Christmas Markets Nebraska 2025 Guide to the Best Holiday Fairs and Events
Table of Contents
- 1 Find the Best Accommodations
- 2 51) Holiday Open House – York
- 3 52) Omaha Holiday Lane – Gene Leahy Mall
- 4 53) Holiday Season in McCook’s Downtown Square
- 5 54) St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church Christmas Market
- 6 55) Big Blue River Christmas Fest – Crete
- 7 56) Holiday Lights Jungle at Omaha Zoo
- 8 57) Holiday Harmony Market – Wayne
- 9 58) Christmas Festivities at Cody Park
- 10 59) Underwood Hills Winter Carnival
- 11 60) Kirkpatrick’s North Pole Village – Lincoln
Find the Best Accommodations
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51) Holiday Open House – York
Head to York, Nebraska for the Holiday Open House, and you’ll wander through a lively crowd of local makers, food vendors, and specialty shops.
Many store owners dress up their windows and offer limited-time deals to get everyone in the holiday mood.
Artisans put out handmade ornaments, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind crafts.
Bakers roll out warm snacks and festive sweets.
Sometimes, community groups will play music for free, which just adds to the friendly buzz.
Carolers and street musicians pop up, and Santa might make a surprise appearance.
Most of the fun happens outside, so don’t forget your warmest coat.
There’s no admission fee, so it’s easy to bring the whole family or just swing by if you’re passing through.
Here’s what you need to know:
| Dates | Times | Address | Cost | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 7–9, 2025 | 10 AM–8 PM | York, Nebraska | Free | Hotels in York | Holiday Open House – York |
52) Omaha Holiday Lane – Gene Leahy Mall
When winter hits, Gene Leahy Mall in downtown Omaha transforms into Omaha Holiday Lane.
Starting November 25 and running through January 1, you can stroll through the park and see trees wrapped in white lights and giant ornaments.
There’s a seven-minute light show that draws families, couples, and honestly, just about anyone.
The event stretches across the tri-park area, including nearby spots like Old Market and North Omaha.
Each spot has its own lighting style, but the whole downtown feels festive.
As you wander, every part of the park brings a different look, so you get to see Omaha’s holiday scene from all kinds of angles.
The lighting ceremony on the first night is a big deal and worth catching if you can.
All the displays light up nightly from 6pm to 10pm, and admission is free.
If you’re traveling, you’ll find plenty of hotels near Gene Leahy Mall through Booking.com.
| Dates | Times | Address | Cost | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 25–Jan 1 | 6pm–10pm | Gene Leahy Mall, 1001 Douglas St, Omaha, NE | Free | Nearby Hotels | Holiday Lights Festival |
53) Holiday Season in McCook’s Downtown Square
Take a walk through McCook’s Downtown Square in December and you’ll see festive lights, hear local music, and breathe in that crisp winter air.
Local vendors line the market with handmade crafts, seasonal decorations, and holiday gifts.
Small shops stay open late, giving you a cozy place to duck inside.
Families can jump into simple activities like meeting Santa, listening to storytellers, or playing holiday games.
Local school groups and bands fill the night with live music.
If you’re into tradition, the tree lighting kicks off the season in classic style.
You’ll spot hot chocolate and sweet snacks everywhere, so it’s easy to keep warm and happy as you wander.
Entry is free.
| Date | Location | Time | Price | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 1 – 24, 2025 | Downtown Square, McCook, NE | 5 PM – 9 PM | Free | Hotels in McCook | McCook’s Christmas in the Square |
54) St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church Christmas Market
Key Visitor Information
The St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church Christmas Market pops up in Omaha, Nebraska.
When you walk in, you’ll see handcrafted items, festive foods, and Christmas décor for sale.
The vibe is upbeat, with live music and activities for kids—think face painting and a chance to meet Santa.
Hot chocolate flows, and decorated booths from local vendors fill the space.
Here’s what you’ll need to plan your visit:
| Event Dates | Address | Times | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 1-3, 2025 | 15353 Pacific St, Omaha, NE 68154 | Fri–Sun: 10 AM–6 PM | Free Entry | Hotels near St. Wenceslaus, Omaha | St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church Christmas Market |
You’ll usually find parking on-site, and entry won’t cost you anything.
It’s a family-friendly event and a laid-back way to enjoy Omaha’s holiday traditions.
55) Big Blue River Christmas Fest – Crete
Event Information
Crete’s Big Blue River Christmas Fest packs in activities for all ages.
You can browse art and craft shows for handmade gifts, or catch the Parade of Lights as it winds through the main streets.
A Cocoa & Cookie Crawl lets you sample local treats, and if you’ve got a pet, there’s a Reindog costume contest they can join.
If you need to warm up, the heated Christmas Lodge is open all event long, with live shows and food.
The Lodge gives you a cozy spot to relax and recharge.
Friendly volunteers, local vendors, and family groups all pitch in to make the event feel welcoming.
Finding a place to stay is easy—nearby accommodations are just a click away.
