| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting Ceremony (produced by The RiverFront) | Saturday, November 30th, Music at 5pm, Ceremony at 6pm | Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront |
| KETV Family Festival** | Sunday, December 8th, 11am to 4pm | Multiple downtown locations |
| New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular | Tuesday, December 31st, 7pm | Best viewing from The RiverFront and the Old Market |
**IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR THE KETV FAMILY FESTIVAL** (December 8, 2024)
Limited Galleries & Services at The Joslyn Today
Due to a mechanical issue, The Joslyn’s Hawks and Scott Pavilion galleries will be closed today with no visitor access. The 1931 Joslyn Building will be open (includes ancient, European, and American art; Fountain Court; Art Works hands-on area).
Additionally, there is no Durham Cafe service today. The Joslyn will remain a stop for the Holiday Lights Family Festival today and associated activities will continue when possible. We regret this inconvenience
Lighting Ceremony
With Lighting Displays Produced by The RiverFront
Saturday, November 30th | Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront | Music at 5pm & Ceremony at 6pm
The lighting ceremony serves as the official “kick-off” for the Festival. A short performance precede the program, where Mayor Jean Stothert and emcee Terri McCormick from STAR 104.5 The Christmas Station will lead the entire Omaha community in a countdown to the start of the holiday season!
Gene Leahy Mall’s holiday production, which is produced by The RiverFront, will incorporate color-changing up lights, video projections onto the Gene Leahy Mall Performance Pavilion and Burlington Building, thematic video on the 10th Street Bridge LED wall and holiday music sounding throughout the park. The multimedia show, which is about seven minutes long, can be seen every Friday and Saturday throughout the holiday season, running every hour. For more information on decorations and displays at The RiverFront, visit their website here.
KETV Family Festival
Sunday, December 8th | 11am to 4pm
Enjoy a festive day full of family-friendly activities at your favorite Downtown Omaha attractions! See below for information about which Downtown venues are participating and what activities they’re offering!
PLUS! Ollie the Trolley will be providing FREE transportation between all the venues!
Family Festival Venues
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular
Tuesday, December 31st | Best viewing from The RiverFront & the Old Market | 7 p.m.
Get ready for a whole new way to experience the grand finale of the Holiday Lights Festival! This year, we’re giving you the freedom to enjoy the spectacular firework show and the stunning downtown lighting displays from wherever you like!
There is no set parking or designated viewing area, which means you can enjoy the show from virtually any spot in downtown, giving you the chance to discover new perspectives and hidden gems around the city. The fireworks will light up the sky near Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront, and you won’t want to miss a moment!
Make it a festive experience by tuning into STAR 104.5 The Christmas Station at 7pm, either in your car or on your phone. The fireworks are choreographed to a special musical score, created just for this event by J&M Displays. The soundtrack, broadcast live on STAR 104.5, will enhance every burst of color with the perfect holiday tunes.
Plus, thanks to Park Omaha, parking meters will be free after 5 PM, so you can enjoy the evening stress-free!
Don’t miss this unforgettable night as we ring in the new year with a dazzling display. Celebrate in your own way, all throughout downtown!
