Omaha’s Holiday Lights Festival is an annual celebration of the city’s holiday spirit, with free, family-friendly events all season long! The festival celebrates its 24th season in 2023, and it will run from November 25th through January 1st.
Holiday Festival Family Events:
Lighting Ceremony: The lighting ceremony is the perfect way to begin the city’s holiday celebrations. This year, the event will take place on Saturday, November 25th, at 6 p.m. in the Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront.
The ceremony will feature festive lights and a multimedia show, and it will align with Small Business Saturday. The lighting ceremony serves as the official “kick-off” for the festival, and it will be followed by tree lights illuminating the Old Market and North and South Omaha along 24th Street until early January.
KETV Family Festival: The KETV Family Festival is a festive day full of family-friendly activities at your favorite Downtown Omaha attractions. This year, the event will take place on Sunday, December 3rd, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Families can enjoy a variety of activities, and Ollie the Trolley will be providing free transportation between all the venues.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular: For the last signature event of the Holiday Lights Festival, families can enjoy the spectacular firework show in the warmth and safety of their vehicle. The show will take place on Sunday, December 31st, at 7 p.m. near CHI Health Center Omaha at 10th and Cass.
Festival Holiday Light Displays
The Holiday Lights Festival features a variety of light displays throughout the city, including:
Gene Leahy Mall: The Gene Leahy Mall is the site of the lighting ceremony and features a variety of festive lights and displays throughout the holiday season.
Old Market: The Old Market is illuminated with lights from 10th to 13th Street and Farnam to Jackson Street.
North Omaha: North Omaha is illuminated along 24th Street from Burdette to Ohio Street.
South Omaha: South Omaha is illuminated along 24th Street from L to Q Street.
Riverfront Parks: Lights will be strung in all three of the city’s riverfront parks, including Heartland of America Park, Lewis and Clark Landing, and the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.
Admission to the Holiday Lights Festival events is free, and families can enjoy the festive atmosphere and activities all season long. The festival has become an annual celebration of Omaha’s holiday spirit, and it is a great opportunity for families to come together and enjoy the holiday season.