Here’s what you need to know:
| Dates | Address | Times | Cost | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 1-23, 2025 | 123 Main St, Crete, NE 68333 | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Free | See hotels near Crete | Crete Country Christmas |
56) Holiday Lights Jungle at Omaha Zoo
Head to the Omaha Zoo during Zoolightful and you’ll spot thousands of festive lights lighting up the walkways and animal exhibits. The Holiday Lights Jungle event fills the evening with color and glowing displays that stretch across huge parts of the zoo.
You’ll notice special holiday touches everywhere, like the heated Peppermint Pines Igloos. These cozy spots let you kick back and take in the lights without freezing.
Families wander through themed areas, each with its own vibe and creative light setups. The zoo stays open late just for this, so you really get that holiday feeling after dark.
People get excited for the snowball toss games and those giant decorations that make Zoolightful stand out.
The Holiday Lights Jungle at Omaha Zoo runs from mid-November through December. You’ll pay regular zoo admission—no extra ticket needed.
If you want more details, check the official Zoolightful 2025 website.
| Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 17, 2025 – December | 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE | Sunday-Wednesday: 6–9 p.m. | Standard Zoo Admission Prices Apply | Hotels near the zoo | Zoolightful at Omaha Zoo |
Bundle up and get ready to stroll outside in the chilly air. The Holiday Lights Jungle is a fun way to see the zoo in a totally new way for winter.
57) Holiday Harmony Market – Wayne
If you’re in Wayne, Nebraska in November, swing by the Holiday Harmony Market. This event brings together handmade crafts, local foods, and festive activities, all under one roof.
The market’s got a warm, welcoming vibe and plenty for both kids and adults. Little ones can dive into hands-on crafts and family-friendly games—sometimes Santa even shows up for a meet-and-greet.
Grown-ups will find tons of gift ideas, holiday ornaments, and seasonal treats to browse. It’s a great spot to start your holiday shopping, grab a bite, and soak up some local tradition.
Looking for the basics? Here’s a quick overview:
| Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 10-11, 2025 | Harmony Museum, Wayne, NE | Sat: 10am–6pm | $8 Adults | Wayne hotels on Booking.com | Holiday Harmony Market |
| Sun: 10am–4pm | $6 Seniors | ||||
| $4 Students |
58) Christmas Festivities at Cody Park
Cody Park in North Platte turns into a winter wonderland every holiday season. Families come for activities that fit all ages.
You can hop on a horse-drawn carriage ride along decorated paths. Over at Santa’s workshop, kids get to meet Santa and tell him their holiday wishes.
Photos with Santa are available and make for lasting memories.
Drive through the Christmas Village without leaving your car and take in all the colorful lights. You’ll catch the smell of roasted chestnuts in the air and can warm up with hot cider and cookies.
Carolers wander the park, filling the night with classic holiday songs. It really adds another layer to the whole scene.
A special tradition here is the Military Appreciation Tree. Visitors tie ribbons to honor service members and veterans, creating a meaningful display for military families.
If you’re planning a visit, here’s what you need to know:
| Dates | Times | Address | Price | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM | 1400 N Jeffers St, North Platte, NE 69101 | $8 adults, $5 children (4-12), under 3 free | Hotels near Cody Park on Booking.com | Christmas at Cody Park |
59) Underwood Hills Winter Carnival
The Underwood Hills Winter Carnival in December brings something for everyone. Families show up to enjoy activities for all ages.
Kids can take a spin on the carousel or get their faces painted. Meanwhile, adults browse local artisan booths for holiday gifts.
Live music plays throughout the day, keeping things upbeat. Santa’s Workshop gives children a chance to meet Santa and share their wishes.
Holiday-themed games invite you to jump in, whether you’re there with friends or family. For snacks, grab a cup of hot cocoa or a fresh cookie.
Food stands are scattered around and offer options for different tastes. As evening falls, holiday lights light up the whole carnival.
The glowing displays make a perfect spot for family photos. If you’re thinking about going, here’s what you’ll need:
| Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 15-17, 2025 | 123 Carnival Lane, Underwood Hills, NE | Fri: 4pm-9pm, Sat-Sun: 12pm-8pm | Adults: $10, Kids: $5 | Underwood Hills hotels on Booking.com | Underwood Hills Holiday Carnival |
You’ll soak up plenty of holiday spirit and get a feel for the community.
60) Kirkpatrick’s North Pole Village – Lincoln
Kirkpatrick’s North Pole Village transforms a busy downtown Lincoln corner into a cheerful holiday escape. Stroll through 13th and P streets and you’ll see Tower Square glowing with lights that dance to music every night from 4:30 to 10:00 PM.
It’s easy to enjoy the scene with a cup of hot cocoa in hand. Stalls in the Community Village feature local small businesses and artisans.
You’ll find handmade gifts and cool items you’d never spot in a big-box store. When you shop here, you support Lincoln locals, which gives the whole event a friendly, community feel.
Stay for a quick visit or linger to soak in the sights—the village is a peaceful holiday environment right in the heart of the city.
The event is free for everyone. Its downtown location makes it easy to swing by after dinner or while you’re out exploring.
| Dates | Address | Times | Price | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 1–24, 2025 | 13th & P Streets | 4:30 PM – 10 PM | Free admission | Nearby Lincoln Hotels | Find more on Christmas Markets Nebraska 2025 |
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.