holiday activities. You’ll walk past gingerbread houses, each one showing off its own edible design.

Every house reflects the effort and creativity of its maker. If you love baking, you might walk away with some new ideas to try at home.

Vendors set up throughout the festival, selling handmade gifts, ornaments, and sweet holiday treats. If you still need to do some holiday shopping, it’s a pretty handy place to find something special.

Warm drinks help you fend off the winter chill. Santa Claus visits every year, so you can snap a photo or share your Christmas wishes.

Live music and hands-on craft workshops fill the schedule. There’s always something going on.

The whole event feels lively and friendly. If you’re curious, check out the list of scheduled events to add a little variety to your day.

Everything happens downtown, so it’s easy to find and get to for visitors.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Nearby Hotels	Website
December 13-15, 2025	123 Festive Lane, Jamestown, NE	10 AM – 6 PM	Adults $5, Kids under 12 Free	Nearby hotels	Jamestown Gingerbread Celebration

For the latest updates or more planning details, check the event’s website.

22) Santa’s Winter Experience – Cabela’s La Vista

Santa’s Winter Experience at Cabela’s in La Vista draws families every December. Bring your kids to see Santa, get a free picture, and jump into a bunch of fun winter activities.

Kids can send wish lists straight to the North Pole and pick up little gifts, while supplies last. You’ll see displays and crafts scattered throughout the Wonderland area, and the festive mood is hard to miss.

The setup makes it simple to enjoy the day together. This spot makes family traditions feel easy and convenient.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Event Website
Nov 4 – Dec 24, 2025	12703 Westport Parkway	Mon-Sat: 10 am – 8 pm	Free	Hotels at La Vista via Booking.com	Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s
	La Vista, NE 68138	Sun: 12 pm – 6 pm

You’ll find free photos with Santa, letter writing stations, and family activities. It’s a good idea to check the official website for updates before you go.

23) Holiday Home Tour and Activities – Brownville

Every December, Brownville puts on a warm holiday event. Historic homes open their doors, decorated just for the season.

You can wander the streets and step inside these houses to get a feel for Brownville’s history and community spirit. The activities go beyond just house tours.

The Christmas tree lighting at Rohman Gardens kicks off the festivities. Trolley rides help you see more of what the town has planned, if the weather’s on your side.

You can grab a treat at the afternoon bake sale or stop in later for a cozy soup supper. If you’re looking for small-town flavors, these stops hit the spot.

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 2–3, 7	1:00–5:00 p.m.; 1:00–4:00 p.m.	Brownville, Nebraska	Free	Local lodging options	More details

You’ll find a laid-back atmosphere and a simple schedule. Christmas in Brownville gives you a look at local traditions and crafts in a classic Midwest setting.

24) Nebraska City’s Old-Fashioned Christmas

Nebraska City transforms its downtown into a classic holiday atmosphere every winter. Streets light up with decorations, and the whole town feels a bit more magical in December.

Shopfronts and historic landmarks show off their own seasonal displays for you to explore. Live entertainment is a big part of the celebration.

Carolers wander the main avenues, and local theater groups put on family-friendly shows. The Christmas Parade is a highlight, with lighted floats, community groups, and a visit from Santa Claus.

You’ll find the parade along Central Avenue, and it always draws a crowd. Horse-drawn carriage rides are available, letting you take in the decorated downtown at your own pace.

Families and couples especially love these rides. At the holiday market, local vendors sell handmade crafts, ornaments, and baked goods.

If you’re hunting for unique gifts, this is a solid bet. Just outside downtown, Arbor Lodge State Historical Park hosts holiday-themed tours and special events.

These activities share the local history and traditions of Nebraska City. Many visitors add a stop at the park to their festival plans.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 1-24, 2025	Central Ave, Nebraska City, NE	10 AM – 8 PM	Free	Nebraska City hotels on Booking.com	Nebraska City’s Old-Fashioned Christmas

You can walk the downtown, watch the parade, shop at the market, and visit Arbor Lodge all in a day or two. Most things are free, but you might want to bring some cash for food or crafts.

Parking is pretty easy to find around Central Avenue.

25) Nighttime Luminary Walk in Lauritzen Gardens

Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha glows during the holidays. As you walk along the paths, you’ll spot thousands of lights lining the trails.

The botanical center, the floral display hall, and the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory all sparkle with seasonal displays. You’ll need to buy advance, timed tickets, so plan ahead.

Lauritzen Gardens extends its evening hours for the luminary walk. It’s a great chance to enjoy the scenery with friends or family.

The café serves hot cocoa and special holiday drinks. If you’re up for it, you can grab a s’mores kit and toast marshmallows at one of the fire pits.

