See downtown Omaha dazzle at the Holiday Lights Festival! Each year, the Holiday Lights Festival grows and improves, with hundreds of thousands of patrons viewing the spectacular lighting display, as well as increased awareness and donations towards the “Shine the Light on Hunger” campaign.
Omaha Holiday Lights Festival
The Omaha Holiday Lights Festival begins on Thanksgiving and runs through early January. This event kicks off with the lighting of a Christmas tree on Thanksgiving night. The Gene Leahy Mall will have a holiday concert every Saturday night until Christmas. Fireworks will announce the new year. November is a wonderful time to celebrate life in Nebraska. Make sure that you take advantage of these festivals throughout the month.
The Festival showcases Downtown Omaha and celebrates the spirit of the holidays by providing a full season of festive, family-friendly activities. More than 40 blocks of dazzling lights will illuminate Downtown Omaha and add that extra shine to each Festival event. The 2016 Holiday Lights Festival will feature great traditions including:
Thanksgiving Lighting Ceremony
At 6 p.m. on November 24th, Mayor Jean Stothert will lead the all-ages crowd in a countdown to the 2016 lighting display. See downtown dazzle! The Gene Leahy Mall will be aglow with hundreds of thousands of beautiful white lights. Look for downtown businesses and residences also featuring elaborate lighting and holiday decorations. Enjoy the holiday lights every evening from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. through January 2, 2017. After the Thanksgiving Lighting Ceremony, shop and dine in the Old Market.
Making Spirits Bright Holiday Concert
Presenting beautiful holiday music performed by the Nebraska Wind Symphony, Larry MacTaggart directing, with special guest vocalist Drew Duncan. This free concert will fill the concert hall with winter-themed songs and sing-alongs the whole family can enjoy. The concert takes place immediately following the Holiday Lights Festival’s Lighting Ceremony at the Gene Leahy Mall on 14th and Farnam streets. Consider making a donation now to the Food Bank for the Heartland to help provide for families in need throughout our region.
Sounds of the Season
At the Thanksgiving Lighting Ceremony and each Saturday from November 26 through December 17, from 7 to 8 p.m., Sounds of the Season will showcase the talent of local choral groups ranging from youth to professional performers. Delightful holiday music will be featured at different outdoor locations throughout the Gene Leahy Mall and the Old Market for all to enjoy.
ConAgra Foods Ice Skating Rink
The community is invited to enjoy a special Skating Extravaganza at the ice rink featuring skaters from the Blade and Edge Figure Skating Club on Saturday, December 17 at 3 p.m. The 30-minute performances is free of charge, with a requested admission of a nonperishable food item donation to the “Shine the Light on Hunger” campaign. Public skating will be temporarily closed during this performance.
Wells Fargo Family Festival
This year’s Family Festival will be held Sunday, December 4, from noon to 5 p.m. A free trolley service will connect the participating venues described below. Each site will offer free admission and family activities. In addition, select Omaha musicians will perform at The Durham Museum, W. Dale Clark Public Library, the Wells Fargo Bank downtown branch and Joslyn Art Museum.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with this year’s Fireworks show! The closing event of the Holiday Lights Festival, it is one of the largest New Year’s Eve fireworks displays in the region. Enjoy the spectacular show with family or friends before heading out for the evening. And be sure to arrive early – the event is expected to draw more than 30,000 people.
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