Layer up before you visit—it can get breezy or cold at night. If you want to take a break during your walk, bring a blanket so you can relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Here’s a quick guide with all the key details:

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov. 18-19, 22, 24-26; Dec. 1-3, 8-23, 26-30, 2025	5:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha Botanical Center, 100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE	Standard garden admission	Booking.com – Hotels near Lauritzen Gardens	Events and Exhibits at Lauritzen Gardens

26) Creighton Festive Holiday Illumination

Looking for a different kind of holiday display? Head to Creighton, Nebraska, and check out their annual lights festival.

The event kicks off with a lighting ceremony that instantly transforms downtown Creighton into a festive wonderland. Walking down Main Street, you’ll spot rows of twinkling lights and corners dressed up for the season.

Local vendors set up shop at the Christmas market, offering everything from handmade crafts to hot drinks and snacks. Grab a cocoa or mulled cider, then wander through the displays at your own pace.

Music really sets the mood here. Area choirs and bands keep things lively with seasonal songs throughout the evening. All the action happens right downtown and usually goes well into the night.

Find essential info and booking tips below:

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November 25, 2025 – January 1, 2026	6:00 PM – 10:00 PM	Downtown Creighton, NE	Free	Booking.com – Hotels near Creighton	Holiday Lights Festival

27) Union Plaza Holiday Lights

Union Plaza in Lincoln lights up every holiday season with hundreds of sparkling displays. Stroll along the well-lit sidewalks and soak in the colorful glow overhead and all around.

You’ll spot themed decorations—snowflakes, reindeer, the works. The whole park feels festive and definitely family-friendly.

Nearby vendors sometimes set up with warm drinks like cocoa, perfect for sipping as you walk. These displays are great for holiday photos, and the park’s open space gives you a peaceful break from the city rush.

Admission is free, so there’s no need to worry about tickets. Out-of-towners can find plenty of hotels in Lincoln, NE nearby.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay	Website
November 24, 2024 – January 7, 2025	Union Plaza, Lincoln, NE	5:00 PM – 10:00 PM	Free	Hotels in Lincoln, NE	Union Plaza Holiday Lights

28) Christmas Fest in Elkhorn

When you visit the Elkhorn Christmas Village, you’ll notice the festive setting right away. Local vendors line the streets with handmade crafts, so you can pick up gifts that actually feel personal.

Tables overflow with ornaments, homemade candles, and all kinds of seasonal decorations. You’ll also find classic holiday snacks and some special local treats—perfect for a quick bite while you browse.

Live music adds to the vibe, with local performers playing holiday tunes throughout the day. Kids can jump in at craft stations to make their own ornaments or get their faces painted.

This event works well for a family outing or just a relaxed visit with friends.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	More Info
December 6–15, 2025	Elkhorn Main Street	10 AM – 5 PM	Free	Elkhorn Hotels	Elkhorn Christmas Village

Check the dates before you go—open days sometimes shift. This holiday market offers a laid-back, welcoming spot to shop, snack, and unwind.

29) Historical Park Christmas Show – Nebraska City

At the Historical Park Christmas Show in Nebraska City, you’ll find a blend of holiday traditions and local history. Arbor Lodge State Historical Park dresses up with vintage flags, seasonal lights, and themed decorations.

As you wander the grounds, you can explore holiday exhibits and stroll the outdoor paths. Families especially like the special kids’ activities.

Children can join a winter scavenger hunt or try out craft-making. You also get a chance to tour the lodge’s historical rooms and sip some hot cocoa.

Here’s what you need to know for your visit:

Date	Address	Time	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 1, 2025	2600 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE	10 AM – 5 PM	$10 (Adults), $5 (Kids)	Hotel options	Arbor Lodge State Historical Park

30) Midtown Commons Holiday Market

At Midtown Commons, the Holiday Market brings together local makers and vendors with a huge variety of handmade gifts. You’ll see booths full of crafted jewelry, cozy knitwear, and holiday-themed decor.

The market space glows with bright lights and seasonal ornaments, making it a relaxed spot to browse. While you walk around, the smell of hot chocolate and cookies drifts through the air.

Live performances of holiday classics set the mood all day. Kids can get their faces painted or make simple ornaments at the activity tables.

Visiting Midtown Commons Holiday Market is a nice way to shop for unique presents and support small businesses in Lincoln, Nebraska. There’s plenty of parking near the festival grounds.

Admission is free, and the market runs for three days.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November 25-27	Midtown Commons, Lincoln, NE	10 AM – 8 PM	Free	Hotels near Midtown Commons	Midtown Commons Holiday Market